Functional skills are practical skills in English, mathematics and information and communication technology (ICT) that allow individuals to work confidently, effectively and independently in life.
Functional skills are new qualifications, which are being developed as a response to the employability needs that are set out in the Government’s 14-19 Education and Skills White Paper.
They are designed to provide the necessary levels of literacy, numeracy and information and communication technology skills needed to “function” in today’s society and workplace. Functional skills are to be included in the diploma, GCSEs and the foundation learning tier, as well as being stand-alone qualifications in their own right.
The development of functional skills is seen by the government as essential “to address employers’ concerns that young people and adults are not achieving a firm enough grounding in the basics”. The qualifications are being designed to provide a ‘single ladder of achievement’. They build on existing key and basic skills qualifications, which they are expected to replace in time.
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For frequently asked questions about functional skills, follow this link to the QCA website: