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KAE Skills Courses

Build Your Skills, Boost Your Future with KAE Skills

At Kent Adult Education, our KAE Skills courses are designed to help you gain the essential qualifications and confidence you need for work, further study and everyday life. Whether you're looking to improve your English, Maths or Digital Skills, or you're learning English as a second language, we're here to support your journey.

We offer a wide range of free* courses, including:

English and Maths Functional Skills - Practical, real-world skills for work and life.

GCSE English and Maths - Nationally recognised qualifications to open new doors.

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) - Build your English skills for work, study and community life.

Digital Functional Skills - Essential digital knowledge for today's connected world.

Our supportive tutors and flexible learning options make it easier than ever to take the next step. Whether you're starting from scratch or building on what you already know, KAE Skills can help you succeed. (*Subject to eligibility).

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Everyday English and Maths courses

Everyday English and Maths are FREE* classroom-based courses that teach adults the basics in English and Maths. They give extra support to help those with mild to moderate learning disabilities, difficulties or mental health challenges.

These courses give learners access to learning that is individualised and challenging, whilst meeting their needs.

Everyday English and Maths courses can be joined at any time of the year.

*Please note: These courses will require an initial assessment, regular attendance and self-study.

View all English & Maths courses
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GCSE English Language and Maths courses

FREE** online GCSE courses to help you get ahead and get qualified.

Are you looking for those key GCSE English and Maths qualifications?

Whether you are looking to study at college or university, advance your career or re-train for a change of job our English Language and Maths GCSE courses can help you gain the qualifications you need. Our GCSE courses are designed to help you reach your full potential and gain the best grade possible.

How to Get Started

Getting started is easy. Browse our courses to learn more about eligibility, course dates and how to enrol.

You'll begin with an assessment to determine your current level and ensure you'll be able to complete the course. This is important as you will be undertaking, what is usually a two-year course, in just one year. The courses are fast paced and intensive. They require a high level of commitment as the course will require 3 hours per week to attend the online class and then at least 8 hours of home study per week, as set by the tutor.

Find out more about our GCSE assessment and how to book your place.

How will courses be delivered?

Our online courses are delivered in a friendly learning environment, in real time sessions with daytime and evening options to suit work and family commitments. All you'll need to access these is a PC or laptop and a reliable internet connection. We also offer intensive GCSE courses from January.

Please note: These courses will require an initial assessment, regular attendance and self-study. **Free for learners who do not already have a GCSE English or Maths at grade 4/C.

View all English & Maths GCSE courses
GCSE 9 (1)

Functional Skills English and Maths courses

FREE* online and in-centre English and Maths courses for eligible learners.

Learn the essential skills you'll need to participate in life, learning and work.

  • Build up your skills
  • Gain recognised qualifications with City and Guilds
  • Improve your job prospects
  • Progress in your career

Functional Skills English and Maths courses start from Entry Level and progress to Level 2. Sessions are delivered in a friendly learning environment, with online courses taking place in real time. They lead to a Functional Skills qualification, and run during the morning, afternoon and evening.

Courses start in September but you can join at any time. These courses are FREE* for eligible learners.

Please note: These courses will require an initial assessment, regular attendance and self-study.

View all English & Maths Functional Skills courses
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Digital Functional Skills Courses

Our Free* Digital Functional Skills courses are designed to help adults gain the practical knowledge and confidence needed to thrive in a digital environment.

Whether you're new to using computers or want to improve your skills for employment, our courses cover key areas such as:

  • Using devices and handling information
  • Creating and editing documents
  • Communicating online safely and effectively
  • Solving problems using digital tools

You'll also have the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications which are ideal for learners who want to:

  • Improve their job prospects
  • Support their children's learning
  • Access online services with confidence
  • Prepare for further study or training

Our friendly tutors and supportive learning environment make it easy to get started, no matter your experience level.

*Subject to eligibility

Digital Functional Skills courses
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Independent Living Skills Courses

Our Independent Living Skills courses are designed to support adults with learning difficulties and/or disabilities in developing essential life skills for greater independence and confidence. These courses focus on practical areas such as communication, numeracy, personal safety, health and wellbeing and everyday tasks like shopping, cooking and managing money. Delivered in a supportive and inclusive environment, learners are encouraged to build their self-esteem, social skills and ability to make informed choices - empowering them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

Browse our Independent Living Skills courses
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ESOL Courses

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses will help you with your spoken and written English, help you prepare to find a job or help you gain a Trinity ESOL qualification.

ESOL courses range from basic English through to higher levels. Our courses include:

Welcome to English Courses - This level is designed for those who have little to no knowledge of English. You will learn basic vocabulary, grammar and simple conversation skills to help you navigate everyday situations.

Beginners Courses - This level is suitable for learners who have a limited knowledge of the English language. You will learn basic vocabulary and grammar. Depending on the course, you will learn how to read a variety of short texts and recognise some common words. You will learn to write short sentence in English, fill in forms and spell some common words. You will start to become more confident in speaking.

Elementary Courses - This level is suitable for learners who can already introduce themselves, describe their daily routine and their likes and dislikes. Depending on the course, you will learn to read longer texts and be able to identify the purpose of various texts. You will start to use past and future tenses and will learn to write short letters and emails. You will engage in short forms of social communication.

Pre-Intermediate Courses - This level is suitable for intermediate level learners. Depending on the course, you will develop your ability to talk, read and write about events in the past, present and future.

Intermediate Courses - This level is suitable for intermediate learners. You will build on your existing knowledge and develop more complex language skills. You will learn to express yourself more clearly and confidently in both spoken and written English, depending on the course.

Upper-Intermediate Courses - This level is suitable for intermediate learners who already have a very good command of English in all skills, but want to refine their skills further. You will focus on advanced grammar, vocabulary and conversation techniques to achieve fluency.

ESOL courses range from basic English through to higher levels: Pre-Entry (Beginner), Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2.

You can study online or in person in one of our centres across Kent.

ESOL courses are open to:

  • European Union citizens
  • Refugees
  • Asylum seekers
  • Citizens and their family members who have lived in the UK for at least 3 years and have permission to live in the UK

ESOL courses are free if you receive certain benefits or are on a low wage. Contact us to find out if we can help you. Non-eligible students can study but an overseas fee is required. Your Learner Experience Team can advise you on your eligibility.

Our ESOL courses will require an initial assessment, regular attendance and self-study.

ESOL courses for HK BNO visa holders

HongKongers arriving in Britain on a British Nationals (Overseas) visa, and their dependants, may be eligible for funding support to pay course fees. For more information and advice on signing up to the appropriate ESOL course if you are arriving from Hong Kong, please email: hkenglish@kent.gov.uk

View our courses for speakers of other languages