Functional Skills Academy

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The Functional Skills Academy has now landed at SP Training!

We are now offering our Functional Skills training to individuals, schools, other training providers, colleges and organisations who would like to outsource their functional skills.

What are Functional Skills?

Functional Skills are nationally recognised English and maths qualifications equivalent to GCSEs. Achieving English and maths at levels 1 and 2 opens a world of opportunity – including access to training programmes and career progression routes! This training is available to anyone who wishes to upskill themselves.

Check out our pass rates!

Level 1

English – 93%pass rate (vs 65% national average)

Maths – 88%pass rate (vs 40% national average)

Level 2

English – 75%pass rate (vs 74% national average)

Maths – 78%pass rate (vs 39% national average)

Never stop learning written on a memo stick. Lifelong learning concept.

Why do people choose to study Functional Skills?

There are a variety of reasons that people choose to study and achieve functional skills, including:

It takes less time to achieve a Functional Skill than a GCSE
Exams are on demand with flexible invigilation methods
To access apprenticeships, further training or university
To unlock job opportunities requiring level 2 English and maths
To evidence their commitment to continuing professional development
To be able to help their children with English and maths homework
For fun and a sense of achievement!

Happy students use laptop with their computer science professor during class at high school.

Supporting year 11 students, their schools, and families.

At System People we are passionate about supporting the work force of the future and helping young people to achieve their full potential.

We have the pleasure of working with secondary schools across the county, supporting by attending careers events, giving ‘next steps’, and apprenticeships talks and presentations to pupils, sharing advice on CV writing and interview techniques.

In recent years we have identified that many young people are disadvantaged when leaving school if they have not achieved the required grades in Maths and English for them to enter college or onto an apprenticeship of their choice.

We have worked hard to offer a solution and are delighted that we are now in a position to support further by offering our established functional skills tuition and examinations in Maths and English Level 1 and Level 2 to a wider audience.

This programme has been specifically developed by our specialist Maths and English tutors with the aim of supporting pupils in year 11 who are part of the ASDAN programme and may not have the opportunity to achieve a grade 3 or 4 within maths and English or pupils that the school have identified as being at risk of not achieving.

The programme is ‘tried and tested’ and we have exceptional results from learners completing their apprenticeships with us.

SP Training Male Mature Student Studying In Classroom With Books

Supporting individuals

This is the ideal solution for any individual who is looking to upskill their maths and English, return to the workplace after an extended break or gain qualifications that they have not previously gained. There is a greater emphasis on maths and English than ever before so let us help you achieve!

Supporting training providers, colleges and organisations.

Please contact us to discuss how we can support you apprentices and staff to gain maths and English Functional Skills.

How long will it take to achieve this qualification?

We aim for learners to achieve your functional skills qualification within three months. This can vary – learners may pass in a few short weeks, or need extra support to reach the required level. Learners have a six months from starting to sit your exams, so they will need to be mindful of this deadline.

How much does it cost?

We are offering each of the courses at an introductory price of £300 + vat per course from the 1^st June until the end of August 2024. We are also offering a combined option at a reduced cost to assist if a learner needs both Maths and English, at £575 + vat for both.

We have limited places available and would advise getting in touch as soon as possible to secure places.

Funding may be available through pupils EHCP’s or parents may wish to fund their children’s on the programme/s privately.

What is the Functional Skills Course Content and Learner Journey?

Learners will undertake a BKSB initial assessment (Maths and/or English). This will tell the Tutor what level the learner is currently at.
Learners are then invited to a 1-2-1 tutor session to discuss the outcome of the assessment, taken through the Functional Skills program and set up on our online learning system, OLLIE.
Week 1 – learners will begin their online self study on our interactive online platform (Ollie), this will be monitored by the tutors. The learner will have a 1 hour 1:1 session with their tutor to discuss any areas they may find difficult and benefit from some 1:1 instruction. Dates will be set for the learner to attend Power Week.
Week 2 – learners will complete their online self study on our interactive online platform (Ollie), this will be monitored by the tutors. The learner will have a 1 hour 1:1 session with their tutor to discuss any areas they may find difficult and benefit from some 1:1 instruction.
Power Week is a high intensity final push delivered by Tutors via live-online lessons over Zoom. These 5-day sessions (Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm with breaks) are live on screen and will be attended by other learners as an online classroom. This will be concluded with an online exam.
Exam results usually take around 10 working days and includes one free re-sit.

Hear from our past learners!

Thanks for all your help and the 1-2-1 sessions for maths. It will help me in life. I have learnt from you and Jade thank you. Also, the English – thank you, James. The knowledge was very helpful.

The tutors were very friendly and explained things well, always checked we had understood before moving on to next part or subject. I have not done any real learning in 30 years so just getting back into learning really. It should allow me to be more professional in my work when sending communications.

The Functional Skills Academy was relaxed and Jade and Paul were very patient. It has jogged my memory on things I had forgotten, simple things that I can use every day.

Like to know more?

Our Functional Skills experts are ready you help with any questions you may have.