Functional Skills English (Level 1)
A clear, structured pathway to a nationally recognised qualification
This course is designed for home-educated and SEN learners who benefit from a calm, structured and step-by-step approach to learning.
Functional Skills English focuses on practical, real-life communication skills and provides a recognised qualification for further education, apprenticeships and employment.
What is Functional Skills English?
Functional Skills English is a nationally recognised qualification that develops essential communication skills for everyday life.
Learners are assessed in three key areas:
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking & Listening
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Level 1 is broadly equivalent to GCSE grades 2–3
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Level 2 (progression) is equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 (standard pass)
This qualification is widely accepted by colleges, apprenticeship providers and employers.
Why Start with Level 1?
It can be tempting to aim straight for Level 2, as this is equivalent to a GCSE pass.
However, many learners benefit from starting at Level 1 first.
Level 1 provides the opportunity to:
• build confidence in reading and writing skills
• develop a strong foundation without pressure
• experience success before moving on to a higher level
• become familiar with the exam format
For many SEND and home-educated learners, this step is essential in ensuring long-term success.
Learners who complete Level 1 are then in a much stronger position to progress to Level 2 with confidence.
This course is designed to support that journey in a calm, structured and achievable way.
Why NCFE?
This course prepares learners for the NCFE Functional Skills English qualification, which is regulated by Ofqual.
Ofqual is the UK’s official qualifications regulator, ensuring that qualifications meet high national standards.
NCFE Functional Skills qualifications are:
• nationally recognised
• regulated by Ofqual
• accepted by colleges, apprenticeship providers and employers
This means learners are working towards a qualification that is trusted, credible and widely accepted across further education and employment pathways.
What Can Learners Do with Level 1?
Functional Skills Level 1 is a valuable qualification in its own right and can open up a range of opportunities.
College Courses
Level 1 can support entry onto:
• Level 1 college courses
• some Level 2 vocational courses
• programmes where learners continue to work towards Level 2 alongside their main course
Apprenticeships
Level 1 can support progression into apprenticeship pathways, with many learners continuing to develop their English skills alongside their training.
Course Structure(September – July)
This is a structured 12-month programme designed to guide learners step-by-step.
Autumn Term – Reading
Develop understanding of texts, key information and meaning
➡️ Option to sit Reading exam from December
Spring Term – Writing
Build confidence in sentence structure, punctuation and writing for purpose
➡️ Writing exam when ready
Summer Term – Speaking & Listening
Develop communication skills through discussion and presentation
➡️ Speaking assessment completed during this term
Learners progress at a steady pace, with flexibility to sit exams when they are ready.
How the Course Works
This is a structured 12-month programme delivered in stages across the academic year.
Content is released gradually, allowing learners to focus on one skill area at a time and build confidence step by step.
Each week, learners will:
• watch short, pre-recorded lessons
• complete structured tasks
• build skills gradually
Every 3 weeks:
• one piece of work is submitted for feedback
This approach keeps learning manageable, avoids overwhelm, and supports steady, meaningful progress.
Access to materials is provided in line with the course structure, ensuring learners follow a clear and supported pathway throughout the year.
If additional time is needed, there is the option to re-enrol or extend access.
Course Fees
Pay in Full (Best Value)
£295
• Access to the full 12-month programme
• Structured lessons and activities released in stages
• Feedback every 3 weeks
• Ongoing exam preparation and support
Sibling discount available – please get in touch before enrolling
Payment Plan
£315 total
Spread over 3 automatic monthly payments of £105.
This option helps make the course more manageable while committing to the full programme.
Important Information
The course is delivered as a guided programme over time.
Content is released in line with the course structure to support a clear and manageable learning pathway.
Enrolment secures a place on the full programme, rather than access to all materials at once.
Exams
Exams are booked when learners are ready and are charged separately:
£185
✔ Exams can be taken from home
✔ Flexible booking
✔ Free resit included
✔ Access arrangements available (evidence required)
All exams are organised through SENshine, with guidance provided throughout the process.
Progression Pathway
Learners completing Level 1 will be well prepared to progress to Functional Skills Level 2, planned to be available through SENshine for the following academic year.
This provides a clear pathway towards achieving a GCSE-equivalent standard pass.
Workbooks (Available from September)
Printed workbooks will be available to purchase to support learning.
These provide structured written tasks and activities to complement the course.
