If you did not pass your Maths or English GCSEs and need an alternative qualification, the Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications are a perfect equivalent. They are Ofqual approved and accepted by many employers and universities around the UK. The Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications can also help with career progressions, apprenticeships, and other educational routes. Moreover, it can be useful for those who obtained their qualifications overseas and are not be recognised by the UK education system.
By testing students on relatable concepts that can be introduced into their daily life, the Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications are designed to help people develop their practical skills. Whereas the GCSE content is more contextualised and abstract, Functional Skills caters to real-life situations and relatable scenarios. Due to this, some learners have found the Functional Skills content and exams easier to understand. The Functional Skills qualifications are for everyone; students from all backgrounds can sit the exam all year round. GCSEs are much more limited – in that you can only take the exams in the May and November examination periods. Subsequently, GCSEs may restrict some peoples career and educational progression due to the restricted exams. This is why we at Sheffield Tutors; recommend that learners take a Functional Skills Level 2 exam.
You may be able to find some government-funded courses; however, you must be eligible to access these. The criteria for the funded courses included being in full-time education and aged 19 and below. Additionally, there are some funded routes for adults, such as apprenticeship programs. If you do not meet the required criteria or can not access a funded route, you will need to pay for the qualification yourself. We do understand that these qualifications can be costly, which is why we recommend the Pass Functional Skills’ Online Functional Skills Level 2 services. They offer the cheapest course and exams, as well as comprehensive revision materials to aid your learning.