English and maths - Buckinghamshire Adult Learning

English and maths

Buckinghamshire Adult Learning > English and maths

If English is not your first language, find out more.

English and maths courses

Many jobs require a good standard of English and maths. If you do not already have a GCSE qualification, it can limit your opportunities. Our English and maths courses can help you gain a recognised qualification while building your confidence for work, everyday life and further learning.

English

Our English courses are for adults who want to improve their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

You will usually need English skills at Level 1 before joining one of these courses. Before you start, we will assess your current level to make sure you are enrolled on the right course for your needs.

Maths

Our maths courses are open to all adults, regardless of their first language.

You will develop confidence in using numbers and learn practical maths skills, including measures, shape and space, and data handling. These skills can help at work, at home and in everyday situations.

Learning that’s different from school

Many people feel nervous about returning to learning, especially if they did not enjoy school. Our courses are designed specifically for adults and offer a very different experience.

Classes are small, friendly and supportive. Our experienced, qualified tutors understand the challenges adult learners can face and will tailor learning to suit your needs and goals. We focus on helping you build skills, confidence and a positive learning experience.

Choose what’s right for you

You can study English, maths, or both. The choice is yours.

How will improving my English and maths help me?

Our courses can help you to:

  • Gain confidence
  • Find a new job
  • Get a promotion at work
  • Gain a qualification
  • Help your children with their school work

What will I learn on English and maths courses?

We work with all learners, from Pre- Entry level to Level 2. It doesn’t matter what your starting point is, we can help you to become more confident about your skills.

You will work with other adults, at similar levels to you, in small friendly groups with an experienced tutor. You can brush up on all the skills you need in everyday life e.g.

  • Spelling strategies for words you find difficult
  • Punctuation marks (capital letters, commas, apostrophes)
  • Reading texts (newspaper articles, formal letters, reports)
  • Writing documents (notes, letters, job applications, emails)
  • Speaking up and listening for detail (at meetings and interviews)
  • Handling money and budgeting
  • Weights and measures e.g. for cookery or DIY
  • Percentages, decimals and ratios
  • Interpreting data

How will I find a course that is right for me?

You can join most courses throughout the year. If you would like to enrol, please book an online assessment with us which will enable us to find the best course for you.

How much do the courses cost?

Our courses are for adults who do not already have A*- C or 9-4 grade at GCSE. Most English courses are free if English is your first language*. If English is not your first language find out more (depending on UK residency).

Maths courses are free to everyone (depending on residency requirements).

When and where are the courses and what qualification will I get?

We have daytime and evening courses in different places across the county, including Aylesbury, Chesham and High Wycombe. We will try to find you a course at a time and location to suit you. We also offer Online Learning which gives you the flexibility to study online and face-to-face.

We offer Pearson Functional Skills qualifications in English and maths from Entry 1 to Level 2, with the opportunity to progress to GCSE, where appropriate. When you start your course, your tutor will talk to you about your aims and will help you to decide which route is right for you.

How do I join?

You can join most courses throughout the year. If you would like to enrol, please book an online assessment to help us find the best course for you. 

For more information, please email Angela Cato on angela.cato@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or call 01296 674463.

Book an Assessment

We work with learners of all abilities – from beginners (Pre-Entry) to Level 2 (GCSE). Before joining a class, we ask you to take an online assessment so we can talk about your individual learning needs, assess your skills and then enrol you on an English/maths course that is right for you.

    By submitting your details on this form you are happy for us to collect and store the data you submit. This form collects your name, phone number and email address so we can contact you about your course enquiry. We store your name, phone number and email address for this purpose for 12 months, at which point we will seek permission to continue storing it. Unless permission is granted, the data submitted through this form will be deleted after the 12 month period. More information on how we use the data you submit can be found on our Privacy Policy.

    What our learners say:

    English:

    “I absolutely hated school when I was younger and the thought of ever studying again or going into further education was a nightmare for me but this course has given me so much confidence, not just in my English abilities but in my ability to actually focus and enjoy education.”

    “I was frightened about being a mature student studying English. When I joined the class the other learners made me feel welcomed and not stupid. The tutor built my self-confidence and always welcomed ideas.”

    “I gained more confidence in knowing there are other people in the ‘same boat’ as me. I’m also now able to help my daughter with her GCSE English.”

    Maths:

    “I found out that my maths skills were not as bad as I thought. I just needed someone who was very patient and understanding to help me get over my fear of maths.”

    “Attending a maths class has given me a lot of confidence in my own abilities to apply myself – particularly with a subject I find so difficult.”

    “It has shown me that I am capable at maths after all. I thought the teaching was excellent. The tutor was both patient and informative and was able to explain methods in a clear and concise way with humour and warmth.”