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NCFE Level 1 Functional Skills Qualification in English
Ref:
603/5058/1
Sector:
Preparation for Life and Work
Features:
Learning Resources Available, Functional Skills
Registration & certification fee:
£17.50
Level:
Level 1
Minimum entry age:
Pre-16
GLH:
55
TQT:
66
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About this qualification:
The purpose of the Functional Skills English Level 1 qualification is to prepare the learner for work, study and life. Learners who achieve this qualification will demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, listen and communicate in English. Learners will be able to apply these skills effectively to a range of purposes in the workplace and in real life situations.
Who is it suitable for?
This qualification is suitable for learners studying the following:
• Apprenticeships
• Traineeships
• Alternative to GCSE
• T-Levels
• As a standalone qualification
Entry requirements:
There are no pre-entry requirements for this qualification and no minimum age requirement has been set for registration.
Qualification structure:
This qualification is assessed via 2 external assessments and one controlled assessment.
The external assessments cover the following components:
• Reading
• Writing
The controlled assessment covers the following component:
• Speaking, Listening and Communicating
Online assessments:
Online assessment is available for this qualification, and live online assessments are now bookable. Please visit our Online Assessment page for further information.
Remote invigilation:
Learners are now able to complete online/onscreen external assessments at home using our remote invigilation solution. Also referred to as remote proctoring, remote invigilation allows a learner to be observed via audio and visual links when completing their online/onscreen external assessment at home.
NCFE offers a remote invigilation solution for all our Level 1 & 2 Functional Skills external assessments. Find out how to get approval here.
Useful links:
JCQ Instructions and Booking Document
Qualification Specific Instructions for Delivery (QSID)
Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations Policy
Direct Claim Status (DCS)
Contextualised Assessment Request Form
CPD Training and Events
Diagnostic and Assessment Tools
Department for Education Subject Content for English
Support materials
Mandatory qualification information
Qualification specification (PDF | 468 KB)
Qualification specification (Word) (DOCX | 423 KB)
Functional Skills invigilation changes (PDF | 101 KB)
Additional qualification information
Level 1 and 2 Functional Skills English qualification factsheet (PDF | 139 KB)
Functional Skills mapping document - Level 1 English (PDF | 180 KB)
Learner guidance
Level 1 Functional Skills English checklists (ZIP | 97 KB)
Support Handbook
Support Handbook (PDF | 327 KB)
Assessment materials
NCFE have password protected the latest external assessment past-paper, mark scheme and chief examiner report. You are now able to use these as current and valid mock assessments. To access the documents, you will need a Portal login. If you do not have a Portal login please contact your Portal administrator.
Chief Examiner reports
Chief Examiner Report (Reading) (On Screen) March 2022 (PDF | 137 KB)
Chief Examiner Report (Reading) March 2022 (PDF | 139 KB)
Chief Examiner Report (Writing) (On Screen) April 2022 (PDF | 101 KB)
Chief Examiner Report Writing April 2022 (2) (PDF | 102 KB)
External assessment - practice papers
Practice Paper L1 Functional Skills English Reading (ZIP | 8743 KB)
L1 Reading Practice Paper Guidance (DOCX | 2664 KB)
Practice Paper L1 Functional Skills English Writing (ZIP | 3339 KB)
L1 Writing Practice Paper Guidance 2023 (DOCX | 755 KB)
Practice Papers L1 Functional Skills English Paper 2 (ZIP | 2300 KB)
Practice Papers L1 Functional Skills English Paper 3 (ZIP | 2078 KB)
Past paper - assessment packs
Past Paper L1 Functional Skills English Reading P002121 (ZIP | 8199 KB)
Past Paper L1 Functional Skills English Reading P002115 (ZIP | 8967 KB)
Past Paper L1 Functional Skills English Reading P001724 (ZIP | 812 KB)
Past Paper L1 Functional Skills English Writing P002123 (ZIP | 2478 KB)
Past Paper L1 Functional Skills English Writing P002117 (ZIP | 2480 KB)
Past Paper L1 Functional Skills English Writing P001732 (ZIP | 323 KB)
Internal assessment guidance
Assessor instructions and guidance - Speaking, Listening and Communicating (PDF | 392 KB)
Learner observation and assessment record (LOAR) - Level 1 Functional Skills English SLC (DOCX | 54 KB)
Learner observation and assessment record (LOAR) - Level 1 Functional Skills English - exemplar (PDF | 266 KB)
Assessment tracking document (XLSX | 29 KB)
Functional Skills English SLC - FAQs (PDF | 116 KB)
External assessment guidance
Top tips for Functional Skills in English L1 & L2 assessments (PDF | 126 KB)
Functional Skills pass boundaries - August 2024 (PDF | 79 KB)
Supplementary answer booklet
Supplementary Answer Booklet (PDF | 140 KB)
Teaching materials
Functional Skills English (Level 1) Scheme of Work
An exemplary scheme of work that defines the structure and overview of the content for the Level 1 Functional Skills Qualification in English.
Price
Free
Functional Skills English (Level 1) Resources
Bespoke resources including learner activity question and answer worksheets, engaging PowerPoint presentations and explanatory videos.
Price
£120.00
Functional Skills English (Level 1) Reading Learner Workbook and Answers
This workbook compliments our Level 1 English reading resources pack by providing a comprehensive overview of all subject content at this level.
Price
£120.00
Functional Skills English (Level 1) Writing Learner Workbook and Answers
This workbook compliments our Level 1 English writing resources pack by providing a comprehensive overview of all subject content at this level.
Price
£120.00
Functional Skills English Glossary
A non-exhaustive list of terms that could be used on NCFE Functional Skills English assessments.
Price
Free
Unit breakdown
Mandatory units
Speaking, Listening and Communicating
Reading
Writing