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Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1, online with the exams included
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Start your free trial Or pay today: £59.99 a month, save up to 17% for lifeHow you pass
- Sit them from homeMaths, reading and writing on-screen with remote invigilation; speaking online with Lift College
- Four assessmentsMaths 120 min; English reading 60 min, writing 60 min, speaking and listening 20 to 30 min
- Results in about 6 working daysTwo certificates from TQUK
- Unlimited resitsFee applies
Updated
Both TQUK qualifications, both online with a named UK tutor, both exams included and sat from home. Functional Skills English and Maths at Level 1 are two qualifications at the same level as GCSE grades 3 to 1 (D to G), and the step before Level 2.
Functional Skills Level 1 English and Maths online: Lift College's combined course covers two TQUK qualifications, Functional Skills English at Level 1 (610/2626/8) and Maths at Level 1 (610/2623/2), studied online with a named UK tutor, with entry and one sitting of each included. Most learners finish both in 4 to 8 months and sit the exams from home.
Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1 (two TQUK qualifications) online with Lift College, with a named UK tutor and entry and one sitting of each included: £539.99 a year (that is £45.00 a month) or £59.99 a month when you pay today, pay for 9 months and get 3 free, with your price fixed for life. Prefer to try it first? Free for 7 days, then £69.99 a month or £713.99 a year. | |
| Qualification | Two qualifications: TQUK Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1 (RQF) and TQUK Functional Skills Qualification in Maths at Level 1 (RQF) |
|---|---|
| Level | Level 1 |
| Awarding body | TQUK (Training Qualifications UK) |
| Qualification number | 610/2626/8 and 610/2623/2 |
| Exams | Maths: one onscreen paper in two sections, 120 minutes. English: reading (60 minutes) and writing (60 minutes) onscreen, plus speaking, listening and communicating (20 to 30 minutes) online with Lift College. Remote invigilation from home, or a TQUK approved centre. Entry and one sitting of each included; two certificates from TQUK. |
| Price | £539.99 a year or £59.99 a month when you pay today: pay for 9 months, get 3 free, price fixed for life. Prefer to try it first? Free for 7 days, then £69.99 a month or £713.99 a year. |
| Typical duration | 4 to 8 months |
| Age | 16 or over |
| Who it suits | Are not yet at Level 2 standard in English or maths and want to build up to both |
qualification
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What Level 1 English and maths unlock
Together they meet the Level 1 English and maths requirement that many entry roles, Level 2 apprenticeships and college courses set, and they are the step before Level 2.
Many entry roles ask for English and maths at Level 1 or above on the application. Requirements are set by each employer, so check the job you are applying for.
Many Level 2 apprenticeships and their providers commonly ask for Level 1 English and maths at entry or expect you to work towards them. For apprentices aged 19 and over they are optional under the 2026 to 2027 funding rules, though many providers still ask.
Many college courses at Level 1 and Level 2 commonly ask for Level 1 English and maths, or set a skills check at enrolment. Check the course you are applying for.
Level 1 in both builds the skills that Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2 and GCSEs assume, so you start Level 2 ready for it.
Requirements are set by each employer, college and apprenticeship and change; check the one you are applying for. Lift College does not publish salary figures for Functional Skills because the qualification is a requirement, not a role.
Try it free. Stay while it works for you. Leave whenever you like.
There is no course fee to find, no finance agreement to sign and no debt to worry about. Your first 7 days are free, then you pay for the month you are in, and every payment is covered by the 14-day money back guarantee. Prefer to pay today? Skip the trial and save up to 17%, with your price fixed for life, with the same 14-day guarantee.
You never sign a credit agreement with us, so there is no debt and nothing for anyone to chase. If you stop paying, you simply stop studying. No finance company, no loan and no letters.
What are Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1?
Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1 are two separate practical qualifications at Level 1, the same level as GCSE grades 3 to 1 (D to G) on GOV.UK's list of qualification levels. At Lift College they are the TQUK Functional Skills Qualifications in English (610/2626/8) and Maths (610/2623/2) at Level 1, studied together online with a named UK tutor and certificated separately, so you receive two TQUK certificates. Most learners take 4 to 8 months at 6 to 12 hours a week (110 guided learning hours), from £59.99 a month when you pay today, with entry and one sitting for each qualification included, or try it free for 7 days first.
How each subject is assessed. Maths is one exam in two sections in a single sitting: Section A is 30 minutes non calculator and Section B is 90 minutes with a calculator. English has three components, all passed for the certificate: reading (60 minutes, 20 marks on two texts), writing (60 minutes, two pieces of at least 150 words) and speaking, listening and communicating (20 to 30 minutes). Maths, reading and writing are set and marked by TQUK and sat onscreen, with remote invigilation from home or at a TQUK approved centre; speaking, listening and communicating is run online by Lift College and quality assured by TQUK. Everything is pass or fail, results come in about six working days, and you sit each assessment when your tutor confirms you are ready.
