Cookie Consent by Privacy Policies website

Maths, Numeracy and Finance

Person using a calculator

Maths is a fundamental life and work skill that helps you solve problems, manage finances, interpret information and make informed decisions in everyday life.

If you do not already hold a Level 2 Maths qualification (GCSE equivalent), gaining one can enhance your employment opportunities and support your career progression.

Most of our courses are free of charge, subject to eligibility criteria. For more information about eligibility, please visit our Support for Learners page.

Click on the boxes below for more information:

Now enrolling!

Our Functional Skills courses offer flexible enrolment throughout the year, with learners able to start at different points depending on availability and assessment.

To book an initial assessment, call 01325 405601 or email l&[email protected].

Our team will help you find the right course and level for your needs.

Functional Skills

Course summary

Develop your everyday maths skills in a friendly and supportive environment. These Entry Level 1, 2, and 3 Maths courses are designed to help you build confidence with numbers and improve your understanding of practical maths used in everyday life.

You will learn skills such as counting, measuring, handling money, reading timetables, understanding numbers, and solving everyday problems. The course will help you develop the knowledge and confidence needed for daily life, work, and further learning.

Whether you're returning to learning, refreshing your skills, or looking to improve your confidence with maths, this course provides step-by-step support to help you achieve your goals.

No previous qualifications are required.

Who are these courses for?

These courses are for adults aged 19 and over who would like to improve their everyday maths skills and build confidence with numbers. They are suitable for learners working at Entry Level 1, 2, or 3. You will complete an initial assessment to identify the level that is right for you.

Whether you are returning to learning, refreshing your skills, or looking to develop your maths for everyday life, work, or further study, these courses provide step-by-step support in a friendly and welcoming environment.

No previous qualifications are required.

Entry requirements

  • Are aged 19 years or older;
  • Have the right to live and work in the UK, EU or EEA
  • Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas

Curriculum intent

The curriculum intent of Functional Skills Maths is for learners to gain knowledge, skills and confidence across the three main areas of Maths – number, measures and data.

This will lead to an increase in ability to solve mathematical problems. Each level of Functional Skills Maths builds on the previous level up to the completion of a Level 2 qualification.

These qualifications are nationally recognised and can help you to upskill and gain employment. 

Initial assessments

  • You must complete an assessment before joining a Maths course - this will ensure you are placed in the correct class with the right support.
  • Assessments take place in person and take approximately one hour to complete. If you are unable to attend in person, an online assessment may be available.
  • Your assessment results, along with any previous qualifications you hold, will determine the level of course that is right for you.
  • There may be a waiting period between completing your assessment and starting your course.

Levels

  • Entry Level 1
  • Entry Level 2
  • Entry Level 3

Course content

Entry level

  • Basics of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
  • The use of numeracy in money
  • Rounding and estimation
  • Fractions and decimals
  • Interpretation of graphs and charts
  • Measurement - time, temperature, length, distance, weight and capacity
  • 2D and 3D shapes
  • The use of perimeter of simple shapes

Time and location

  • You will attend one 2-hour lesson per week.
  • Maths courses are flexible, with no fixed start or end date, allowing you to work at your own pace.
  • Courses are available on a variety of days and times to suit different schedules.

Equipment

Please bring:

  • A notepad
  • A pen (or a digital device) to take notes
  • A file to store your work

Cost

This course is free of charge, providing you meet the eligibility criteria above. If you do not meet any one of the three criteria listed, you can pay for the course - please contact us on the details below for costs.

Exams

  • To achieve your qualification, you must complete a mandatory exam.
  • Exams cannot be taken at home and must be completed under approved exam conditions.
  • Functional Skills Maths exams are set by national awarding organisations in line with Department for Education requirements.
  • There are no fixed national exam dates - you will only be entered for an exam when you and your tutor agree that you are ready.
  • Entry Level Maths exams take approximately two hours to complete.

Progression

After this course has finished you may like to continue to the next level in Maths which might be a higher Entry Level, Level 1 or Level 2. You may also wish to join other courses delivered by Learning & Skills across a variety of areas. 

What do I do next?

Please contact us  to book an initial assessment on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected] and please let us know if you have been referred from the Job Centre.

Course summary

Develop the Maths skills needed for everyday life, work, and further learning with our Functional Skills Maths Level 1 and Level 2 courses. These qualifications help you build confidence in using Maths in practical situations, including working with numbers, percentages, measurements, data, and problem-solving.

You will learn how to apply Maths to real-life tasks such as budgeting, managing finances, interpreting information, and making informed decisions. Lessons are designed to be supportive and engaging, helping you progress at a pace that suits you.

