These qualifications are vocationally based and offer the opportunity for learners to demonstrate an achievement of practical skills, understanding and knowledge in English.

These qualifications will enable learners to build confidence and provide a foundation for further study towards a GCSE in English, a Functional Skill in English, a move into employment or as a stepping stone to higher level study. Learners will gain knowledge of communicating, reading and writing.

These qualifications support government priorities to improve the standard of English and Maths. Completion of the NOCN Awards in English Skills (Level 1 and Level 2) does not mean that the learner has reached full competence across the English curriculum at the level achieved, but it does show that the learner has made significant progress in improving competence in specific areas and recognises the first steps of the journey that the learner needs to make in order to progress to further study in English or into employment.