People take both at Level 1 when their English and maths are not yet at Level 2 standard, or when a job, a Level 2 apprenticeship or a college course asks for Level 1 in both. They are the step before Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2, the level many apprenticeships, nursing and teaching routes ask for; Level 1 on its own does not meet a Level 2 or GCSE grade 4 requirement. Adults aged 19 or over in England who have not got a GCSE grade 4 or C in English or maths are legally entitled to fully funded English and maths courses up to Level 2 at colleges and training providers that offer them: see Functional Skills Level 2 funding and eligibility. Need only one subject? See Functional Skills English Level 1 or Functional Skills Maths Level 1, or compare every course in the Functional Skills hub.
Are Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1 hard?
Both are Level 1 qualifications, the same level as GCSE grades 3 to 1 (D to G). In maths, a quarter of the marks are in the non calculator section, 75% are for problem solving, and the problems are straightforward, needing one step or a few connected steps. In English you need to pass reading, writing, and speaking, listening and communicating, and the writing paper allows no spelling or grammar aids. TQUK does not publish fixed pass marks, and you can resit as many times as you need (a resit fee applies). Your tutor sets a timed mock before each booking.
This course is for you if
- Are not yet at Level 2 standard in English or maths and want to build up to both
- Need Level 1 English and maths for a job, a Level 2 apprenticeship or a college course
- Want to study both together and sit the assessments from home
- Are 16 or over
Think again if
- You only need one of the two; take the single Level 1 course
- You already work at Level 2 standard in both; take Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2 instead
- Your destination asks for GCSE grade 4 or Level 2 English and maths; Level 1 does not meet that
There is no placement. You sit the maths exam and the three English assessments when your tutor confirms you are ready for each.
- Maths: one on-screen paper in two sections, 120 minutes
- English: reading, writing, and speaking, listening and communicating
- Remote invigilation from home, or a TQUK-approved centre
- Entry and one sitting of each included; two certificates from TQUK
Level 1 in both, then Level 2
Level 1 is the step before Level 2. After Level 2 come GCSEs and further study.
The step before Level 2. 55 guided learning hours.
From £44.99/moLevel 1Functional Skills Maths Level 1The step before Level 2. 55 guided learning hours.
From £44.99/moLevel 2Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2English and maths together. 110 guided learning hours.
From £69.99/moEnglish and maths
The two qualifications are studied and certificated separately.
Maths
Using numbers and the number system
- Read, write, order and compare large numbers up to one million
- Recognise and use positive and negative numbers
- Multiply and divide whole numbers and decimals by 10, 100 and 1,000
- Use multiplication facts and make connections with division facts
- Use simple formulae expressed in words for one-step and 2-step operations
- Calculate the squares of one-digit and 2-digit numbers
- Follow the order of precedence of operators
- Read, write, order and compare common fractions and mixed numbers
- Find fractions of whole-number quantities and measurements
- Read, write, order and compare decimals up to 3 decimal places
- Add, subtract, multiply and divide decimals up to 2 decimal places
- Approximate by rounding to a whole number, one decimal place and 2 decimal places
- Read, write, order and compare percentages in whole numbers
- Calculate percentages of quantities, including simple increases and decreases by 5% and multiples
- Estimate answers to calculations using fractions and decimals
- Recognise and calculate equivalences between common fractions, percentages and decimals
- Work with simple ratio and direct proportions
Using common measures, shape and space
- Calculate simple interest in multiples of 5% on amounts of money
- Calculate discounts in multiples of 5% on amounts of money
- Convert in the same system between units of length, weight, capacity, money and time
- Recognise and make use of simple scales on maps and drawings
- Calculate the area and perimeter of simple shapes, including combinations of rectangles
- Calculate the volumes of cubes and cuboids
- Draw 2-D shapes, showing line symmetry and the relative size of angles
- Interpret plans, elevations and nets of simple 3-D shapes
- Measure angles in degrees and use angles when describing position and direction
Handling information and data
- Represent discrete data in tables, diagrams and charts, including pie charts, bar charts and line graphs
- Group discrete data and represent grouped data graphically
- Find the mean and range of a set of quantities
- Understand probability on a scale from 0 (impossible) to 1 (certain) and compare likelihoods
- Use equally likely outcomes to find the probabilities of simple events as fractions
Solving problems
- Read, understand and use mathematical information and terms appropriate to Level 1
- Address individual problems as described
- Use knowledge and understanding to a required level of accuracy
- Check the sense and reasonableness of answers
- Analyse and interpret results in the context of the original problem
