Functional Skills English Level 2, online with the exams included

For most adults, the best one leads to a regulated Level 2 qualification, includes the exams, gives you a tutor who marks your writing, and lets you sit the assessments from home. This course leads to the TQUK Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 2 (610/2625/6), the same level as GCSE grades 9 to 4. You study online with a named UK tutor, typically in 8 to 16 weeks, then sit reading and writing on screen with remote invigilation or at a TQUK approved centre, and speaking, listening and communicating online with Lift College. Entry and one sitting of each assessment are included. If a university, apprenticeship or employer names GCSE English Language, check that it accepts Functional Skills before you choose any course.

Functional Skills English Level 2 is a practical English qualification at Level 2, the same level as GCSE grades 9 to 4 on GOV.UK's list of qualification levels. At Lift College it is the TQUK qualification 610/2625/6, with three components you must all pass: reading (60 minutes), writing (60 minutes) and speaking, listening and communicating (20 to 30 minutes). Most learners take 8 to 16 weeks, from £39.99 a month when you pay today, with one sitting of each assessment included, or try it free for 7 days first.

In the reading paper, yes: TQUK allows a dictionary. In the writing paper, no: you cannot use any spelling, punctuation or grammar aids.

It is set at Level 2, the same level as GCSE grades 9 to 4, and you must pass reading, writing, and speaking, listening and communicating. Writing asks for two tasks of at least 250 words with no spelling or grammar aids. TQUK does not publish fixed pass marks, and you can resit a component as many times as you need (a resit fee applies).

Under the 2026 to 2027 apprenticeship funding rules, English and maths are mandatory for apprentices aged 16 to 18, and on Level 3 and higher apprenticeships they must hold or achieve an approved Level 2 in both before they can complete. For apprentices aged 19 and over they are optional, though many employers still ask for them. The rules accept Functional Skills English up to Level 2 as well as GCSE.

Three assessments, and you must pass all three: a 60 minute reading paper worth 30 marks, a 60 minute writing paper, and a 20 to 30 minute speaking, listening and communicating assessment. Reading tests how well you compare information, ideas and opinions across texts, spot implicit meaning, bias and fact versus opinion, and find information using a text's layout; you can use a dictionary. Writing asks for two tasks of at least 250 words, marked on punctuation, grammar, spelling, and on organising your writing for its audience and purpose, with no spelling or grammar aids. Speaking, listening and communicating is two activities in which you follow an argument, ask detailed questions and move the discussion forward. Reading and writing are set and marked by TQUK; the topic list follows the Department for Education subject content that every awarding body uses.

Yes. You study online with a named UK tutor and there is no placement. Reading and writing are on screen, with remote invigilation from home or at a TQUK approved centre, and speaking, listening and communicating is run online by Lift College and quality assured by TQUK. You must pass all three components, and results come in about six working days.

You can if you qualify for funding: adults aged 19 or over in England who have not got a GCSE grade 4 or C in English are legally entitled to fully funded English courses up to Level 2 at colleges and training providers that offer them, and some of those offer Functional Skills. Lift College's online course is paid, from £39.99 a month when you pay today, and every plan starts with a 7-day free trial, with nothing charged until day 8. Check whether you qualify in Functional Skills Level 2 funding and eligibility.