Our 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 already have GCSE grade C or above in these subjects, you will have the opportunity to undertake wider key skills, highly regarded by employers.

If you are planning to study on 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.

Subjects available are Functional Skills English, Maths and ICT at Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2. Courses are available at our campuses in Ashington, Kirkley Hall, Berwick and Prudhoe. Other venues will be added if there is a demand for them.