Functional Skills Maths

APPLICATIONS NOW

Applications Open: Thursday 10th December 2026

Applications Close: Friday 12th February 2027

Entry Requirements: Admission to Towers Sixth Form to study A levels or BTEC equivalent will be awarded on the basis of GCSE performance. Each subject has its own entry requirements.

How to Apply: Please apply via Kent Choices

If you obtained a grade 2 or below in Maths for your GCSEs you will be enrolled on to study functional skills maths when in Sixth Form. You will be entered for your Level 1 exam in January and if you pass, you will then be entered for your Level 2.

100% examination

Grade 2 or below in Maths GCSE.

Maths is one of the best subjects to develop your analytical, research and problem-solving skills. A Functional Skills qualification is designed to give you the skills you need to be confident, effective, and independent in education, work, and everyday life.

In Functional Skills Mathematics, you will work on questions set in real life that will help you develop the skills you need in life. You will learn how to apply the mathematics you know to solve real-life problems and you will develop these important process skills: Representing, Analysing and Interpreting.

Maths is a key requirement for a huge range of career pathways. Indeed, many employers will use your Maths grade to gauge your aptitude in problem solving and basic numeracy before they ever meet you. It is also considered a gateway qualification for both Higher and Further Education.

Recognising the importance of Maths, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that ‘numeracy…is a key skill every bit as essential as reading.’