
We’re committed to helping learners achieve success in English and maths with our Functional Skills qualifications, equipping them for the next step in their learning, lives and careers.
Everything you need to know
Following your feedback and a thorough review of our English and maths qualifications, we’ve made changes to our assessments, resources and practice papers. We’ve focused on three key areas: accessibility, clarity and support. More information about the changes can be found here.
The new-style assessment papers will be released on 17 October 2025.
Functional Skills English and maths qualifications empower learners with essential skills for real-world application, employment, and further education. They instill confidence and proficiency in each subject area, providing a solid foundation for success. Tailored for all learners, these qualifications are integral to various educational frameworks, such as Foundation Learning. The Department for Education (DfE) sets content for Functional Skills qualifications.
Explore the our Functional Skills qualifications:
English
- NCFE Entry Level 1 Functional Skills Qualification in English 603/5059/3
- NCFE Entry Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification in English 603/5056/8
- NCFE Entry Level 3 Functional Skills Qualification in English 603/5052/0
- NCFE Level 1 Functional Skills Qualification in English 603/5058/1
- NCFE Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification in English 603/5054/4
Maths
- NCFE Entry Level 1 Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics 603/5057/X
- NCFE Entry Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics 603/5053/2
- NCFE Entry Level 3 Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics 603/5061/1
- NCFE Level 1 Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics 603/5055/6
- NCFE Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics 603/5060/X
We offer a range of assessment options to support with making your delivery as flexible as possible:
- Online: Bookable same day as registration, available for up to 42 days
- Paper-based: Bookable six working days before with 72-hour flexibility’
- Remote invigilation (online): Bookable on-demand, within a 42-day window.
Access to our One Assessment tool for accurate identification of learners' levels and skills gaps in a single 30 minute assessment.
Receive onboarding, curriculum support, CPD sessions, webinars, and events delivered by English and maths specialists.
We provide interactive materials such as schemes of work, session plans, PowerPoints, videos, and individual skills plans.
Completing these qualifications has helped build my confidence by giving me the opportunity to gain work experience and develop my skills.
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You want to be a hairdresser? If a train travels at an average speed of 60 miles per hour...
With English and maths being talked about more than ever before, David Redden, Functional Skills specialist at the awarding organisation NCFE, outlines the challenges facing both learners and educators, and discusses what needs to be done to change the status quo.

Story-based Functional Skills pilot could help vulnerable young people write a new chapter in their lives
A pilot by The Really NEET Project has investigated the impact of interactive, story-based assessment on vulnerable groups and found the method can improve engagement, motivation, and outcomes in Functional Skills.

Why even movie stars need maths
David Redden, Product Manager at NCFE, explains why having a spotlight on maths can be an opportunity to ensure people are equipped with the essential skills they need to thrive.