Last updated: 07 Sep 2007

Diplomas require learners to gain functional skills in English, mathematics and ICT:

• at level 1 for the Foundation Diploma
• at level 2 for Higher and Advanced Diplomas.

Functional skills are part of the generic learning component of the Diplomas, but learners will have opportunities to develop and apply functional skills across the Diploma curriculum. Awarding bodies will provide guidance on the full range of opportunities for developing and applying functional skills. This will help centres to integrate functional skills and help learners to plan and review their achievements.

Functional skills will form part of GCSEs in English, mathematics and ICT, Diplomas and apprenticeships. They will also be available as stand-alone qualifications.

QCA is working in partnership with several other organisations and have consulted widely on this work. The first year of the pilot will focus on a range of evidence-based assessment approaches as well as the most effective means of delivering functional skills. The standards, assessment and delivery of functional skills commences a three-year pilot programme and evaluation process in September 2007.

For further information on functional skills, please see the related links section to the right of this page.