Essential Skills
DIGITAL SKILLS, MATHS AND ENGLISH QUALIFICATIONS NOT ONLY OPEN DOORS TO A RANGE OF NEW CAREERS AND COURSE OPPORTUNITIES BUT ARE ALSO ESSENTIAL IN EVERYDAY LIFE. WHETHER YOU ARE LOOKING TO STUDY FOR PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL GAIN, WE OFFER A RANGE OF QUALIFICATIONS AT LEVELS TO SUIT YOU AND YOUR ABILITY.
Digital Skills
Digital Skills qualifications develop your skills in IT and computing. For beginners we offer Entry Level 3 Award and a Level 1 Award which develop the skills and knowledge you need to undertake essential IT tasks confidently. Once we receive your application to study with us, we’ll help you find the right level by asking you a few questions to find out what skills you have already and what skills you need to develop.
Maths & English
At Preston College you can study maths or English as a Functional Skills course or as a GCSE.
Functional Skills classes start throughout the academic year and are a great way to prepare you for the further study. GCSEs start in September each year, with the option of evening or daytime classes. We also offer a ‘Fast-track’ study option in January.
If you don’t already have a GCSE grade 4 (formerly grade C) or above in the subject you wish to study, the course will be FREE!*
Finding the right level
Before you begin a Maths or English course, you must attend Preston College for an assessment. The assessment is used to determine which level of study is right for you, to make sure that we are putting you into a class with others of a similar level and ability.
You will receive a reminder by text or email to attend your assessment. The assessment may be done remotely or in-person at Preston College.
You will be sent useful revision materials, which will help you to prepare for the assessment and you will receive your result at the end of the assessment.
Tutors are available to speak with you, once you have received your assessment result, about the various study options, including daytime and evening classes.
If you have an appointment to attend an in-person assessment at Preston College but find that you can no longer attend, please do let us know, so we can offer your assessment slot to someone else.
Our Entry Level and Functional Skills courses run for 9-12 weeks. Functional Skills courses run for six hours per week (two sessions of three hours each). There are flexible day and evening options and start dates throughout the year.
GCSE classes start in September each year, running for one day per week, with attendance for three hours per session.
Throughout your time in college you will be supported by specialist tutors and will be surrounded by other learners who are working at a similar level of study to you.
Upon successful completion of your course, you will have the opportunity to discuss progression opportunities with your tutor and move onto higher level study, if you meet the entry criteria for your chosen programme.
For more information on our Essential Skills courses please use the links below: