The Department for Education (DfE) commissioned Kantar Public and Learning and Work Institute to undertake research to understand adults’ experiences of, and decisions about, learning.
This report presents the findings from in-depth interviews with 70 learners and focus groups with 16 adults not currently learning, and recommendations for the development of the Government’s National Retraining Scheme and future lifelong learning policy.
2 March 2026
When it comes to lifelong learning, are we any closer to the College of the Future?
Stephen Evans, Chief Executive at Learning and Work Institute, reflects on the role of colleges in providing adults with opportunity and agency throughout their lives.
2 March 2026
Why adult education is an investment, not a cost
David Hughes, CEO at the Association of Colleges, sets out why a well-funded, high-quality adult education system is beneficial to society and the economy.
22 December 2025
From confusion to clarity: rethinking England’s 670 occupational standards
L&W’s Stephen Evans and Pearson’s Donna Ford-Clarke reflect on findings from our recent research on England’s occupational standards – of which there are now more than double the number in countries like Germany and Switzerland.
7 November 2025
No train no gain
This research, supported by Multiverse, finds that access to training is a boon for people’s pay and careers. The training dividend is greatest for those on the lower rungs of the occupational ladder, helping them go further, faster.
7 November 2025
Spotlight on Newport: Place within a Place
Ufi VocTech Trust, in partnership with Adult Learning Wales, Newport City Council and Learning and Work Institute, have launched an innovative place-based collaboration to integrate education and skills development opportunities within the communities of East Newport.
7 November 2025
Working class people paid more when they get training from their employer
Experts are calling on the Government to do more to get employers investing in training, as research reveals it’s a “boon for people’s pay and careers” – particularly for working class people.
5 November 2025
Responding to the final report of the Curriculum and Assessment Review
Learning and Work Institute’s Chief Executive Stephen Evans responds to the final report of the Curriculum and Assessment Review.
4 November 2025
Manchester City Council, BBC Studios and former Chancellor Ed Balls all celebrated at the Get the Nation Learning awards
Manchester City Council, BBC Studios Drama and Ed Balls have all picked up trophies in a striking ceremony held at the Barbican to celebrate the first-ever Get the Nation Learning Awards.
4 November 2025
Get the Nation Learning
Our campaign for lifelong learning. Because when adults learn, our society and economy thrive.
