BRUSH UP YOUR MATHS & ENGLISH SKILLS IN THE LIVERPOOL CITY REGION

New rules announced recently mean that maths and English skills are no longer a compulsory part of an apprenticeship for those aged 19 and over. However, many people want to brush up on their literacy and numeracy skills, whether on an apprenticeship or not.

A basic grasp of English and maths is essential to open doors to employment, promotion and further training. It also helps make everyday life easier – from assisting children with homework to working out personal finances. Once you’ve left school, there are still ways to improve your maths and English skills. And you don’t need to be on an apprenticeship to do so. No matter where you live in the Liverpool City Region, there will be an opportunity near you. 

Some providers have a rolling programme with enrolment throughout the year; others have specific start dates once or twice a year.  It pays to plan ahead, especially where course places are limited.

Here’s a snapshot of what is available across the region to help point you in the right direction:

Halton 

Halton Borough Council offers flexible course schedules for Functional Skills in English and maths. These courses are tailored to accommodate participants’ needs, from preparing for employment to personal development.  

Entry-level English and maths are on offer, alongside levels 1 and 2. Before embarking on these, you may be offered a short Getting Started course or a Skills for Life Assessment Workshop.

Knowsley 

Knowsley Community College offers a variety of free maths and English classes during the day and evening, which gives you some flexibility if you are working. Start with functional skills training (entry level through to level 2) with the option to eventually progress to GCSEs at  Knowsley Community College[https://www.knowsleycollege.ac.uk/adult-courses/english-maths/].

Liverpool 

The Liverpool City Council Adult Learning Service offers a range of funded English and maths courses for adults aged 19 and over. You don’t need prior qualifications to join these classes; they will do a skills check to find which course is right for you.  

Located in Liverpool 17, Greenbank College provides free Functional Skills courses in maths and English up to Level 2. Courses are open to people aged 16-18, adults over 19, and individuals with disabilities (up to 24 years with an EHC Plan).  

After completing an entry-level study programme, further courses up to and including GCSEs are available.

Explore maths and English at Greenbank College.

Sefton 

Sefton Council provides Functional Skills courses in English and maths, from beginner to level 2. These courses are perfect for adults who need to build foundational skills or progress toward equivalent qualifications such as GCSEs.  

Courses are delivered through their Community Learning Service. Their English programme includes workshops about everyday literacy, whilst maths workshops include Using Fractions and Using Decimals.

St Helens

St Helens College caters to a broad range of learners, offering English and maths courses with flexible start dates. Whether you want to fit learning around your work hours or family duties, their programmes are designed to be accommodating.  

Find out more about St Helens College English & maths courses [https://www.sthelens.ac.uk/subject-areas/english-and-maths/?ucterms=category:english-and-maths], including their specific pathways in both subjects for speakers of other languages.

Wirral

At Wirral Met College, there are opportunities for both English and maths. Through practical, real-life contexts, lessons aim to develop core competencies, such as spelling, punctuation, grammar, and numerical reasoning.  

Courses start throughout the year. Fill in the form [https://www.wmc.ac.uk/courses/english-maths], and one of their student advisors will contact you.  

Wirral Lifelong Learning offers free English and Maths courses for adults, including entry levels 2 and 3 and Functional Skills, designed to improve reading, writing, and numeracy skills. These courses are accessible to all Liverpool City Region residents aged 19+ and are held at various community locations across Wirral. For more information please see their course catalogue here – Wirral Adult Learning Course List

Functional skills mastery  

No matter your location within the Liverpool City Region, there’s a course waiting to help you build essential maths and literary skills. Whether you are aiming for career development, academic advancement, or just greater confidence in everyday life, the options above will guide you toward achieving your goals.  

Start exploring these programmes today!

A quick guide to qualification levels

• Entry-level awards are split into 3 levels: 1, 2 and 3, with 3 being the hardest. Entry-level qualifications are lower than GCSE level.
  
• A level 1 certificate is equivalent to a GCSE grade 3, 2 or 1. 
  
• A level 2 certificate shows you have the equivalent of a GCSE at grades 9 to 4. 

Find a clear guide to qualification levels on the Government website [https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels].