City & Guilds Functional Skills English (Level 1 and 2)

Both level 1 and level 2 cover the same core skill areas, with level 2 requiring a higher level of independence, accuracy, and more advanced communication skills.

The qualification is based around three key areas:

1. Speaking, Listening and Communication

• Taking part in discussions in a range of situations
• Expressing ideas clearly and responding to others
• Delivering presentations and communicating effectively (level 2)

2. Reading

• Understanding a range of texts, from everyday documents to more detailed materials
• Identifying key information, ideas, and opinions
• Comparing texts and interpreting meaning (level 2)

3. Writing

• Writing clearly and accurately for different purposes and audiences
• Using correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar
• Producing more detailed and structured written responses (level 2)

These skills are designed to help you communicate confidently and effectively in real-life situations, whether at work, in education, or in daily life.

You will undertake speaking and listening assessments and two online exams (reading and writing).

You will be required to attend a City & Guilds examination centre to complete the online examinations; this can be arranged near to your home where possible.

Our online, distance learning courses can be started at any time. You will work through your online course materials at a time that is convenient to you and be supported by a personal tutor.

There are no formal academic entry requirements for this course.

Please note: As our courses include online learning components, students are required to have access to a PC or laptop with a reliable internet connection.

Course Fees
£724

Awarding Body Fees - £23.50

All students or employers are required to pay the awarding body fees in addition to the course fees. Please note that these are recharged at cost and may be subject to change.

CAW Loans2Learn
Course fees must be paid in full before the course begins. If you are unable to do so, we offer a personal loan scheme (Loans2Learn) that can help you to spread the cost into manageable monthly payments over a period of up to five years, subject to eligibility. It can be used to fully, or partially, cover your course fee (but does not cover any awarding body fees, such as enrolment and examination fees which are payable on top). More information can be found here.

The current rate of interest for a CAW Loans2Learn is 9%. Click on the calculator icon to calculate your monthly repayment options based on different repayment term lengths.

Example repayment - a Loans2Learn loan for the full course fee of £724 over 12 months would equate to monthly repayments of approximately £64 per month (please note this is an indicative price based on current fees and interest rates).

General Advice
Sources of financial help can be found on our student finance page. Before making any financial decision it is recommended that you seek advice from an independent source, for example the Money Advice Service.

If you have not achieved your qualification by the planned end date detailed in your individual learning plan, continued support and course access is available by paying monthly direct debit payments, or applying for a supplementary or increased loan, until certification is achieved.

These are current figures and may be subject to change. The differences in course fees reflect the level of funding that is available as a result of government policies and priorities. These may be as a result of age, employment status, previous education achievements, or location for example, and are outside the control of CAW Business School (The College of Animal Welfare).

Achieving a Functional Skills English qualification at Level 1 or Level 2 can make a real difference to your confidence, opportunities, and everyday life.

You’ll develop essential communication skills that allow you to express yourself clearly, understand information more effectively, and engage with others in a wide range of situations. From writing emails and completing job applications, to understanding workplace documents and taking part in meetings, these are skills you’ll use every day.

Progression opportunities

• Move into further education or training
  A level 2 qualification is widely recognised as equivalent to a GCSE pass (grade 4/C) and is often required for college courses, apprenticeships, and vocational programmes.
• Improve your career prospects
  Strong English skills are essential in almost every job. This qualification can help you apply for new roles, progress within your current workplace, and communicate more confidently with colleagues and customers.

No, as a private further education provider fees are applicable to all students. We do have a Loans2Learn scheme that can help you to spread the costs of study into manageable monthly payments.

The courses are delivered online. You will have access to our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) where you will work through your online course materials at a time suited to you. You will be allocated a distance learning tutor who will be your point of contact and will support you through the programme. You will be required to attend a college centre to undertake the online examinations. If you are not near to one of the College's centres, it may be possible to undertake these at another City & Guilds examination centre closed to home.