Functional English
English Functional Skills - Level 1 and Level 2
Newcastle City Learning’s English 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.
Courses are available at Level 1 and Level 2 and will support you to develop your confidence and your English 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 2025
- November 2025
- January 2026
- February 2026
- April 2026
Learners can start our English classes each half term, up until Easter 2026. However, if you need to achieve a Level 2 qualification for September 2026, it is advisable to contact us and begin learning straight away.
Attendance: high levels of attendance and participation are required
Our English courses are externally funded and require a minimum level of attendance. Failure to attend your planned hours, may result in you being withdrawn from your course.
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 English
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 English 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. end of August/early September then mid/late October.
What will I achieve? Level 1 or 2 Functional English qualification on successful completion of reading, writing and speaking and listening exams
Get in touch:
Call us on 0191 278 2818 or 0191 277 3520
Email us NCLGatewayEnquiries@newcastle.gov.uk
Learner testimonials
“It has been fantastic! I am 45 and the last time I was in a classroom, I was 16. The whole process from start to finish was very supportive. I have gained new skills and can use grammar, spelling and punctuation correctly. These are skills for life!” - James
“I have been given a lot of support through feedback on what I have completed well or what I need more practice on. This has helped me alongside my teaching assistant course in schools. It has made me feel more confident when supporting children.” - Donna
“My English course is opening doors to higher education and a better future for me.” - Dzesika
Levels and Types of Courses
Functional English courses at Level 1 and 2
This course is suitable for those whose English skills have been assessed at Entry 3 and above. Our Level 1 and 2 Functional English courses are accredited by Pearson and they cover a range of reading, writing and speaking and listening skills.
You will learn how to read for specific information, analyse documents and read for inference. You will also learn how to produce pieces of writing in a range of different styles, from formal letters and reports to blogs and articles. You will develop your spelling, punctuation and grammar to produce fluent, well-organised writing.
Your tutor will regularly support you at one of our college sites, providing regular feedback on how to develop your skills further.
EAL Functional English classes at Level 1 and 2
This course is suitable for adults whose first language is not English. Learners are required to demonstrate a good standard of spoken and written English unless they have already completed their full Level 2 ESOL qualification.
These courses cover everything listed above, but they include a greater focus on vocabulary and grammar development. Your tutor will regularly support you at one of our college sites. These classes maybe for one or two sessions per week and a high level of attendance at all sessions is crucial.