at the bottom of your screen, scroll down the pop-up menu until you see Learn Elsewhere
Here are some ideas for improving your maths in other ways. You can use the Challenge to check your skills and to prepare for these other courses.
Finding a college/course
Use these links to find colleges and courses near you:
- National Careers Service - is a great search tool for adult maths learning that can help find you a career
- Ofsted’s learning provider search tool - is especially useful for finding out about the standard of learning providers near you (via skills inspection reports)
- Hotcourses – is a tool for finding a variety of maths courses (from short courses to degrees)
- Find your local authortity here - where you can search for information on maths and numeracy classes in your area
Types of courses
Functional Skills Maths
Functional Skills qualifications focus on problem-solving and help learners use maths in everyday situations.
Where?
At your local college/sixth form.
Qualification?
Functional Skills Maths qualifications are nationally recognised and can help you boost your CV or move on to further study.
Cost?
Functional Skills courses are free to UK residents. Check your local college for more information.
Anything else?
Colleges often refer to Functional Skills courses by a different name. For more information contact your local college.
Options for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Wales
Click here to learn about Essential Skills Wales.
Scotland
Click here to learn about Core Skills Scotland.
Northern Ireland
Click here to learn about Essential Skills Northern Ireland.
GCSE Maths
GCSE maths develops learners’ abilities to solve mathematical problems. The course focuses on developing the confidence to use, apply and talk about maths
Where?
At your local college.
Qualification?
GCSE maths is nationally recognised and valued by employers.
Cost?
Check your local college for more information.
Anything else?
Both Foundation and Higher GCSE courses are available.
Other maths course at college
Learndirect Everyday Maths - Learndirect everyday maths courses are free and focus on how to apply your maths skills in a practical way. The courses begin in Learndirect centres with an informal, face-to-face chat. Learning is then continued at home or wherever you have access to the internet. Support is available throughout the course. Learndirect courses are nationally recognised qualifications, awarded by City and Guilds. Learndirect centres are located all over England and Wales. Find your nearest centre here. Find out more by watching this video.
Different colleges offer a variety of courses. You may find your local college offers:
- Maths through language - for students whose first language is not English
- Pre-Access maths - for students looking to go on to do an access to further education course
- Maths through IT - for students who would like to brush up both their Maths and IT skills
- Pre-GCSE - for students who want to build up their background knowledge before going on to a GCSE course
Maths tutors
Tell me more?
Good for those who prefer learning in their own home with 1-to-1 help.
Where?
At home.
Qualification?
If you want to go for a qualification you and your tutor can decide together which one is best for you.
Cost?
It varies, but mostly £10 to £30 per hour.
Anything else?
Tutor Hunt, Select My Tutor, Tutorful, Teachers to Your Home, and The Tutor Pages can help you find tutors in your area.
Online options
Here are some alternative/additional ways for adults to learn online:
Star Dash Studios
Why not download our phone game to try out your numeracy in a fun runner game? It’s free! Download here.
Maths Everywhere
An app with some useful everyday tools plus videos explaining the maths behind them and exercises to explore further. Available as an app for download or web-based version: Maths Everywhere.
Khan Academy
The leading adult online learning site in the world, this innovative option from California offers the chance to learn with videos, exercises and even tutor interaction. All your progress is nicely tracked and you earn badges as you progress: Khan Academy.
BBC Skillswise
A wealth of great videos, exercise and quizzes from the BBC’s vast array of resources. This site is free to use and is continuing to be improved: Skillswise.