English - Functional Skills - Level 1 & Level 2 - Part-Time

At our King's Lynn campus, Wisbech campus and online, we offer courses on an one evening a week basis to help you gain qualifications which may be required in your working life. We have a thriving provision for adult learners and our numbers have grown considerably in recent years.

We offer functional skills courses at both our King's Lynn and Wisbech campuses, as well as online, in Maths and English at level 1 and level 2 standard. Functional skills qualifications run for up to 18 weeks (either September-December or February-July). You will study one two hour lesson each week but there will be additional work and support on our virtual learning platform, LEARN.

Whilst you are not able to study both English and Maths at the same time, you could complete both in the same year (English in September and Maths in February, for example).

These part-time courses are for mature (aged 19+) learners. Students aged 16-18 who don't have a GCSE grade 4 or above in English and/or Maths automatically continue to study those alongside their full-time course or apprenticeship - this is a government requirement. Only 16-18 year-olds who are employed, self-employed or volunteering for 20 or more hours a week can enrol on these part-time courses.

What are functional skills courses?

Our functional skills courses are to build confidence to help improve your English and/or Maths and provide essential knowledge, skills and understanding. The skills taught will help you participate and process in education, training and employment.

What happens after I apply?

If you are interested in starting an English or Maths programme with us, you will need to attend an assessment / enrolment slot to help us determine the most appropriate course for you. After your application, you will be given access to log in to the student portal and book an assessment slot. Following your booking, you will be sent an email with an assessment to complete remotely. You'll then attend the assessment booking at the campus to learn what studying at CWA as an adult is really like and the best course for you based on your result and circumstances.

Whilst there are no official entry requirements, you will be invited in for an assessment before the start of the course to help determine the most appropriate course/level for you.

If you are under the age of 18, you will be expected to be working or volunteering 20 hours per week to study this course.

How long is this course?

18 weeks

When does this course start?

09/09/2025

How many hours / days per week is this course?

This course runs from 6pm-8pm each Wednesday at our Wisbech Campus, Thursday at our King's Lynn Campus or a Tuesday online. We are also hoping to offer a 9:30am-11:30 session on a Tuesday at King's Lynn. All applications made now will be for the September 2024 start.

Fee information

Adult (19+) learners

Depending on your age, course, educational history and personal circumstances, there may be options available for you to receive a course fully-funded by the government. Our fee calculator will help give you an idea on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.

Complete our fee calculator

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

What qualification will I achieve?

• Functional Skills qualification in English (Level 1 or 2)

How is my course assessed?

You are assessed in functional skills through three exam which are taken during a set week during your course. These exams are in writing, reading and speaking & listening.