Northumberland College’s essential skills department offers a range of qualifications for people who want to develop their English, maths and ICT skills to prepare for further education or help them find employment.

If you are planning to study one of our vocational courses, you will be offered functional skills qualifications as part of your learning programme.

Alternatively, you can choose to study one or more of our qualifications as a standalone qualification. 

Many of the courses are free and are taught on a flexible basis and at a range of convenient times during the day and evening to fit around your lifestyle and work commitments.