Adult Participation in Learning Survey 2021

This year’s survey shows that 44% of adults have taken part in learning in the last three years. That’s an increase on the record lows found in 2019 and marks the first rise in participation since 2015.

However, the data also shows stark inequalities in who participates in learning.

• Adults in lower socio-economic groups (DE) are twice as likely to not have participated in learning since leaving full-time education than those in higher socio-economic groups (AB).
• Respondents who stayed in education until at least the age of 21 are twice as likely to be learning than those who left aged 16 or under (56% versus 28%).
• The majority (55%) of full-time workers are taking part in learning, compared to 45% of unemployed adults seeking work.