Whether you are looking to gain a recognised qualification, improve your employment prospects, or prepare for further study, this course will help you develop the knowledge and confidence to achieve your goals.

Entry requirements

  • Are aged 19 years or older;
  • Have the right to live and work in the UK, EU or EEA
  • Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas

Curriculum intent

The curriculum intent of Functional Skills Maths is for learners to gain knowledge, skills and confidence across the three main areas of Maths – number, measures and data.

This will lead to an increase in ability to solve mathematical problems.

Each level of Functional Skills Maths builds on the previous level up to the completion of a Level 2 qualification.

These qualifications are nationally recognised and can help you to upskill and gain employment. 

Initial assessments

  • You must complete an assessment before joining a Maths course - this will ensure you are placed in the correct class with the right support.
  • Assessments take place in person and take approximately one hour to complete. If you are unable to attend in person, an online assessment may be available.
  • Your assessment results, along with any previous qualifications you hold, will determine the level of course that is right for you.
  • There may be a waiting period between completing your assessment and starting your course.

Levels

  • Level 1 (equivalent to GCSE grade 1-3 / old graded D-G)
  • Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE grade 4 / old grade C)

Course content

  • Basics of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
  • Ratio, proportion and scale
  • Fractions, decimals and percentages
  • Money and exchange rates
  • Interpretation of graphs and charts
  • The use of averages and probability
  • Measurement - length, distance, weight and capacity
  • The use of perimeter, area and volume of simple and complex shapes, including using formulae

Time and location

  • You will attend one 2-hour lesson per week.
  • Maths courses are flexible, with no fixed start or end date, allowing you to work at your own pace.
  • Courses are available on a variety of days and times to suit different schedules.

Equipment

Please bring:

  • A notepad
  • A pen (or a digital device) to take notes
  • A file to store your work

Cost

This course is free of charge, providing you meet the eligibility criteria above. If you do not meet any one of the three criteria listed, you can pay for the course - please contact us on the details below for costs.

Exams

  • To achieve your qualification, you must complete a mandatory exam.
  • Exams cannot be taken at home and must be completed under approved exam conditions.
  • Functional Skills Maths exams are set by national awarding organisations in line with Department for Education requirements.
  • There are no fixed national exam dates - you will only be entered for an exam when you and your tutor agree that you are ready.
  • Functional Skills Level 1 and 2 Maths exams take approximately two hours to complete.

Progression

After this course has finished you may like to continue to the next level in maths which might be a higher Entry Level, Level 1 or Level 2. You may also wish to join other courses delivered by Learning & Skills across a variety of areas. 

What do I do next?

Please contact us to book an initial assessment on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected] and please let us know if you have been referred from the Job Centre.

Continuing Professional Development

Course summary

Take control of your finances and learn how to manage your money more effectively, create and maintain a budget, understand spending habits, and make informed financial decisions.

The course covers key topics such as budgeting, saving, managing debt, understanding financial products, and planning for future financial goals. Through real-life examples and practical activities, you will develop the skills and confidence needed to make the most of your money.

Whether you want to improve your financial wellbeing, reduce money worries, or gain a recognised CPD certificate, this course will provide valuable knowledge to support your everyday life. No previous experience is required.

It is recommended that learners interested in this course have or are working towards an English qualification at GCSE level.

This course will take place online so that you can learn from the comfort of your home.

Who is this course for?

This course is for adults aged 19 and over who would like to improve their money management skills and gain confidence in managing their finances. It is suitable for anyone looking to learn how to budget, save money, make informed financial decisions, and plan for the future.

Entry requirements:

  • Aged 19+
  • Have the right to live and work in the UK
  • Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas

What is the curriculum intent of this course?

The course intent is to equip you with the knowledge you may need to start saving, to budget your incomings and outgoings, prioritise needs over wants, how to obtain finance, how to improve your credit rating and more.

What will the course cover?

  • Budgeting
  • Saving
  • Spending
  • Financing
  • Repayment plans

What could I do when I have finished this course?

You could continue onto one of our many other Distance Learning or CPD courses, depending on your pathway of choice. Or you may want to achieve a qualification in Maths, English or ICT. Many free courses will be made available to you at the end of this course.

When and where will I learn?

  • This course is delivered through our online learning portal.
  • You can study at your own pace and work towards agreed deadlines.
  • You will receive your login details during enrolment.

What do I need?

  • Access to the internet.
  • An internet-enabled device, such as a PC, laptop, iPad, or tablet. Please note that smartphones are not suitable for this course.

How much will the course cost?

This course is free.

What should I do next?

Apply for the​ course

If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]

Hear from current and former learners on our Functional Skills courses in the video below.

Need more information?

If you have any queries about our maths courses, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Install our web app