Functional English
English Functional Skills - Level 1 and Level 2
Newcastle City Learning’s English courses are delivered face to face at our Heaton Centre and Westgate College sites by our team of dedicated, highly experienced and supportive teachers. We strive to create a relaxed and friendly classroom environment, in which we take the time to understand your individual needs.
Courses are available at Level 1 and Level 2 and will support you to develop your confidence and your English skills. Improving these skills and gaining nationally recognised qualifications will open doors; enabling you to move onto further study or employment.
Session Length: 3 or 6 hours per week depending on the delivery model
The overall length of your course will depend upon your starting point and your goal. After completing your diagnostic assessment, your teacher will advise you on the time it will take to achieve your qualification. You will progress at a speed that is comfortable for you and with live examination sessions running each half term, we can offer the flexibility that adult learners need.
Study: all Functional English classes are taught on site; a variety of days/times/sites are available (we have no option for online delivery)
There are opportunities to start learning in:
- September 2026
- November 2026
- January 2027
- February 2027
- April 2027
Learners can start our English classes each half term, up until Easter 2027. However, if you need to achieve a Level 2 qualification for September 2027, it is advisable to contact us and begin learning straight away.
Attendance: high levels of attendance and participation are required
Our English courses are funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority. They require minimum levels of attendance on courses to ensure appropriate use of public funds. Failure to attend sufficient hours, may result in you being withdrawn from your course. This is taken on a case-by-case basis.
We are not permitted to fund any distance learning. All classes are based in a college site.
Location: Heaton Centre and Westgate College
Price: Free to all eligible learners who have not already achieved a GCSE at grade 4/C or above in English or a Level 2 Functional English qualification.
Entry Requirements: There are no formal entry requirements
To enrol on a course, you need to attend an initial assessment at college. We will assess your English skills and provide you with advice and guidance about your course. These assessment sessions take place in the weeks running up to each academic holiday period i.e. June 2026 - early September then mid/late October.
What will I achieve? Level 1 or 2 Functional English qualification on successful completion of reading, writing and speaking and listening exams
Get in touch:
Call us on 0191 278 2818 or 0191 277 3520
Email us NCLGatewayEnquiries@newcastle.gov.uk
Learner testimonials
“It has been fantastic! I am 45 and the last time I was in a classroom, I was 16. The whole process from start to finish was very supportive. I have gained new skills and can use grammar, spelling and punctuation correctly. These are skills for life!” - James
“I have been given a lot of support through feedback on what I have completed well or what I need more practice on. This has helped me alongside my teaching assistant course in schools. It has made me feel more confident when supporting children.” - Donna
“My English course is opening doors to higher education and a better future for me.” - Dzesika
Levels and Types of Courses
Functional English courses at Level 1 and 2
This course is suitable for those whose English skills have been assessed at Entry 3 and above. Our Level 1 and 2 Functional English courses are accredited by Pearson and they cover a range of reading, writing and speaking and listening skills.
You will learn how to read for specific information, analyse documents and read for inference. You will also learn how to produce pieces of writing in a range of different styles, from formal letters and reports to blogs and articles. You will develop your spelling, punctuation and grammar to produce fluent, well-organised writing.
Your tutor will regularly support you at one of our college sites, providing regular feedback on how to develop your skills further.
EAL Functional English classes at Level 1 and 2
This course is suitable for adults whose first language is not English. Learners are required to demonstrate a good standard of spoken and written English unless they have already completed their full Level 2 ESOL qualification.
These courses cover everything listed above, but they include a greater focus on vocabulary and grammar development. Your tutor will regularly support you at one of our college sites. These classes maybe for one or two sessions per week and a high level of attendance at all sessions is crucial.
Updated May 2026.