Exam board: City and Guilds
City and Guilds Functional Skills English develops the essential communication skills you need for everyday life, education and the workplace. It focuses on practical reading, writing, speaking and listening, building your confidence to communicate clearly and effectively.
Functional Skills English is a highly practical qualification. The skills apply directly to everyday situations, from reading instructions to writing emails, and are valued by employers and colleges as evidence of clear, confident communication.
This course suits students who want practical skills they can use in real situations and who want to improve their reading, writing and spoken communication with confidence.
Learning goes beyond the classroom. You may visit community centres, local businesses and libraries to see how English is used in real-world contexts, connecting your skills to everyday life and work.
“Completing my Functional Skills English helped me secure a role in customer service. The writing and speaking skills made all the difference.”
Charlotte S., Class of 2022
Retail and customer service · Administration · Healthcare · Hospitality · Education. Also a stepping stone to further study, including GCSEs and vocational courses.
Your progress is assessed through coursework deadlines and practical written tasks, with mock exams to prepare you. The qualification is assessed by a final exam covering reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Apply Now