English and maths courses and qualifications for adults
English and maths skills are essential for everyday life, education and employment. Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA) delivers short courses and accredited Functional Skills qualifications up to level 2 in English and maths.
These courses and qualifications are free for learners aged 19+ subject to meeting funding criteria.
Short courses in English and maths
Short courses are a great way to boost your confidence with essentials skills and get back into learning. They are also a great first step to progress onto an accredited qualification. Our short courses are non-accredited and are completed over 3 to 6 weeks either online or in a local community venue.
English short courses
English courses cover skills to improve your confidence in written and spoken communication, reading, and everyday language use.
Maths short courses
Maths courses cover practical skills to build confidence in areas such as money management, units of measurements, proportions and ratios, and shapes and space.
Search for English and maths courses
Accredited Functional Skills qualifications in English and maths
Functional Skills qualifications are nationally recognised and demonstrate your ability to understand and apply core skills in English and maths to real-life situations. BESA offers qualifications at level 1 and level 2, awarded by City & Guilds. A level 2 Functional Skills qualification is equivalent to a GCSE pass and is a valuable accreditation to unlock further education, apprenticeships and job opportunities.
English Functional Skills
An English qualification will develop your overall comprehension of the English language. Strengthen your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills for work and daily life.
Maths Functional Skills
A maths qualification will build your confidence with numbers in every aspect of life. Sharpen your problem-solving abilities, improve your critical thinking and learn how to manage money better.
What to expect when you enrol on a Functional Skills qualification
Functional skills qualifications typically take around 6 months to complete, which is based on 2 hours of learning plus at least 1 to 2 hours of self-study per week.
Our courses are delivered to small groups with different options to learn to suit you, with daytime and evening sessions available. This includes:
- in person at a local community venue
- live online tutorials on Microsoft Teams
- independent self-study online (level 2 learners only)
Before starting the course, you’ll be asked to complete an online assessment to identify your starting level. If you have a learning difficulty or disability, we’ll work with you to provide tailored support and resources for when you start the course.
During the course, your tutor will help you prepare for your exams and keep you informed of the dates you are working towards. If you don’t pass the first time, we’ll offer further support sessions to build confidence and resit opportunities.
Register your interest
Interested in getting started with a course or qualification in English or maths?
Feedback from our learners
The tutor provided lots of useful information in a clear and insightful manner. The style of teaching was extremely friendly, casual and open which made the entire course a very enjoyable experience.
The interaction between myself, the tutor and the other learners was great. It was good to be able to do activities online as well as on paper. The course has been set in a way that enables me to understand what is being taught. I liked the way the tutor gave feedback in an encouraging way.
The course helped me in more ways than just understanding numbers. It's given me more belief and confidence in knowing that I can achieve things. I have since taken on being an NHS volunteer which I wouldn't have done before.
The online learning experience was good and being able to take lessons online from home was helpful. Around a full time job and being a parent, this is a fantastic option to have and worked so well for me.