Provision Type and Level of Learners

The data below shows that the provision type and the level of Functional Skills was evenly spread.

The Value of Functional Skills

Reviewing the practitioners’ responses, we can see trends in what people saw as the value of the qualifications.

Supports Diverse Learners

Practitioners felt that the qualifications suited a diverse range of learners. They felt they were especially valuable for adult learners, ESOL students, and those with special educational needs, offering a more accessible and relevant maths curriculum. One tutor said, “We are a special school for students aged 11-16 with learning and additional needs. Our focus is on delivering relevant learning to prepare our students for life after our school. The functional skills maths curriculum enables this to happen.” Another said, “The chance to obtain a qualification [is important]. I work with SEN pupils, so attaining a qualification has high importance and value for them.” For ESOL learners, a tutor pointed out how it can support their language development too, “It offers them a nationally recognised qualification in maths, which gives them an opportunity to support their English learning when ran alongside. Learning English as a second language, the qualification relies widely on widening their vocabulary to access the questions.” Finally, one added “Entry Level 3 (E3) remains a vital, accessible pathway for our most vulnerable learners.”

Practical Life Skills

Many felt that Functional Skills maths equipped learners with essential numeracy skills for everyday tasks. One tutor commented, “The course enables...learners to see how maths can be used in real-life situations; helping them to work on various life examples of maths.” Another talked about the contexts their learners related to, “my learners engage best with maths contexts such as budgeting and managing wages, calculating savings and understanding tax and National Insurance. These are particularly effective because they reflect real-world situations. For example, tasks like working out weekly wages after deductions, comparing mobile phone tariffs, calculating interest on savings, makes maths meaningful.”

Builds Confidence and Progression

For many tutors, Functional Skills maths helps close learning gaps, build foundational knowledge and increase learners' self-confidence to progress to GCSE or employment. A practitioner commented that, “Functional Skills maths provides learners with a practical and accessible alternative to GCSE. It offers a clear point of difference, giving those who may have struggled with traditional routes an opportunity for change and importantly, hope for progression in their education and careers.” Another talked of the value of the qualifications as “stepping stones/imperative foundation to building on their maths skills. It helps them with their concrete knowledge to help them achieve their future goals such as GCSE and employment or university.” Finally, we were told “It helps to build confidence and also helps to close the gaps in their learning.”

Employability Enhancement

Practitioners were keen to point out that Functional Skills maths improves employability prospects by developing numeracy skills relevant to various jobs, supporting career progression and independence. One practitioner pointed out the value for those changing careers among other things, “Some need it for a new career (paramedic), some need it to get promotion at work (care workers), some say that it helps that they can help with their own children and some feel they missed out and are doing it just for themselves to increase their self-esteem.” Another agreed with how useful the qualifications were for the workplace, “Functional Skills provides excellent support for adults and for 16-18-year-olds in developing essential work and life skills. Our students gain the most important practical abilities they need for many workplace tasks and everyday situations.”

Flexibility and Accessibility

For many the value of Functional Skills maths comes from it being a flexible and accessible qualification pathway that can boost learners’ confidence, provide recognition of skills and support transitions into further education, training or employment. One tutor commented, “A much more accessible and flexible option compared to GCSE to work towards the maths standard required. [The] practical contexts and problem-solving is closer to real world mathematics.”

Tutors shared many insights into the value of Functional Skills maths, but one comment stood out.

“It helps them with employment prospects, job opportunities for their futures. It helps build their confidence in using maths in society. It helps make them better at problem solving. It helps them integrate into their communities better. It gives them freedom to make decisions in their lives.”

What more could you ask for in a maths qualification?