Functional Skills

Functional Skills

Functional Skills are the essential skills needed for English, mathematics and ICT . These subjects are vital for young people and adults to participate in ahead of the working world. They were introduced in September 2010 and officially replaced Key Skills in England in October 2012.

Problem solving is at the heart of Functional Skills; they require the learner to apply their knowledge and understanding in a range of familiar and unfamiliar situations. Functional Skills are a mandatory element in apprenticeships, as well as being stand-alone qualifications in their own right at Entry Level 1-3, Level 1 and Level 2.

Level 1 Functional Skills are equivalent to a GCSE Grade 1-2, and Level 2 Functional Skills are equivalent to GCSE Grade 4.