Functional skills are qualifications in English, maths and ICT that equip learners with the basic practical skills required in everyday life, education and the workplace.

They are stand-alone qualifications in their own right, but they're also embedded within GCSEs, and are a component of the 14-19 Diploma and the Foundation Learning suite of qualifications. In addition, functional skills are a mandatory part of the BTEC Apprenticeships framework. From September 2012, functional skills will be the only skills component accepted as part of BTEC Apprenticeships.

For more information on the different pathways, select the relevant qualification below:

Functional skills have been designed as the replacement skills qualifications for Key Skills and Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy (ALAN) qualifications. These are still being taught at centres, but are gradually being replaced by functional skills within the UK. Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy (ALAN) is still available to International Centres.

Please note that functional skills qualifications are only available in England.
Alternative skills qualifications: Core Skills (Scotland), Essential Skills Wales.