- Present results with appropriate explanation and interpretation, showing simple reasoning
English
Reading
- Identify and understand the main points, ideas and details in texts
- Compare information, ideas and opinions in different texts
- Identify meanings in texts, and distinguish between fact and opinion
- Recognise that language and textual features vary to suit different audiences and purposes
- Use reference materials and strategies for a range of purposes, including finding word meanings
- Use organisational and structural features to locate information, such as index, menus and subheadings
- Infer from images meanings not explicit in the accompanying text
- Recognise vocabulary typical of formal, informal, instructional, descriptive, explanatory and persuasive texts
- Read and understand a range of specialist words in context
- Use knowledge of punctuation to aid understanding of straightforward texts
Writing
- Use a range of punctuation correctly, including full stops, question marks, commas and possessive apostrophes
- Use correct grammar, including subject-verb agreement, consistent tenses, and definite and indefinite articles
- Spell words used most often in work, study and daily life, including specialist words
- Communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly, coherently and accurately
- Write text of an appropriate level of detail and length to meet the needs of the purpose and audience
- Use format, structure and language appropriate for the audience and purpose
- Write consistently and accurately in complex sentences, using paragraphs where appropriate
Speaking, listening and communicating
- Identify relevant information and lines of argument in explanations or presentations
- Make requests and ask relevant questions to obtain specific information in different contexts
- Respond effectively to detailed questions
- Communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly and accurately on a range of topics
- Express opinions and arguments, and support them with evidence
- Follow and understand discussions and make contributions relevant to the situation and subject
- Use appropriate phrases and registers, and adapt contributions to purpose, audience and medium
- Respect the turn-taking rights of others during discussions, using appropriate language or interjections
Maths and English assessments, onscreen and online. No placement.
How is Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1 assessed?
English and maths are assessed separately. The course covers two Ofqual regulated TQUK qualifications at Level 1: English reading, writing, and speaking, listening and communicating, and one 120 minute maths paper. TQUK sets and marks the maths paper and the reading and writing papers; speaking, listening and communicating is run by Lift College and quality assured by TQUK. Each qualification is pass or fail and certificated on its own.
English: reading (60 min, 20 marks), writing (60 min, two tasks of at least 150 words), speaking, listening and communicating (20 to 30 min). Maths: one 120-minute paper in two sections, 30 minutes non-calculator and 90 minutes calculator. Maths, reading and writing are externally set and marked by TQUK, onscreen with remote invigilation or at a TQUK approved centre; paper based entry is available with ten working days' notice. Pass or fail; pass marks set per paper by TQUK. Unlimited resits (fee applies).
Practice papers marked in 5 to 7 working days.
A timed mock. Your tutor confirms you are ready, then you book each assessment.
Maths, reading and writing onscreen, with remote invigilation or at a centre, and speaking, listening and communicating online with Lift College. Results in about six working days. Your two certificates come from TQUK.
Can I do Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1 online?
Yes. You study both Ofqual-regulated TQUK qualifications online with a named UK tutor. There is no placement. The maths exam and the English reading and writing papers are onscreen with remote invigilation from home or at a TQUK approved centre, speaking, listening and communicating is online with Lift College, and you receive two certificates. You sit each assessment when your tutor says you are ready.
Your certificate comes from TQUK
Training Qualifications UK issues both certificates, one for English and one for maths. Lift College teaches the course and TQUK awards them.
TQUK's stated goal: Be number one in technical education
certificates issued since 2013
qualifications across more than 20 sectors
employers use TQUK for apprenticeship assessment
Figures from tquk.org, September 2026. TQUK, Crossgate House, Sale, Manchester. Recognised by Ofqual, the qualifications regulator for England.
TQUK approves the centre, the tutors who assess you and the way the course is delivered before a single learner is registered.
An external quality assurer from TQUK samples assessed work from Lift College learners. Your result stands because TQUK has agreed it, not just your tutor.
Your certificate is printed by TQUK with a unique number. Any employer or university can confirm it is real on TQUK's certificate verification service. TQUK certificate verification
A named UK tutor from enrolment to your certificate
The same UK tutor supports you from enrolment through to your certificate.
Marked in 5 to 7 working days.
Your dashboard shows what you have completed and what comes next.
If a unit is referred, you resubmit at no extra cost until every criterion is met.
What Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1 costs online
Pay today, pay for 9 months and get 3 free, with your price fixed for life. Pay monthly and start today for £10 a month less than after a trial. Prefer to try it first? Start for £0 today on the 7-day free trial.
| Full course with all fees included | |
|---|---|
| Pay today, monthly£10 a month less than after a trial | £59.99 a month |
| Pay today, yearlyBest value3 months free, fixed for life | £539.99 a yearthat is £45.00 a month |
| 7-day free trial first£0 today, first payment on day 8 | £69.99 a monthor £713.99 a year |
- 14-day money back
- No contract
- No credit check
- No finance agreement
- Cancel any time
How the cost compares
Open Study College and Pass Functional Skills charge £710 to £858 for the course, paid in full or in instalments. With Lift College you can start for £0 today.
| Provider | Course fee | How you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Lift College Lowest cost to start | £59.99 a monthpay today, exam entry and one sitting included, typically 4 to 8 months | £0 today on the 7-day free trial. Monthly, no contract, no credit check, cancel any time |
| Open Study College | £858 | £429 for each course, course only; in full, 3 payments with Klarna or PayPal, or monthly payments; exams cost extra |
| Pass Functional Skills | £710 | £355 for each course, in full or 3 payments with Klarna; exams booked separately |
Lift College's price includes exam entry and one sitting.
Choose how you want to study
One price for the full course, with every fee included. Try it free for 7 days, or pay today and save up to 17%, with your price fixed for life.
Start today with your named UK tutor from day one. 14-day money-back guarantee, or try it free.
14-day money-back guarantee on every payment
Studying more than one course? 2 courses save 5%, 3 save 10%, 4 or more save 15%.
Next: secure payment with Stripe. Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted.
- Complete Level 1 course, all units
- Named UK tutor
- Marked in 5 to 7 working days
- Resubmit at no extra cost
- Exam entry and one sitting for each qualification included
- AI Study Support
Reviews from Lift College learners
“I needed Level 2 English to start my healthcare assistant role at the NHS Trust. The remote invigilation meant I could sit the exam at home around my children's school schedule. Got my result in two weeks and started the…”
DianeFunctional Skills English Level 2“I left school with no qualifications at 16 and spent twenty years in retail. I decided I wanted to retrain as a social worker. Lift College helped me get both Level 2s in three months, then I moved straight on to an Acce…”
SandraFunctional Skills English and Maths Level 2“My initial assessment showed I was at Entry Level 3 in maths, lower than I'd expected. The Lift College team laid out a clear plan: Level 1 in eight weeks, Level 2 in a further ten. I followed the plan and hit both targe…”
JamesFunctional Skills Maths Level 1 and Level 2Frequently asked questions
Can I do Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1 together?
Yes. This course covers both Ofqual regulated TQUK qualifications at Level 1, studied together with a named UK tutor and certificated separately. You receive two certificates, one for English and one for maths. Each qualification is also available on its own if you only need one.
Is the combined Level 1 course cheaper than taking them separately?
Yes. The combined course is £69.99 a month, or £713.99 a year, for both qualifications. Functional Skills English Level 1 and Functional Skills Maths Level 1 are each £44.99 a month, or £458.99 a year, on their own, so the combined course costs less than taking the two single courses. English and maths are two Ofqual regulated TQUK qualifications, each with its own qualification number, studied together here and certificated separately.
Are Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1 GCSE-equivalent?
Both are Level 1 qualifications, the same level as GCSE grades 3 to 1 (D to G) on GOV.UK's list of qualification levels, but they are not GCSEs and they do not meet a GCSE grade 4 or Level 2 requirement. Many employers, college courses and Level 2 apprenticeships commonly ask for Level 1 English and maths; check the one you are applying for.
How fast can I complete both Level 1 qualifications?
Most learners take 4 to 8 months, studying 6 to 12 hours a week. Together these Ofqual-regulated TQUK qualifications have 110 guided learning hours. English and maths are certificated separately, and you sit each assessment when your tutor confirms you are ready.
Are the Level 1 exams remote or at a centre?
Both. The maths exam and the English reading and writing papers are onscreen with remote invigilation from home, or at a TQUK approved centre; speaking, listening and communicating is run online by Lift College. Paper-based entry is available with ten working days' notice. These Ofqual-regulated TQUK qualifications are pass or fail, and each is certificated separately. Pass marks are set by TQUK.
Is this the qualification employers ask for?
These are two Level 1 qualifications, the same level as GCSE grades 3 to 1 (D to G). Many employers, college courses and Level 2 apprenticeships commonly ask for Level 1 English and maths at entry. They do not meet a requirement for GCSE grade 4 or Level 2 English and maths; for that, take Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2. Check the one you are applying for.
What does the price include?
