English and Maths

Would you like to:

• Update your skills for work?
• Refresh your English and maths qualifications?
• Improve your qualifications for college or further learning?
• Help your children with their homework?
• Improve your English and maths skills?

Functional Skills in English and maths are changing. From September 2019, there is new content across all levels of the Functional English and maths qualifications.

In maths, new underpinning and problem solving questions are being introduced and, for the first time, there are calculator and non-calculator papers at all levels.

In English, dictionaries and spell checkers are no longer allowed on writing papers as there is a bigger emphasis on spelling, grammar and punctuation.

These changes, the increase in topics and the levels that different skills are now taught at, mean that your pre-course interview and initial assessments are more important than ever before.

What can I learn?

We work with learners from beginners to those working at Level 2 (GCSE equivalent). All of our English and maths courses start each half term. Typically it takes 60-90 hours to achieve a qualification but you can negotiate this with your tutor. Enrolment on some qualifications may be subject to your pre-course interview and availability within the classes. 

We also offer specialist tuition for learners with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Where will I learn?

We are based at the Heaton centre and Westgate College and also work in a number of community venues and with employers in the workplace. Courses are delivered in a friendly, relaxed adult environment and will help you develop new skills which you can use in a variety of contexts: at home, work, college or further study.

English and maths courses up to and including Level 2 are free of charge, and lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

More information

For further information please contact the Skills for Life team by phoning 0191 2782818 or email newcastlecitylearning@newcastle.gov.uk