Functional Skills - English
If English has ever held you back, this is your moment. Join a friendly, part time course built for adults just like you. Our Functional Skills course is designed for adults who want practical skills that make everyday life and work easier. You will develop skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. A Level 2 Functional Skills English qualification is recognised as an equivalent to a GCSE Grade 4 (C).
We offer 2 study options, daytime class or evening class. The course lasts 17 academic weeks and classes are once a week, plus extra study in your own time.
- Course Information
- Course Code
- XDKSENG
- Validated By
- Edexcel
- Learner Aim Reference
- 60342894 (L1), 60342900 (L2)
- Price
- £724.00*
- Attendance Pattern
- Daytime or Evening
- Course Level
- Level 1 & 2
- Study Mode
- In person
- Course Location
- Leyland Campus
- Age Group
- Adults (19+)
- Course Duration
- Starts September 2026 for 17 weeks
- Overview
*Price & Funding
Free if the learner has not achieved GCSE English grade C/4 or above or equivalent.
Payment options:
- Pay in full
- 4 x consecutive payments (4 x £181)
- Sponsor
Sessions Available
Start End Day Session Time Venue 01/09/26 Jan 2027 Tues Evening 17:30 – 20:30 Langdale Road, Leyland 03/09/26 Jan 2027 Thurs Morning 09:30 – 12:30 Strawberry Fields, Chorley Start End Day Session Time Venue 02/02/27 Jul 2027 Tues Evening 17:30 – 20:30 Langdale Road, Leyland 04/02/27 Jul 2027 Thurs Morning 09:30 – 12:30 Langdale Road, Leyland Delivery method
- Fully delivered in the classroom
Important Information
- Learners cannot miss any sessions of this course due to it being fast paced.
- Learners need to be interested and dedicated to the qualification.
- Access to a computer is essential for successful completion of the course
- You will have access to the Runshaw College online platform.
- Equipment Required
Please bring a pen, A4 lined paper and an A4 ring binder to the first session.
- Entry Requirements
No formal entry requirements for this course.
Each learner will be required to complete a pre-course assessment, either on campus or at home if they meet the funding criteria. This assessment will determine the appropriate level of Functional Skills (Level 1 or Level 2) for enrolment.
- How will I be assessed?
The learner will sit an exam at the end of each unit.
- Progression Pathway
A Level 2 Functional Skills English qualification is widely recognised as an equivalent to a GCSE Grade 4 (C). Achieving it opens several education, training, and employment pathways.
What Can Learners Progress to After Level 2 Functional Skills English?
- Further Education
Learners can move on to courses that require GCSE-equivalent English, such as:
- A Levels (if they also meet entry requirements in other subjects)
- Access to Higher Education Diplomas (commonly needed for adult entry to university)
- Level 3 vocational courses, including:
- BTEC Level 3 Diplomas
- T-Levels
- Level 3 NVQs / Technical qualifications
- Apprenticeships
Level 2 English meets the minimum requirement for many apprenticeships, including:
Examples of sectors where progression is common:
- Education & childcare
- Health & social care
- Business administration
- Customer service & retail
- Digital & IT support
- Engineering & construction (alongside maths)
- Career Opportunities
Completing Level 2 English improves employability for roles where communication skills are essential.
Jobs that often accept Level 2 English include:
- Administration and office roles
- Customer service & call centres
- Healthcare support roles
- Retail team leader roles
- Hospitality roles
- Entry-level public sector roles
- Warehouse, logistics, and delivery roles (with progression opportunities)
- University Pathways
Typical route for adults:
Level 2 English → Access to HE Diploma → University - Programme Specification
You will learn communication skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Course units:
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking and Listening
- Health, Safety & Well-Being
Runshaw College is committed to ensuring you have a happy, successful and productive time with us – ensuring your health, safety and well-being is at the heart of everything we do.
We proactively encourage the disclosure of any disabilities or issues which may impact on your learning experience – this can be at interview, enrolment, or at any other stage during your studies. Any information you disclose will be held in strict confidence and will be used to assess your in-class support needs and inform a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) to ensure your safe evacuation from the College in the event of an emergency. If you would like further information, please contact Course Enquiries on 01772 642040.
- National Careers Service
For guidance about what careers subjects can lead on to please follow this link to the National Careers Service.
- FAQs - Functional Skills English
I have a grade D from over 10 years ago, can I enrol straight to Level 2?
No, as the grade is over 10 years old, you will need to sit an assessment on campus and enrol to the level or your assessment result.
Do classes take place throughout the year?
No, Runshaw College observes term times in line with local education. A full college calendar will be provided upon enrolment.
What is the Level 2 equivalent to?
The Level 2 Functional Skills is equivalent to a GCSE grade C/4.
Can I sit my assessment again if I did not achieve the score I wanted?
The score you have achieved reflects your current working level, and therefore, we are unable to offer a retest. You will be enrolled in the level corresponding to your results.
Further assessments will be conducted throughout the course. Based on your progress, you may be moved to a different level if appropriate