Workbooks are optional and sold separately.
Who This Course Is For
• Home-educated learners
• SEN learners
• Learners needing a clear, structured approach
• There are no formal entry requirements. However, this course is best suited to learners who are ready to work at Level 1 and can engage with reading and writing tasks with some independence. If you are unsure whether this is the right level, please feel free to get in touch — I am happy to advise.
Why Choose SENshine Tutoring?
This course has been designed to be:
✔ clear and easy to follow
✔ structured without being overwhelming
✔ supportive without pressure
✔ focused on real progress and confidence
Enrolment
Places on the course are limited to ensure quality support.
English Functional Skills FAQ
How long does the course last?
The course is a structured 12-month programme running from September to July.
Learners have access to the course and support for this period. If additional time is needed, there is the option to re-enrol or extend access.
Do learners have to sit the Reading exam in December?
No.
December is simply the first opportunity to sit the Reading exam. Learners can take exams when they are ready, and there is no pressure to sit at a specific time.
Do all exams have to be taken together?
No- and I would recommend they aren't.
Functional Skills English is split into three components:
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking & Listening
These can be taken separately, allowing learners to build confidence step by step.
When should I book the exam?
Exams should only be booked when the learner feels confident and ready.
Once registered, learners typically have up to one year to complete the exam
How are exams taken?
Exams can be taken at home or in person ( Sheffield)
If taken at home learners complete the exam on a computer while being monitored online under exam conditions.
Please see further details below.
Are resits included?
Yes — exams include a free resit if needed.
Are access arrangements available?
Yes.
Access arrangements are available where appropriate. For online exams, this is typically limited to extra time.
Supporting evidence (such as an EHCP or medical/professional report) will be required.
There is no additional fee for access arrangements.
What support is included in the course?
The course includes structured support through:
• weekly guided learning
• clear tasks and progression
• feedback every 3 weeks
This helps learners improve without becoming overwhelmed.
Do I need to purchase the workbook?
Workbooks are optional but recommended.
They provide additional structured activities to support learning and will be available from September.
Online Exams & Requirements
How the Exams Work
Functional Skills English exams are completed through NCFE, a nationally recognised awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual.
At SENshine, learners are supported in preparing for their exams and guided through the booking process.
Exams are arranged through an approved NCFE exam provider. Once learners are ready, details will be provided so that exams can be booked directly with the provider at a day and time that suits you.
When Can Exams Be Taken?
Learners are only entered for exams when they feel confident and ready.
Once registered:
• learners have up to one year to complete the exam
• online exams can often be booked within 24 hours
• face-to-face exams are typically available within around 2 weeks
Online Exams (From Home)
Many learners choose to take their exams online in familiar surroundings where they feel most comfortable..
These are completed using remote invigilation, meaning the learner is monitored under exam conditions while taking the exam at home.
Online exams:
• can be taken on a day and time that suits you
• are scheduled within a 6-week window
• are recorded and reviewed after completion
How Online Exams Work
• The exam is completed on a laptop or desktop computer
• A second device (phone or tablet) is used to record the room
• The session is monitored to ensure exam conditions are met
Equipment Requirements
To sit an online exam, learners will need:
• A laptop or desktop computer with webcam and microphone
• A stable internet connection
(minimum 1 Mbps upload / 10 Mbps download)
• A smartphone or tablet (used as a second camera)
• A quiet room with no distractions
Important Information
• Exams cannot be taken on a smartphone or tablet
• MacBooks and Chromebooks are not supported
• Some newer devices (such as iPhone 15 models) may not be compatible with the exam software
Full guidance will be provided before booking.
Face-to-Face Exams
Face-to-face exams are also available at an approved exam centre in Sheffield.
• Typically available within 2 weeks
• Suitable for learners who prefer an in-person environment
• A wider range of access arrangements may be available
Access Arrangements
Access arrangements are available where appropriate.
• For online exams, this is usually limited to extra time
• Face-to-face exams may offer additional support
Supporting evidence will be required, such as:
• EHCP
• medical evidence
• professional reports
There is no additional fee for access arrangements.
Experience and Reassurance
Having witnessed the online exam process personally, I understand how it works in practice and the questions families may have.
While the process may seem technical at first, most learners find it straightforward once set up.
Clear guidance and support will be provided to help you feel confident and prepared before the exam takes place.