Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Certificate in Mathematics

Rules of Combination

Learners must achieve a minimum of 19 credits. A minimum of 12 credits must come from Level 2 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.

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Units

What is the purpose of this qualification?

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with the essential mathematical skills and problem‑solving abilities needed for independent use in everyday life, further study and the workplace. It supports learners to apply number, measure, shape and data handling skills confidently in a range of familiar and unfamiliar contexts.

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

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable learners to develop confidence and understanding across key areas such as number, algebra, geometry and data handling and to strengthen problem‑solving, logical reasoning and analytical thinking skills.

The objectives of the qualification are to enable learners to:

• use whole numbers, decimals, fractions and percentages to carry out multi‑step calculations using efficient methods
• apply numerical reasoning to solve problems
• solve problems involving totals, change, discounts, and percentages
• apply measurement skills, including time to solve real‑life problems
• solve problems using positional, directional and simple geometric reasoning, including applying knowledge of perimeter, area and volume
• collect, organise, interpret and present data and statistical information using appropriate methods

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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 also progress from this Entry 1 Award:

• to an Entry 1 or 2 (or sometimes Entry 3) Functional Skills qualification in mathematics.
• to other qualifications at Entry 2 and above, for example in preparation for employment or in a vocational area.
• towards a GCSE in mathematics.

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Which sector does this qualification support?

This qualification is designed to help learners to begin to develop the mathematical skills associated with using whole numbers, that are needed in a wide range of job roles. Learners progressing directly into work are likely to be taking up supported employment opportunities.

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Progression & entry requirements

There are no specific prior skills/knowledge learners must have for this qualification; however, learners should be proficient in the English language. Centres must ensure that learners have the correct information and advice when selecting qualifications to ensure that the qualification will meet their needs. Centres must ensure that this qualification suits the age and abilities of their learners by ensuring that learners can meet the relevant literacy, numeracy, digital, and health and safety requirements of the qualification. Learners enrolled on this qualification should not undertake another qualification at the same level with a similar title or content, as this could impact funding eligibility due to duplicated learning. Centres are responsible for registering learners via the Gateway Qualifications’ online registration portal Quartz. Learner registration guidance is available on our website, Registering learners. On completion of this qualification learners will be equipped with an introductory level of proficiency in Mathematics, forming a basis for further progression to higher-level studies and to broader opportunities within education, training, and employment. Successful completion of the Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Certificate in Mathematics could allow learners to progress onto: • further study, including a Gateway Qualifications vocational qualification • apprenticeship programme at level 2 or higher • higher-level study, such as A-levels or any other academic qualification at level 3 or above • employment A full in-depth careers information, advice and guidance session should be completed for learners before, during and after completion of learning, finding them the most appropriate progression pathways unique to them and based on their ability and aspirations.

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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

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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

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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