Functional Skills

You can offer TQUK’s Functional Skills qualifications in English and maths to help learners build essential skills for work, study, and everyday life. These qualifications support progression into vocational programmes, apprenticeships, and training. TQUK does not offer Digital Functional Skills qualifications. 

The Department for Education (DfE) publishes the official English subject-content and mathematics subject-content for Functional Skills qualifications. TQUK uses DfE content to develop Functional Skills qualifications. 

Eligibility to deliver TQUK’s Functional Skills

You can offer TQUK Functional Skills qualifications once approved by TQUK. If you are awaiting approval, TQUK will support you through the process. Full approval details are available here. 

Functional Skills English and maths components

English  

You must teach the following three components: 

• Speaking, Listening and Communicating (SLC)
• Reading
• Writing

Maths 

You must cover the following three areas: 

• Number and the Number System
• Common Measures, Shape, and Space 

• Information and Data

Available levels and qualification specifications

You can offer Functional Skills qualifications in English and maths across five levels: Entry Levels 1–3, Level 1 and Level 2. 

Access TQUK’s Qualifications specifications here 

You must assess each learner’s starting point to identify the appropriate level, using diagnostic tools where helpful. 

Functional Skills delivery and funding options

You can deliver Functional Skills qualifications as standalone sessions or as part of vocational programmes. Delivery must be one of the following: 

• Face to face. 
• In classroom settings. 
• Through blended learning. 

Each qualification includes 55 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).  

You can find out about funding by using the Find a Learning Aim Service. Learners aged 16–19, all age apprentices, and adults 19+ without a prior GCSE grade A*–C (or grade 4) in English or Maths may receive full funding. 

How to deliver and administer assessments

These requirements apply to Entry Level (English: reading and writing; maths: all content areas): 

• Use assessment that TQUK sets, and you mark them. 
• Deliver one maths assessment made up of two parts. 
• Deliver two English assessments. 
• Follow IQA and EQA procedures. 

These requirements apply to Level 1 and Level 2 (English reading and writing; maths all content areas) 

• Use the assessments that TQUK sets, and TQUK marks them. 
• Deliver one maths assessment made up of two parts. 
• Deliver two English assessments. 

For both Entry Level and Level 1 and 2 learners can: 

• access practice papers 
• resit assessments as many times as they need, with no minimum waiting period between attempts* 
• choose paper-based or online assessments, including optional remote invigilation provided by TQUK 
• pass all components unless TQUK grants an exemption to achieve the qualification. 

*as long as there are new exams available. 

Delivering SLC assessments (all levels)

• Conduct SLC assessments in centre or via remote assessment. 

• Assess the learner on their SLC assessment task and provide feedback. 

• Use the materials TQUK provides or adapt/create your own, if they meet TQUK’s required standards. 

Resources and accessibility support

You can access support materials such as sample assessments, practice papers, delivery guidance and system documentation on the TQUK website. 

You can find information about reasonable adjustments and special considerations here.