• Introduction
• Basic Skills
• Key Skills
• Wider Key Skills

 

The replacement of Key Skills with Functional Skills

The Key Skills qualifications have been replaced by the Functional Skills. However, centres may claim proxies for Key Skills components and/or certification in the following series: March and June 2012. The Administration Handbook for the Key Skills Standards 2012 has further details. All Examination Officers in centres offering AQA Key Skills and Wider Key Skills have been sent a letter outlining the details of the end dates of these subjects. Copies of the letters have also been sent to the Head of Centre and Key Skills coordinator. This is a brief outline of that information. It is correct as at January 2012 and replaces the information on the same subject found in other documents on this website:

• Key Skills Levels 1, 2 and 3 Test and Portfolio
  The final opportunity for candidates to enter for a level 1, 2 or 3 Key Skills test or portfolio was June 2011 with the last certification in 2012.
• Key Skills Level 4
  The last series available to candidates entering for the Key Skills Level 4 test and portfolio was June 2010 with the last certification in the June series 2012.
• Basic Skills Adult Literacy Levels 1 and 2, Adult Numeracy Levels 1 and 2
  
  • AQA Basic Skills qualifications will now be available until the June 2012 series. There will be no further test or resit opportunities after this date.
    Funding
    We have received the following advice on the funding of learners undertaking these qualifications:
    
  • Currently the Skills Funding Agency funds Basic Skills in literacy and numeracy for adult, 19 plus, learners only. There are various support funds for learners aged 16-18 administered by the Young People's Learning Agency (YPLA). These include Care to Learn and discretionary learner support hardship funding for learners living away from home.
  • This information is correct at the time of publication. If you would like to check the funding provision post-June 2011, please call the Skills Funding Agency helpdesk on 0845 377 5000.

• Wider Key Skills
  The AQA Wider Key Skills qualifications are no longer available. The last portfolio moderation took place in June 2011.

Further information will be posted on the website as it becomes available.

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The adult literacy and numeracy qualifications are approved for use from age 14 upwards.

Level 1 and Level 2 in the National Qualifications Framework.

AQA also offers Entry Level Certificates in Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy.