Summary

Learners studying this course will be taught at and learn from The Fleetwood Hub Hospital building.

Functional Skills Maths is a practical, nationally recognised qualification that helps you develop the mathematical skills needed for everyday life, further study and employment.

Unlike traditional mathematics qualifications that can focus heavily on theoretical concepts, Functional Skills Maths develops the practical numeracy and problem-solving skills that people use every day. The course focuses on applying maths to real-life situations, helping you gain confidence in using numbers, measurements, data and calculations in both personal and professional settings.

The qualification is available from Entry Level through to Level 2, allowing learners to study at a level appropriate to their current skills and experience. An initial assessment may be used to identify the most suitable starting point and help you achieve your goals.

Throughout the course, you will develop essential skills such as calculating with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages; working with measurements; interpreting data; understanding graphs and charts; and solving mathematical problems using logical thinking and reasoning. These skills are highly valued by employers and are essential in many careers and training programmes.

Functional Skills Maths is particularly suitable for learners who have not yet achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above in mathematics and wish to gain a recognised qualification that supports progression to employment, apprenticeships or further study. You will explore how maths is used in everyday situations, including budgeting, shopping, paying bills, planning journeys, understanding workplace information and analysing data. The course develops not only mathematical knowledge but also confidence and independence, enabling learners to make informed decisions using numerical information.

Our supportive learning environment ensures learners receive expert guidance and regular feedback throughout their studies. Lessons are practical, engaging and focused on helping you apply mathematical concepts in realistic situations. Whether you are returning to education, seeking to improve your job prospects, preparing for an apprenticeship or progressing to higher-level study, Functional Skills Maths can provide the skills and confidence you need to succeed.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements although you will need to undertake an assessment to determine the most appropriate course for you.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
Anytime	Community Based	18 Weeks	Apply now
Anytime	Community Based	18 Weeks	Apply now

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

Functional Skills Maths is widely recognised by employers, training providers and educational institutions as evidence of strong practical numeracy and problem-solving skills.

Successful completion of the qualification can support progression to:

Higher-level Functional Skills qualifications
GCSE Mathematics
Vocational or technical qualifications
Apprenticeships
Access to Higher Education programmes
Employment and career development opportunities
Professional and workplace training

Maths skills are valued in almost every area of employment. The qualification can support progression into sectors including:

Construction
Engineering
Health and Social Care
Business Administration
Retail
Hospitality
Logistics
Manufacturing
Public Services
Education and Childcare

The ability to interpret data, calculate accurately and solve problems is essential in modern workplaces. Functional Skills Maths demonstrates that you can apply mathematical thinking to real-life situations and work effectively with numerical information.

For many learners, the qualification acts as a stepping stone towards further qualifications, apprenticeships and career progression.

Next steps at B&FC

After completing Functional Skills Maths, you could progress to a higher-level maths qualification, GCSE Mathematics, an apprenticeship, a vocational programme or employment.

Your tutor will help you identify the most appropriate progression route based on your career aspirations and educational goals. Many learners use Functional Skills Maths to meet entry requirements for study programmes, apprenticeships and workplace training. The qualification provides a strong foundation for future learning and employment opportunities.

Other study options

Employment Opportunities

Numeracy and problem-solving skills are essential across almost every industry. Functional Skills Maths develops the practical mathematical skills employers expect, helping you become more confident in handling workplace calculations and interpreting numerical information.

The qualification can support employment opportunities across a wide range of sectors, including:

Construction
Engineering
Manufacturing
Retail
Business Administration
Logistics and Transport
Hospitality
Health and Social Care
Public Services
Customer Service

Employers value staff who can work accurately with numbers, solve problems, interpret data and make informed decisions. Functional Skills Maths demonstrates that you can apply mathematical skills to real-life situations and workplace environments. Many job roles require employees to calculate measurements, understand percentages, manage budgets, analyse information or interpret data. These skills become increasingly important as learners progress into supervisory, technical and professional positions.

