Functional Skills qualifications are nationally recognised, stand-alone qualifications. 

They are worth, in points, the equivalent of half a GCSE. Level 2 Functional Skills is the equivalent of half a GCSE at grade 4 or above, while a Level 1 qualification is the equivalent of half a GCSE at grades 1-3.

The flexibility around assessment windows and the inclusion of a Speaking and Listening element makes these an appropriate qualification for some students, either in addition to GCSE or as their main qualification.

AQA Functional Skills Level 1 and Level 2 Specification

Edexcel Functional Skills Level 1 and Level 2 Specification

Edexcel also offer an Entry Level Certificate in Functional Skills English, which sits below the Level 1 specification.

Edexcel Entry Level Functional Skills English Specification