Functional maths
Maths - Entry Level 2 to Level 2
Newcastle City Learning’s maths 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. We understand that many adults experience maths anxiety and that coming back to study maths can be daunting, but your learning will be scaffolded to build up your confidence.
Courses are available at:
- Entry Level 2
- Entry Level 3
- Level 1
- Level 2
The courses will support you to develop your mathematical knowledge, your problem solving, and maths skills. Improving these skills and gaining nationally recognised qualifications will open doors; enabling you to move onto further study or employment.
Session Length: 2 hours and 45 minutes or 3 hours per week
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. Some learners progress and achieve within 12 weeks; others may take up to 36 weeks. 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: face to face delivery with sessions on a variety of days/times/sites
There are opportunities to start learning in:
- September 2026
- November 2026
- January 2027
- February 2027
- April 2027
Learners can begin maths 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 maths 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 Failure to attend sufficient hours, may result in you being withdrawn from your course.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 maths or a Level 2 Functional Maths 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 maths 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? A Maths Award and/or Functional Skills qualification at the appropriate level on successful completion of your calculator and non calculator exams.
Get in touch:
Call us on 0191 278 2818 or 0191 277 3520
Email us NCLGatewayEnquiries@newcastle.gov.uk
What our learners say
“My experience has been very good. The teacher is very patient and understanding, he works at a pace which works for each individual. I understand maths better and I can continue to study further.” - Janis
“This has been one of the best experiences I have had with learning. During the class, I have had loads of support and understanding. Everything was well explained and easy to follow. Learning maths with NCL will benefit me moving forward with my job and maybe onto a new challenge. I can now help my daughter with her maths too." - Peter
"Maths is something I've avoided since I left school. It [makes] my confidence lower and it's always something I felt nervous and embarrassed about. This is changing now." - Tahmina
Levels and Types of Courses
Entry 2 and Entry 3 Maths
This course is suitable for adults who may not have studied maths for a long time and who lack confidence in the subject. The courses cover the main topics associated with number, measure and handling data in more detail. You will learn written methods for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of up to 3 digit numbers; this may include decimals (money). You will also learn and use fractions, measure or calculate with length, weight and capacity and read and calculate with times in the 12 and 24 hour clock. For handling data, you will extract and represent information in the form of tables and charts. Your English skills need to be secure to at least Entry Level 3 to read and interpret the problem solving questions.
Level 1 Maths
This course is suitable for adults whose maths skills have been assessed as being secure at Entry Level 3. The courses cover the main topics associated with number, measure and handling data in more detail. You will learn written methods for working with large numbers and practising effective methods of calculation. These skills will be applied in the context of using ratio and proportion, fractions, decimals and percentages.
You will work with measures in the metric system, solving problems involving perimeters, areas and volume of regular shapes. For handling data, you will practise how to extract, interpret and represent information in charts and graphs as well as finding the mean and range of a set of data and calculating simple probability. Your English skills need to be secure at Level 1 in order to read and interpret the problem solving questions.
Level 2 Maths
This course is suitable for adults whose maths skills have been assessed as secure at Level 1 and who would like to improve their maths in order to progress into further learning or employment. The courses cover the main topics associated with number, measure and handling data in more detail. You will learn how to calculate with numbers of any size, including negatives and using formulae. These skills will be applied in the context of solving problems with ratio and proportion, fractions, decimals and percentages.
You will work with measures in both the metric and imperial system, converting between the two systems. You will also learn how to solve problems involving perimeters, areas and volume of complex shapes, work out dimensions of scale drawings and work with nets, plans and elevations of shapes.
For handling data you will practise how to extract, interpret and represent information through scatter graphs as well as finding the mean, median, mode and range of a set of data and calculating the probability of events. Your English skills need to be secure at Level 1 in order to read and interpret the problem solving questions.
Updated May 2026.