Our Adult Participation in Learning Survey is the longest running and most frequently occurring study of adult learning in the UK. It adopts a broad definition of learning, including formal, non-formal and informal learning, rather than just publicly offered educational opportunities for adults.
Each survey, 5,000 adults aged 17 and over are asked about:
- their experiences of learning
- when they last took part in learning
- how likely they are to do so in the future.
The survey, which began in 1996, provides a unique overview of the level of participation in learning by adults, with a detailed breakdown of participants and non-participants over a span of nearly 30 years.
Our surveys consistently show that participation in learning varies by social class, employment status, age and prior learning.
The workforce learning slowdown?
Explore findings from the Adult Participation in Learning Survey 2025
Discover the reportTake a look at our interactive charts
Explore trend data in our interactive charts. The data can be broken down by demographics, learning status and other useful variables.
Rates of participation in learning
These charts show trends in the rate of adult participation in learning. Each year, survey respondents are provided with the following definition of learning and asked when they last took part in learning.
Motivations for learning
These charts show adults’ motivations for learning. Most surveys from 2002 onwards included a question asking current and recent learners their main reason for choosing to learn.
Benefits of learning
These charts show the benefits of learning experienced by survey respondents. A number of surveys from 2002 onwards included a question asking current and recent learners what benefits they had experienced as a result of learning.
Barriers to learning
These charts show the barriers to learning experienced by survey respondents. A number of surveys from 2002 onwards included a question asking respondents what had prevented them from learning or made it difficult.
