Functional Skills English
Functional Skills exams will go ahead in summer 2021
DfE and Ofqual have confirmed that exams and assessments should continue for Functional Skills qualifications. Read more
- Teaching from: September 2019
- Exams from: January 2020
- Specification code: 8720 8725
- QAN code: 603/4284/5 (Level 1); 603/4285/7 (Level 2)
This specification for Functional Skills English Level 1 and Level 2 (8720, 8725), is designed to equip learners with the life skills they need to succeed. It aims to ensure learners can communicate with confidence and independence and offers excellent preparation for employment and further education.
Often a learner’s first recognised qualification in English, this course can be used in preparation for GCSE English Language. There are no prior learning requirements for this pass/fail qualification.
Teaching resources
Plan
Prepare for your teaching year. Information, support and services to help you deliver the specification.
Teach
Teaching resources that you can use to plan your lessons and support your students’ learning.
Not available
Assess
Prepare your students for assessment. Past papers, mark schemes and example answers.
Key dates
- Exam for Functional Skills English Level 1 Reading (8720/R)
Series: November 2021
Start time: am
Duration: 1 hour - Exam for Functional Skills English Level 2 Reading (8725/R)
Series: November 2021
Start time: am
Duration: 1 hour - Non-exam assessment submission deadline for Functional Skills English Level 1 (8720/S)
Schools and colleges may set their own internal deadlines
Upcoming events 
Talk to us
The customer support team.
8am–5pm Monday to FridayTel: 0161 953 7504
Email: english-gcse@aqa.org.uk