NOCN Level 1 and Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications are designed to help learners of all ages develop essential maths, English and digital skills in order to equip them with the practical skills and knowledge required to learn, work and live successfully. With a range of online learning tools and support, they facilitate integration, improve employability prospects, enhance personal development and enable learners from all backgrounds and in all circumstances to function effectively in the workplace and society.

In the academic year 2023/24, the achievement rate for NOCN’s Level 2 Maths paper was 52%, up from 43% the previous year, while Level 2 Reading was up 6% from 70% in 2022/23 to 76% in 2023/24. Level 1 Maths also increased by 2% to 54% and Level 2 Writing was up 1% to 82%.

Shelley van Kooten, Skills for Life & Work Sector Manager, NOCN Group, said:

“As a charity that doesn’t have to answer to commercial shareholders, we have the freedom to focus on skills solutions that have the greatest social and economic impact. We passionately believe that Functional Skills Qualifications are vital for social mobility, inclusivity and productivity, helping to give more people access to life and work opportunities as a gateway to further learning and employment.

“We’re delighted with this year’s achievement rates, demonstrating that more learners are getting more out of the qualifications than ever and that they remain relevant and important for skills advancement in the UK.”