How to Choose Between Functional Skills Maths and English First

If you need both Maths and English qualifications, it can be hard to decide which one to take first. Many learners in 2025 are choosing Functional Skills as a fast, flexible way to qualify — but should you go with Maths first, or English?

Let’s break down which option is right for your goals.

Functional Skills Maths Level 2 and Functional Skills English Level 2 are nationally recognised qualifications. They’re accepted by universities, employers, and apprenticeship providers across the UK.

These qualifications are approved by Ofqual and offered by trusted centres like Intech Centre. You can book your Maths exam online or in person — same goes for English.

If your goal is a role in construction, health care, engineering, trades, or apprenticeships, start with Functional Skills Maths. It’s often required for jobs that involve numbers, measurements, or logic.

You can revise with the Private Maths course and book a weekly slot at Intech Centre’s London location, or sit the exam online from home.

If you need to improve writing, reading, or speaking for your job or university, start with Functional Skills English. This is especially useful for office-based roles, health care, customer service, and teacher training.

Booking is simple — and if you add the English online course, you get 50 percent off when booked with the exam.

Here’s a quick guide:

Need Maths for work or an apprenticeship? Start with Functional Skills Maths

Want to boost communication skills? Start with Functional Skills English

Want both? Intech Centre offers discounts and flexible booking so you can do both on your timeline

Getting started is easy. You can:

Book your Functional Skills Maths exam

Book your Functional Skills English exam

Add a private online course for self-paced revision

Visit Intech Centre to see why so many learners recommend them

Watch mock question walk-throughs on the Intech YouTube channel