Big changes are coming to Functional Skills qualifications. NCFE has introduced reformed English and Maths assessments in mid-October 2025. These new assessments focus on clarity and accessibility, aiming to give every learner a fair chance to demonstrate what they know
Here’s a summary of what’s changing and what it means for teachers, assessors, and learners:
What’s New in NCFE Functional Skills?
The upcoming reforms are designed to make assessments direct and accessible. NCFE’s consultations with educators and learners drove these changes, which target common challenges that have affected fair assessment.
Key improvements include:
Shorter, Clearer Maths Questions: The new maths papers will have concise questions with less reading required, allowing learners to focus on the maths itself rather than deciphering wordy scenarios. For students with reading difficulties or for those where English is an additional language, this is a significant step forward.
Removed Contexts in Underpinning Skills: For questions focusing on foundational maths and English skills, complicated or artificial scenarios will be removed. This helps ensure assessments test skills, rather than the ability to interpret unnecessary background information.
Better Layouts: The assessments will feature clearer formatting and layout, making it easier for learners to navigate papers and concentrate on showing what they know.
What Does This Mean for Teachers and Assessors?
At Omnia People, we see these reforms as giving teachers and assessors the tools to focus on real learning, deliver fairer assessments, and support all students more effectively.
More Focused Teaching
With assessments now more straightforward, educators can concentrate lesson planning on genuine learning. This makes teaching more targeted and efficient, helping to build students’ confidence and abilities.
Fairer and More Reliable Assessment
Results now reflect learners’ real skills rather than test-taking tricks or reading speed. This leads to fairer outcomes and actionable feedback, supporting teachers in identifying gaps and planning next steps.
Supporting Diverse Learners
Students with learning difficulties, language barriers, or exam anxiety can now better demonstrate what they know. This ensures a wider range of learners can succeed.
How Learners Benefit
From our perspective, the reforms give learners a fairer, clearer, and more confidence-building assessment experience that better reflects their skills and potential.
Fairer Opportunity
Simplified questions reduce frustration and ensure results more accurately reflect students’ abilities.
Reduced Exam Anxiety
When learners understand what’s expected, they engage fully and can apply English and maths skills more effectively, both in exams and in real life.
Stronger Credentials
Learners gain certifications that truly reflect their abilities, supporting further education, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities.
A Message from Our Brand Director
“I think the reform will benefit students hugely, and it’s great that their feedback has been acknowledged and acted upon. This should give them confidence to obtain this important qualification with the support of the talented teaching staff.”
Getting Ready for October
NCFE is rolling out support and guidance to help centres, staff, and learners prepare for the October 2025 changes. We recommend exploring these resources as soon as possible so you can make a smooth transition and set your learners up for success.