Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Certificate in Mathematics

Rules of Combination

Learners must achieve a minimum of 19 credits. A minimum of 12 credits must come from Level 1 units within the Mandatory Group (M) and the remaining credits can be achieved from either the Mandatory Group or Optional Group (O). Learners cannot include more than one unit with the same or similar title. For full details see list of barred units.

Units

What is the purpose of this qualification?

The qualification is intended for learners, including adults and young people, who need to develop their mathematical skills at this level in order to progress in further study, work or life. It is particularly suitable for learners who will benefit from a stepped approach to learning mathematics and for those learners who are working at different levels in different aspects of mathematics, as the Level 1 Certificate allows for some achievement at Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2.

Each unit is underpinned by the National Standards for Adult Numeracy (QCA 2005) and mapped to the Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum (DfES 2001, revised 2006-7 and updated 2009). The units have also been mapped to the Functional Skills standards and where appropriate to the GCSE grade descriptions for Mathematics.

What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?

This qualification is based on the National Standards for Adult Numeracy and is fully referenced to the Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum. Mandatory units include:

• Numbers, Decimals Fractions and Percentages
• Making Calculations
• Money, Time and Temperature
• Using Size, Shape and Space
• Using and Communicating Data
• Numerical Relationships, Algebra and Ratios
• Using Probability

How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?

This qualification is part of a suite of mathematics qualifications which allows learners to progress through a framework of mathematics units and qualifications from Entry 1 to Level 2.

Learners can progress from this Level 1 Certificate to:

• a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in mathematics
• other qualifications at Level 2 and above, including vocational and academic qualifications
• a GCSE in mathematics
• an Apprenticeship programme.

Which sector does this qualification support?

This qualification is designed to help learners develop the mathematical skills that are needed in a wide range of job roles.

Progression & entry requirements

Funding information

There are now two main sources for funding information, a straightforward ESFA Qualification Search and the more detailed Find a Learning Aim website.

The new Find a learning aim (FALA) service provides a search tool that you can use to check the funding status of any qualification, framework, unit, standard or T Level:

View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website

The Education and Skills Funding Agency search provides funding information on qualifications. It does not provide funding information for units, non-regulated activity and work placements, for this information please use Find a learning aim (FALA).

View this qualification on the ESFA Qualification Funding Search

How to find a learning aim

If you’re not sure how to use the new find a learning aim website, we’ve created a handy walkthrough to help you:

How to Use: Find a learning Aim

Additional funding information for English and Maths

For Adults

The Adult Education Budget states that they will fully fund :

• English and maths, up to and including level 2, for individuals aged 19 and over, who have not previously attained a GCSE grade A* – C or grade 4, or higher, and/or
• first full qualification at level 2 for individuals aged 19 to 23, and/or
• first full qualification at level 3 for individuals aged 19 to 23

The following qualifications are eligible as they are included in the English and maths legal entitlement offer:

• Certificate in English (Entry 1)
• Certificate in English (Entry 2)
• Certificate in English (Entry 3)
• Certificate in Maths (Entry 1)
• Certificate in Maths (Entry 2)
• Certificate in Maths (Entry 3)

Local flexibilities

Other qualifications within the suite may be eligible for funding through local flexibilities.

For Young People

• This qualification appears on the section 96 approved qualification list for delivery to young people aged less than 19 years old.

Students must study maths and/or English as part of their study programme. To meet the condition of funding, a student has to study an approved qualification. These are GCSEs and certain other qualifications, known as ‘stepping stone’ qualifications.  Please refer to the 16-19 maths and English condition of funding for further information.

The following qualifications meet the 16-19 maths and English condition of funding:

• Certificate in English (Entry 1)
• Certificate in English (Entry 2)
• Certificate in English (Entry 3)
• Certificate in Maths (Entry 1)
• Certificate in Maths (Entry 2)
• Certificate in Maths (Entry 3)

As qualifications on sections 96, the Awards can be used to support the achievement of stepping stones qualifications.

Exemptions to the condition of funding

The 16-19 maths and English condition of funding states that there are two exemptions to the condition of funding:

• Students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) who are assessed as not able to study either GCSE or stepping stone qualification
• Students with overseas qualifications that are established as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 or grade C

We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.

This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.

The following support materials will help you to deliver this qualification.

Learner Assessment Tracking – Mathematics

Qualification Assessment Guidance Mathematics

Boosting Literacy and Numeracy Levels – a bite-sized approach

Suggested Resources for Maths