Since 1996, Learning and Work Institute has been undertaking the Adult Participation in Learning Survey on an almost annual basis. The survey provides a unique overview of the level of participation in learning by adults, with a detailed breakdown of who participates and who does not.
The 2023 survey indicated that differences between geographical regions may be widening. With greater devolution of learning and skills policy and funding, it is important to better understand patterns of participation at a national and regional level. This can help inform where interventions and support are best targeted and may make the greatest impact.
Using data from the 2023 survey, we’ve now taken a closer look at geographical differences in levels of adult participation in learning. We have produced a report for Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and all nine England regions.
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.
3 November 2025
The workforce learning slowdown? Adult Participation in Learning Survey 2025
For nearly 30 years, the Adult Participation in Learning Survey has provided a unique insight into adult learning across the UK. It adopts a deliberately broad definition of learning. Discover our findings from 2025.
3 November 2025
Post-pandemic leap in lifelong learning appears over, as national survey finds freefalling participation rates
Experts are warning of a “workforce learning slowdown” as the long-running Adult Participation in Learning Survey records a sharp contraction in the number of adults learning nationally.