One price covers the full course: a named UK tutor, marking in 5 to 7 working days, AI Study Support, and entry and one sitting for each qualification, booked for you. A resit fee applies only if you need another attempt.
What is Pay today?
The default is a free 7-day trial with your first payment on day 8. If you would rather pay today, skip the trial and save up to 17%, with your price fixed for life. Your 14-day money-back guarantee still applies: change your mind for any reason within 14 days and we refund the full payment.
What age do I need to be?
You need to be 16 or over. No formal entry requirements. TQUK sets no minimum age; the course is designed for learners 16 and over. Your tutor checks you are ready before each assessment is booked.
What comes after this?
Most people go on to Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2, the level many apprenticeships, nursing and teaching routes and employers ask for. Others go on to GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths, or further study. Each Level 1 qualification is also available on its own.
Can I pay annually?
Yes. Pay today and save up to 17% for life: £59.99 a month or £539.99 a year (after a 7-day free trial: £69.99 a month or £713.99 a year). The 7-day free trial and 14-day money back apply either way.
Who issues the certificate?
Training Qualifications UK (TQUK) issues both certificates, one for English and one for maths. Lift College is a TQUK recognised centre.
Do I get one certificate or two?
Two. English and Maths are separate TQUK qualifications with their own numbers and exams; you receive a certificate for each.
What are Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1?
They are two separate practical qualifications at Level 1, the same level as GCSE grades 3 to 1 (D to G) on GOV.UK's list of qualification levels. At Lift College they are TQUK 610/2626/8 (English) and 610/2623/2 (Maths), studied together with a named UK tutor, with a certificate for each. Most learners take 4 to 8 months, from £59.99 a month when you pay today, with one sitting for each qualification included, or try it free for 7 days first.
How long are the exams for Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1?
Maths is 120 minutes in one sitting: 30 minutes without a calculator and 90 minutes with a calculator. English is reading (60 minutes), writing (60 minutes), and speaking, listening and communicating (20 to 30 minutes).
Do I have to sit English and maths at the same time?
No. English and maths are assessed and certificated separately, and you sit each assessment when your tutor confirms you are ready. You can study both in parallel or finish one subject first.
What are Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1 equivalent to?
Both are at Level 1 on GOV.UK's list of qualification levels, the same level as GCSE grades 3 to 1 (D to G). They are not GCSEs, and they are not Level 2 qualifications, so they do not meet a request for GCSE grade 4 or Level 2 English and maths. They are the step before Functional Skills Level 2, and many employers, college courses and apprenticeships ask for Level 1 English and maths at entry; check the one you are applying for.
Should I do Functional Skills Level 1 or Level 2?
Take Level 2 if a job, apprenticeship, university or college course asks for Level 2 English and maths or GCSE grade 4, and you are already close to that standard. Take Level 1 if you are not yet at Level 2 standard, or if the route you are applying for asks for Level 1. You can also mix levels by taking the single courses, for example Level 1 maths and Level 2 English. An adviser can tell you which level suits you after a free skills check.
Can I do Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1 for free?
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 or maths are legally entitled to fully funded English and maths 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 £59.99 a month when you pay today, and every plan starts with a 7-day free trial, with nothing charged until day 8. The entitlement covers study up to Level 2, so it includes Level 1: check whether you qualify in Functional Skills Level 2 funding and eligibility.
What comes after Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1?
Most people move on to Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2, which is the level many apprenticeships, nursing and teaching routes, and employers ask for. Others go on to GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths, or to further study at a suitable level.
How much does Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1 cost online?
Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1 with Lift College is £59.99 a month when you pay today, with entry and one sitting of each qualification included, or £0 today on the 7-day free trial and then £69.99 a month. Most learners take 4 to 8 months, so about £240 to £480 in all if you cancel once you have your result. Checked on their own websites on 1 November 2026: Open Study College and Pass Functional Skills charge £710 to £858 for the course, paid in full or in instalments. With Lift College you can start for £0 today.
Is Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1 Ofqual regulated?
Yes. Both are Ofqual regulated TQUK qualifications: the TQUK Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1 (RQF), 610/2626/8, and the TQUK Functional Skills Qualification in Maths at Level 1 (RQF), 610/2623/2. Training Qualifications UK issues a certificate for each, and Lift College is a TQUK recognised centre.
Can I start Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1 today?
Yes. You can start Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1 with Lift College today on the 7-day free trial: you pay £0 today, start the course with your named UK tutor, and nothing is charged until day 8. Prefer to pay today? Skip the trial and save up to 17%, with your price fixed for life. The 14-day money back guarantee applies either way.
A UK adviser calls you back within 2 working hours, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm. No sales script.