Preparing for Functional Skills English (NonReg / Introduction)

Functional Skills qualifications are based on skills you need for everyday life. On this course, you will develop your practical English skills while gaining a nationally recognised qualification. Course content This c...

Course description

Functional Skills qualifications are based on skills you need for everyday life.

On this course, you will develop your practical English skills while gaining a nationally recognised qualification.

Course content This course will help you improve your reading, writing and verbal communication skills in real-life contexts.

You will develop skills and knowledge enabling you to:

  • Improve your spelling
  • Develop your communication skills and confidence
  • Read and understand a range of texts
  • Develop your skills to create texts such as notes, letters, emails, blogs, reports and leaflets
  • Improve your grammar and punctuation

Depending on your previous experience and knowledge, you will begin your studies at Entry Level 3, Level 1 or Level 2.

  • Functional Skills are a nationally recognised qualification. Level 2 Functional Skills are now regularly accepted by employers and universities as equivalent to GCSE English grade 4 (previously known as grade C).
  • If you are looking to gain a Functional Skills Level 2 qualification so that you can attend a specific university course, please do check the entry requirements for the university course as while most universities will accept a Functional Skills Level 2 some course pathways require a GCSE.
  • If you are not sure if you need a Functional Skills or GCSE qualification, please contact us for an Advice and Guidance appointment where we can discuss the various options with you.

What can this course lead to?

Course progression

Upon completion, you could progress onto a further course.

Course session dates

Session dates will be confirmed soon.

Other Resources

For further details, please contact our Information Unit by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk

Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, the Sports Village, where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates.

Barnsley Sports Academy offers state-of-the-art facilities and diverse sports programs, enabling students to achieve academic and athletic excellence. Remember, you don't have to be studying Sport to join Barnsley Sports Academy.

Disclaimer: Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The course information on this page was last updated 29 July 2026.

Apply Now