English: Functional Skills & GCSE


If you are looking to improve your English skills, we deliver a range of English qualifications, from bite size units to Functional Skills and GCSE.

Once we receive your application, we will invite you to undertake an initial assessment. Based on the results of the assessment, our expert team will identify which programme of study is appropriate for you.

If you have any prior qualifications in this subject, please bring certificates with you to the initial assessment.

Courses start from September. We’ll let you know days and times after your assessment.

Finance And Funding

Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free course fees and there are grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances.

If you don’t qualify for funding help and have to pay for course, you could pay a 25% deposit and four consecutive monthly standing order payments for the balance. The course fee must be over £100 to qualify.

For one to one advice, contact our friendly team who will assess your individual circumstances and give you the right information. You can contact them on 0191 490 2246 [email protected] or via Live Chat.

If this is a Level 3 qualification and you may qualify for free course fees and there may be grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances. If you already have a full level 3 qualification and are aged 19 or over you can pay the fee in full upfront and receive a 10% discount. Or you can apply for an Adult Advanced Learner Loan, a low interest loan with no upfront fees that you pay back in installments once you’re earning. For more information, come along to an Enrolment Event, call 0191 490 4627 or email [email protected]

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A QUALIFICATION IN ENGLISH: FUNCTIONAL SKILLS & GCSE?

  • Authors, Writers and Translators

Knowledge

Foreign Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Fine Arts: Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Median Salary
£35,212

Average Qualifications
Honours, Bachelor's degree

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Skills

Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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School Leaver Course Guide 2026/2027

View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.

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