Skills for Life

• Have you got an up to date qualification in maths and English? 

• Would you like to achieve a free qualification that could be equivalent to GCSE Grade C? 

• Do you need to improve your Maths and English skills to get that job or to help you get promoted? 

• Are your English and maths a bit 'rusty'?

If you need help we have a wide range of flexible learning programmes to help you. 

View our information on page 7 of our Course Information 2024-2025 (PDF, 751 KB)(opens new window). 

Struggle with English and Maths? You're not alone.

The Government report - Skills for Life found that seven million adults in the UK have poor literacy and numeracy skills. In Gateshead 22% of people need support with their literacy and 63% need support with their numeracy ( DfES Readwrite Plus 2005). Gateshead Council's Skills for Life team has fully qualified tutors to provide help and guidance to people who want to improve these skills and work towards a functional skills qualification (equivalent to a GCSE grade).

Improving your skills could improve your chances of getting a job, or if you are already employed - could make day-to-day tasks easier and increase your chances of promotion. We offer:

• High quality teaching and learning

• A personalised learning plan

• Learning at a time that suits you

• Confidential support

• A free nationally recognised qualification

• Courses that are free, friendly and fun.

Test Gateshead

This is a drop-in where you can fast track your way to a Maths or English qualification through a mix of distance learning and tutor support at times that suit you. Call the Skills for Life Team on 0191 433 8738 to book an appointment.

ESOL - (English for speakers of other languages)

Need help with your English? Want to improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing? Come along and talk to one of our friendly ESOL tutors and get a free English assessment. We will help you find an English course. To book an appointment, contact Skills for Life on 0191 433 8738.

English

Enrol on a course that leads to a Nationally recognised qualification in Functional English at Entry level, Level 1 or 2 (Level 2 is equivalent to GCSE Grade C). Topics covered include, spelling, punctuation, grammar and writing for different purposes.

Maths

Enrol on a course that leads to a Nationally recognised qualification in Functional Maths at Entry level, Level 1 or 2. (Level 2 is equivalent to GCSE Grade C). Topics covered include ratio and proportion, formulae, fractions, decimals, percentages, tables graphs and charts.

Employers

We can provide courses that will develop your workforce and assist with performance levels. The delivery of these programmes can be flexible to meet the needs of your organisation.