Adult Functional Skills English – Various Levels
Learn English for free (*subject to eligibility) at your own pace in a welcoming and relaxed adult environment. We offer both daytime and evening study options. Build your confidence while enhancing your reading, writing, and communication skills, and boost your career prospects.
Course Summary
Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
Our flexible adult classes are designed around your needs. Courses start in September and January and we have evening and school hours classes delivered at our campuses and in community venues across Derby and Derbyshire. If you want to improve your English skills in a relaxed and friendly environment, then come and join us.
This course enables you to:
- Learn at your own pace in a friendly and relaxed environment
- Gain the confidence to learn and work effectively and independently
- Improve your reading and writing skills
- Build your future employability skills
The course is also available at our Ilkeston and Roundhouse sites.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements to access this course and we have a variety of levels on offer to suit everyone.
All applicants will be invited to an interview and assessment session. Please allow up to 90 minutes for your assessment: it will give us an indication of your current level and learning needs. Once complete, we will discuss the most appropriate level of course for you.
What will you learn?
Gaining this qualification will improve your competence in:
- Writing documents on complex subjects (by hand and electronically)
- Communicating (both individually and within a group)
- Understanding and following written instructions
- Accurate grammar, spelling and punctuation so that meaning is clear
- Formal letter writing
- Writing an email
- Reading and summarising information succinctly from different sources
- Creating effective presentations in different contexts
All of these skills will really help when it comes to applying for a job or studying at university.
How will you learn?
This course will be delivered on-site.
What will you need to bring with you?
There is no specialist equipment required for this course. However, you may wish to purchase relevant textbooks to supplement your learning which your tutor will recommend.
We also recommend that you purchase an A4 writing pad (with margins), black pens, a highlighter and a folder in which to keep your work.
How will you be assessed?
At the start of the course, you will be assessed to find out what you need to learn. You will then agree an individual learning plan appropriate to your situation and needs. You will be assessed informally throughout the course to check on your progress.
Qualifications are obtained by completing:
- A reading and writing assessment
- A speaking and listening assessment
- An individual presentation (Level 2 only)
Where next?
Gaining Functional English will help you in any future course of study that you may be considering. For individuals wishing to move into higher education, Level 2 is accepted for entry to a range of courses (check with the course providers for information on specific courses).
Employers consider Functional Skills to be essential in the workplace so achievement of a Level 1/2 qualification will give you an advantage in the job market.
For a confidential chat about your own learning needs, please contact the Adult English and Maths Team on 01332 387465.
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information, contact the Adult English and Maths Team on 01332 387465 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Course Information for Employers
Information for Employers
Career Information
DCG Success Stories
Discover how our students have achieved success. Their hard work and dedication to learning has enabled them to succeed in rewarding careers or progress onto higher education.
We encourage progress and aspirational outcomes by guiding people onto learning pathways that lead to positive destinations. Our students have gone on to achieve great things since leaving the College. We would like to share some of their inspiring success stories with you.
Find out what funding could be available to you:
Thinking about returning to education or developing new skills? Use our funding calculator below to get an estimate of the financial support you may be eligible for based on where you live.
Whether you’re looking to retrain, progress in your career, or try something new, funding could make your next step more accessible than you think.
Simply enter your postcode into the calculator to see an estimate of the funding that may be available in your area. This is based on regional funding allocations and typical eligibility criteria for adult learners.
Important:
The results shown are a guide only and are not a guarantee of funding.
Funding availability can vary depending on:
- Your personal circumstances (such as age, employment status, and prior qualifications)
- The course you choose
- Government and local funding rules at the time of enrolment
If you’re considering adult learning, there’s never been a better time to explore your options.
Our courses are designed to fit around your life, with flexible study options and expert support every step of the way.
Find out more about the courses available. Adult Courses
If you have any questions about funding, eligibility, or courses, our team is here to help. Contact Us
Course Information Last Updated On: June 9, 2026 2:54 pm
