GCSE or Functional Skills – What is the difference?

We offer a choice of GCSE or Functional Skills in maths. Which one is right for you?

The GCSE exams are better known, so if you need a maths 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 maths. GCSE is more theoretical.