NCFE Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification in English
- Ref:
- 603/5054/4
- Sector:
- Preparation for Life and Work
- Level
- Level 2
- Minimum entry age
- Pre-16
- GLH
- 55
- TQT
- 66
Important: This reformed Functional Skills qualification has completed Ofqual’s technical evaluation process. Registrations and assessment bookings are now available. You can use the below support materials, including schemes of work, to help you plan and prepare for teaching and delivery.
About this qualification:
The purpose of the Functional Skills English Level 2 qualification is to prepare the learner for work, study and life. Learners who achieve this qualification will demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, listen and communicate in English. Learners will be able to apply these skills effectively to a range of purposes in the workplace and in real life situations.
Who is it suitable for?
This qualification is suitable for learners studying the following:
• Apprenticeships
• Traineeships
• Study Programme
• Alternative to GCSE
• T-Levels
• As a standalone qualification
Entry requirements
There are no pre-entry requirements for this qualification and no minimum age requirement has been set for registration.
Qualification structure:
This qualification is assessed via 2 external assessments and one controlled assessment.
The external assessments cover the following components:
• Reading
• Writing
The controlled assessment covers the following component:
• Speaking, Listening and Communicating
Online Assessment
Online assessment is available for this qualification, and live online assessments are now bookable. Please visit our Online Assessment page for further information.
Sample assessments can now be scheduled on our Surpass platform.
Useful Links
Regulations for the Conduct of External and Controlled Assessments
Qualification Specific Instructions for Delivery
External Assessment Timetable
Access to Scripts
Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations Policy
Direct Claim Status (DCS)
Contextualised Assessment Request Form
Events
Skills Forward
Department for Education Subject Content for English
Qualification Specification
This document contains everything you need to know about this qualification and should be used by everyone involved in its planning, delivery and assessment.
Functional Skills Fact Sheet - Level 1 and 2 English
This document provides an overview of our Functional Skills English offering at Level 1 and Level 2.
Overview of Changes in Functional Skills
Here's a helpful summary of all of the key changes to the Functional Skills process.
Functional Skills Mapping Document - Level 2 English
This document maps the Department for Education's subject content for reformed Functional Skills qualifications to the legacy Functional Skills subject content.
Functional Skills Writing Guide - Adapting NCFE Devised Internal Assessment Activities
This document will help centres to devise or contextualise assessment tasks, where permitted.
Functional Skills Invigilation Changes
This document outlines some of the changes and FAQs around Functional Skills invigilation.
Support Handbook
This document contains supporting information that relates to NCFE and CACHE qualifications to assist in planning, delivery and assessment, and must be used alongside the Qualification Specification.
Steps to Booking Controlled Assessments - Guidance for Centres
This document outlines the steps centres need to take to book learners onto their controlled assessments.
Controlled Assessment Pack 1 - Level 2 English
This folder contains one live controlled assessment pack for the Speaking, Listening and Communicating component. Please use the password provided on the bookings screen in our Portal to access these assessments.
Controlled Assessment Pack 2 - Level 2 English
This folder contains one live controlled assessment pack for the Speaking, Listening and Communicating component. Please use the password provided on the bookings screen in our Portal to access these assessments.
Controlled Assessment Pack 3 - Level 2 English
This folder contains one live controlled assessment pack for the Speaking, Listening and Communicating component. Please use the password provided on the bookings screen in our Portal to access these assessments.
Controlled Assessment Pack 4 - Level 2 English
This folder contains one live controlled assessment pack for the Speaking, Listening and Communicating component. Please use the password provided on the bookings screen in our Portal to access these assessments.
Controlled Assessment Pack 5 - Level 2 English
This folder contains one live controlled assessment pack for the Speaking, Listening and Communicating component. Please use the password provided on the bookings screen in our Portal to access these assessments.
Controlled Assessment Pack 6 - Level 2 English
This folder contains one live controlled assessment pack for the Speaking, Listening and Communicating component. Please use the password provided on the bookings screen in our Portal to access these assessments.
Controlled Assessment Pack 7 - Level 2 English
This folder contains one live controlled assessment pack for the Speaking, Listening and Communicating component. Please use the password provided on the bookings screen in our Portal to access these assessments.
Controlled Assessment Pack 8 - Level 2 English
This folder contains one live controlled assessment pack for the Speaking, Listening and Communicating component. Please use the password provided on the bookings screen in our Portal to access these assessments.
Sample Question Paper (Writing) - Level 2 Functional Skills English
This is a sample assessment material for this new Functional Skills qualification.
Sample Mark Scheme (Writing) - Level 2 Functional Skills English
This is a sample assessment material for this new Functional Skills qualification.
Sample Question Paper (Reading) - Level 2 Functional Skills English
This is a sample assessment material for this new Functional Skills qualification.
Sample Mark Scheme (Reading) - Level 2 Functional Skills English
This is a sample assessment material for this new Functional Skills qualification.
Sample Activity (SLC) - Level 2 Functional Skills English
This is a sample assessment material for this new Functional Skills qualification.
Sample Learner Observation and Achievement Record (SLC) - Level 2 Functional Skills English
This is a sample assessment material for this new Functional Skills qualification.
Sample Assessment Grid (SLC) - Level 2 Functional Skills English
This is a sample assessment material for this new Functional Skills qualification.
Assessment Activity Template - Level 2 SLC
This is an activity template for centres to contextualise a controlled assessment.
Assessment Topics
Please find a list of controlled assessment topics for our Reformed Functional Skills qualifications.
Assessment Tracking Document
This tracking document must be completed by the Centre's designated person for each controlled assessment event within the Centre.
Assessor Instructions and Guidance - Speaking, Listening and Communicating
This document is designed to assist centres in the delivery and assessment of the Speaking, Listening and Communicating controlled assessment of the reformed NCFE Functional Skills English qualifications.
Chief Examiner Report (Reading) (On-screen) - October 2019
This document contains feedback from the Chief Examiner for the October 2019 on-screen external assessment paper.
Chief Examiner Report (Writing) (On-screen) - October 2019
This document contains feedback from the Chief Examiner for the October 2019 on-screen external assessment paper.
Chief Examiner Report (Reading) - 14-18 October 2019
This document contains feedback from the Chief Examiner for the 14-18 October 2019 paper-based external assessment paper.
Chief Examiner Report (Writing) - 14-18 October 2019
This document contains feedback from the Chief Examiner for the 14-18 October 2019 paper-based external assessment paper.
External Assessment Question Paper (Reading) - 14-18 October 2019
This past paper will help learners prepare for their external assessment.
External Assessment Mark Scheme (Reading) - 14-18 October 2019
This past paper will help learners prepare for their external assessment.
External Assessment Question Paper (Writing) - 14-18 October 2019
This past paper will help learners prepare for their external assessment.
External Assessment Mark Scheme (Writing) - 14-18 October 2019
This past paper will help learners prepare for their external assessment.
Mandatory units
- Speaking, Listening and Communicating
- Reading
- Writing
There's a range of available resources you can download or purchase