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
Functional Skills controlled assessment packs 1 and 2 have been retired and are now available as sample papers, and can be found under the Assessment Materials section. Please note these are no longer live papers and must be used for sample purposes only.
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 (QSID)
External Assessment Timetable
Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations Policy
Direct Claim Status (DCS)
Contextualised Assessment Request Form
CPD Training and Events
Skills Forward
Department for Education Subject Content for English
Qualification Specification
LessMore info DownloadThis 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
LessMore info DownloadThis document provides an overview of our Functional Skills English offering at Level 1 and Level 2.
Overview of Changes in Functional Skills
LessMore info DownloadHere's a helpful summary of all of the key changes to the Functional Skills process.
Functional Skills Mapping Document - Level 2 English
LessMore info DownloadThis 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
LessMore info DownloadThis document will help centres to devise or contextualise assessment tasks, where permitted.
Functional Skills Invigilation Changes
LessMore info DownloadThis document outlines some of the changes and FAQs around Functional Skills invigilation.
Support Handbook
LessMore info DownloadThis 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
LessMore info DownloadThis document outlines the steps centres need to take to book learners onto their controlled assessments.
Controlled Assessment Pack 9 - Level 2 English
LessMore info DownloadThis 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 10 - Level 2 English
LessMore info DownloadThis 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 11 - Level 2 English
LessMore info DownloadThis 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 12 - Level 2 English
LessMore info DownloadThis 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 13 - Level 2 English
LessMore info DownloadThis 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 14 - Level 2 English
LessMore info DownloadThis 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.
Assessment Topics
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Sample Activity (SLC) - Level 2 Functional Skills English
LessMore info DownloadThis is a sample assessment material for this new Functional Skills qualification.
Sample Assessment Grid (SLC) - Level 2 Functional Skills English
LessMore info DownloadThis is a sample assessment material for this new Functional Skills qualification.
Past Paper Controlled Assessment SLC L2 English Set 1 2019/2020
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Past Paper Controlled Assessment SLC L2 English Set 2 2019/2020
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Learner Observation and Achievement Record (SLC) - Level 2 Functional Skills English
LessMore info DownloadThis Learner Observation and Achievement Record (SLC) must be completed for each learner and made available for internal and external quality assurance purposes.
Learner Observation and Achievement Record (SLC) - Exemplar Response - Level 2 Functional Skills English
LessMore info DownloadThis exemplar response has been devised to help centres with the Learner Observation and Achievement Record (SLC), which must be completed for each learner and made available for internal and external quality assurance purposes.
Assessment Activity Template - Level 2 SLC
LessMore info DownloadThis is an activity template for centres to contextualise a controlled assessment.
Assessment Tracking Document
LessMore info DownloadThis 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
LessMore info DownloadThis 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.
Assessment Standardisation Instructions - Level 2 English SLC
LessMore info DownloadThis document contains links to resources required for Assessor standardisation in the Speaking, Listening and Communicating component.
Chief Examiner Report (Reading) (On-screen) - October 2019
LessMore info DownloadThis document contains feedback from the Chief Examiner for the October 2019 on-screen external assessment paper.
Chief Examiner Report (Writing) (On-screen) - October 2019
LessMore info DownloadThis document contains feedback from the Chief Examiner for the October 2019 on-screen external assessment paper.
Chief Examiner Report (Reading) - 14-18 October 2019
LessMore info DownloadThis 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
LessMore info DownloadThis document contains feedback from the Chief Examiner for the 14-18 October 2019 paper-based external assessment paper.
Chief Examiner Report (Reading) - 9-13 December 2019
LessMore info DownloadThis document contains feedback from the Chief Examiner for the 9-13 December 2019 paper-based external assessment paper.
Chief Examiner Report (Writing) - 9-13 December 2019
LessMore info DownloadThis document contains feedback from the Chief Examiner for the 9-13 December 2019 paper-based external assessment paper.
Chief Examiner Report (Reading) - 24-28 February 2020
LessMore info DownloadThis document contains feedback from the Chief Examiner for the 24-28 February 2020 paper-based external assessment paper
Chief Examiner Report (Writing) - 24-28 February 2020
LessMore info DownloadThis document contains feedback from the Chief Examiner for the 24-28 February 2020 paper-based external assessment.
Chief Examiner Report (Reading and Writing) - August 2020
LessMore info DownloadThis document contains feedback from the Chief Examiner for the August 2020 external assessment.
Past Paper (Dec 19) L2 Functional Skills English Reading - P001244
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Past Paper (Dec 19) L2 Functional Skills English Writing - P001249
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Past Paper (Oct 19 Onscreen) L2 Functional Skills English Reading - P001273
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Past Paper (Oct 19 Onscreen) L2 Functional Skills English Reading - P001274
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Past Paper (Oct 19 Onscreen) L2 Functional Skills English Writing - P001277
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Past Paper (Oct 19 Onscreen) L2 Functional Skills English Writing - P001278
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Past Paper (Oct 19) L2 Functional Skills English Reading - P001243
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Past Paper (Oct 19) L2 Functional Skills English Writing - P001248
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SAM L2 Functional Skills English Reading
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SAM L2 Functional Skills English Writing
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Mandatory units
- Speaking, Listening and Communicating
- Reading
- Writing
NCFE Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification in English - Scheme of Work
Price (Inc VAT): Free
NCFE Level 2 Functional Skills English Writing Learner Workbook
Price (Inc VAT): £5.40
NCFE Level 2 Functional Skills English Writing Answer Book
Price (Inc VAT): £5.40
NCFE Level 2 Functional Skills English Reading Answer Book
Price (Inc VAT): £5.40
NCFE Level 2 Functional Skills English Reading Learner Workbook
Price (Inc VAT): £5.40
NCFE Functional Skills English Glossary
Price (Inc VAT): Free
Print materials available on our dedicated Print Shop website
Price (Inc VAT): Refer to External Link
Students are still required to complete the controlled assessment for Speaking, Listening and Communication. Where these assessments take place in an on-demand format and can be delivered in line with public health guidelines, SLC assessments should continue to proceed remotely.
This qualification is in scope for alternative arrangements and if required can be awarded via an assessed grade from the centre. The adaptation document provides further details on the scope and evidence requirements for this.
For further information please see the adaptation addendum document below.
AT FS L1-2 English V4
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