For learners already in employment, Functional Skills Maths can support promotion opportunities, professional development and access to further workplace training.

For learners already in employment, gaining a Functional Skills English qualification can support promotion opportunities, access to training programmes and career development.

Whether you are looking for your first job, changing careers or progressing within your current role, Functional Skills English provides evidence that you possess the practical literacy skills needed for success in the workplace.

Key information

Qualification obtained

Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics

Fees and funding

Studying this course is fully funded, so there are no fees to pay.

Extra costs and equipment

There are no significant additional costs associated with studying Functional Skills Maths. Though you will need a pen and some writing paper. A file to store your classwork is also required. It would be helpful to have equipment such as a ruler, protractor and calculator.

What will I learn?

You will develop practical mathematical skills that can be applied in everyday life, education and employment.

Topics may include:

Using Numbers
Fractions
Decimals
Percentages
Ratios
Measures, Shape and Space
Length, area and perimeter
Volume and capacity
Angles and coordinates
2D and 3D shapes
Time and measurement
Handling Data
Tables and charts
Graphs
Averages
Problem Solving
Selecting appropriate methods
Multi-step calculations
Applying maths in real-life situations

Throughout the course, you will learn how to apply mathematical thinking confidently and accurately to practical problems and everyday scenarios.

Essential skills: English and Maths

English and maths are fundamental skills that support success in education, employment and everyday life. Functional Skills Maths helps learners build confidence in using numbers, solving problems and interpreting information. These skills support progression into employment, apprenticeships and further study.

Developing these essential skills can:

Improve confidence.
Enhance employability.
Support progression to further study.
Help meet apprenticeship and course entry requirements.
Improve everyday problem-solving

B&FC will support you in developing the skills needed to achieve your personal, educational and career goals.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

Although Functional Skills Maths does not usually include a mandatory industry placement, learning activities are designed to reflect real-world situations and workplace expectations.

Where appropriate, learners may benefit from:

Employer engagement activities.
Careers events.
Guest speakers from industry.
Workplace-focused projects.
Enrichment activities that develop numeracy skills

The college will also offer opportunities to attend careers fairs, progression events and other activities that help learners explore future education, training and employment options.

These experiences help bring learning to life and demonstrate the importance of effective Maths skills in everyday and professional contexts.

How will I learn?

You will study at The Fleetwood Hub Hospital building. .

You will learn through a combination of classroom-based activities, independent study and practical exercises.

Learning activities will include:

Group discussions.
Individual tasks.
Reading and analysis activities.
Writing exercises.
Presentations.
Peer learning.
Tutor-led teaching.

Lessons are supportive, interactive and focused on developing practical skills that can be applied immediately in real-life situations.

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor to help you identify strengths and areas for improvement. Additional support may also be available if required.

Independent study activities will enable you to practise and reinforce what you have learned in class, helping you to make sustained progress throughout the course.

Expert tutors

Our Functional Skills Maths tutors are experienced professionals who are passionate about helping learners achieve their goals.

They have extensive knowledge of Functional Skills qualifications and understand the challenges faced by learners returning to education or seeking to improve their confidence in Maths.

Tutors provide:

High-quality teaching.
Individual support and guidance.
Regular feedback.
Progress monitoring.
Preparation for assessments.

Their supportive approach helps learners build confidence, develop practical skills and achieve their full potential. B&FC is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where every learner has the opportunity to succeed.

How will I be assessed?

Functional Skills Maths is built around the development of practical mathematical skills and problem-solving techniques.

Learners have one assessment which is an exam taken when they are ready. The assessment content typically includes:

Using numbers and the number system
Learners work with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages and ratios.
Measures, shape and space
Learners calculate measurements, work with shapes and understand spatial relationships.
Handling information and data
Learners interpret charts, tables, averages and probability information.
Problem solving
Learners apply mathematical thinking to realistic problems and situations.

Assessments are designed to evaluate your ability to apply mathematical knowledge in practical contexts.

Mathematics - Progression to Further Education, an Apprenticeship or Employment