English & Maths Level 2

Why do you need English and Maths at Level 2?

All apprentices working at higher or degree level will require a level 2 qualification in order to progress through and ultimately achieve their apprenticeship.

If you would like to apply to become a Police Constable apprentice but are unable to evidence your qualifications, you should first speak to your school or examination board about obtaining new certificates as proof of attainment.

If you do not have level 2 Functional Skills or GCSE Maths and/or English (grades A-C/9-4), you can obtain these by approaching a college or training provider to find out what courses they are running which will allow you to attend training sessions (face to face or online), take the exam and then be in a position to continue with your application to the PCDA apprenticeship.

Within the Thames Valley region there are a number of local Further Education colleges that run courses. There are also private training providers that offer learning online (the exam will need to be invigilated at a training centre).

To find a provider, you could contact your local college to see what they offer and/or complete a search for a provider using the internet.

You should ensure that any Functional Skills level 2 qualification is regulated by Ofqual. We advise that you include the word ‘regulated’ in the search engine. You can also check with the provider if it is a regulated qualification. Furthermore, there is an Ofqual search engine, although this is only a database of regulated qualifications (not of providers): Find a regulated qualification – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Some courses are fully funded by the Department of Education through the adult education budget whilst others need to be paid for the individual. You will need to speak to the provider about what costs are involved.

The BBC also offer good resources to access and support your development: BBC Teach: Skillswise.