GCSE or Functional Skills – What is the difference?
We offer a choice of GCSE or Functional Skills in English. Which one is right for you?
The GCSE exams are better known, so if you need an English qualification to help you get a job this is the best option in the long run. There are several reasons why you might prefer to start with functional skills:
- Functional Skills Level 2 is counted as equivalent to GCSE grade 4. This is a high enough level for many jobs.
- If you need a qualification quickly, we can enter you for functional skills as soon as you are ready. You can only sit GCSE once a year when the schools do them. This is around late May and early June.
- Functional Skills has more levels, so if you are not ready for GCSE you can work your way up by doing Functional Skills exams.
- You must pass an assessment to do GCSE with us. Functional Skills is open to everyone.
- Functional Skills focuses on more everyday English. GCSE is more theoretical.
Adult Education Service
Address: Southfields Old SchoolSouth Street
Coventry
CV1 5EJ