Family learning changes lives. Evidence shows that when learning opportunities for adults are linked to the education of children in the family, it builds motivation, confidence and a commitment to learning.

It is particularly effective as an approach to reaching and engaging adults who have benefited least from their initial education, have fewer qualifications and little experience of paid work. As an engagement tool
family learning develops skills and pathways to further learning and employment.

Family learning has a rich tradition in Wales. There is renewed interest among policymakers, schools and the adult education sector in developing and extending provision in response to the opportunities and challenges we face today.

Developing a framework for Family Learning

Welsh Government recognises the potential of family learning to help tackle educational disadvantage and persistent inequalities in employment and wider life experiences and outcomes. It is committed to supporting the more widespread adoption of this distinctive and transformational educational approach.

The framework provides a flexible model for adult education providers and schools which are not currently involved in the delivery of family learning and would like to embed it into their practice. It aims to strengthen the role of family learning as a route into lifelong learning, skills development, employability, and employment opportunities for adults and children.

Family Learning Framework

The Family Learning Framework is a flexible model designed to help adult education providers and schools incorporate family learning into their programmes. It aims to boost family learning as a pathway to lifelong learning, skills development employability, and job opportunities for both adults and children.

Download the framework


22 June 2026

Adult learning in Wales: Adult Participation in Learning Survey

For nearly 30 years, Learning and Work Institute (L&W) has published its annual Adult Participation in Learning Survey. As the longest-running survey of its kind, it stands as the definitive report on who is learning across the UK, how they are learning, and what motivates them. It adopts a broad definition of learning, including formal, non-formal and informal learning, rather than just publicly offered educational opportunities for adults. In 2025, we specifically boosted our survey sample in Wales to 800 adults. This expanded dataset allows us to take a closer look at the unique successes and distinct challenges facing Welsh learners, offering an invaluable point of comparison with the rest of the UK.

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22 June 2026

More adults in Wales are learning but are we reaching those who need it the most?

Learning and Work Institute’s latest Adult Participation in Learning Survey for Wales tells a positive story of increasing engagement in learning but it also shows that those who may benefit most are missing out. Nearly half of adults in Wales (47%) have taken part in learning over the past three years, a higher rate than the UK average (42%) but stark inequalities emerge when we look at age, demographics and employment status. The definition of learning in this survey is intentionally broad and extends beyond government or employer funded opportunities to include informal and self-directed learning.

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10 June 2026

Young adult carers in further education: Toolkit for FE colleges in Wales 

This practical toolkit for further education (FE) colleges in Wales highlights effective approaches to supporting young adult carers in FE.

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27 April 2026

Adult Learners’ Week

Adult Learners’ Week is an annual campaign that inspires adults to take a step back into learning to improve their confidence and wellbeing, switch careers and progress in work, discover new hobbies and connect with other people or to seek advice and guidance on the existing pathways available to them.

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23 March 2026

Retiring MS honoured with outstanding contribution to lifelong learning award

Wales should set a bold ambition for at least three quarters of working-age people to be in work, closing the employment gap with the rest of the UK, argues a new report from Learning and Work Institute (L&W). The report finds this would boost the Welsh economy by £1.4 billion and save taxpayers up to £500 million per year.

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18 March 2026

Challenging times? Time for a challenging curriculum.

Post-16 education in Wales is going through a period of innovation and change.

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14 January 2026

Adult Learning Partnerships in Wales

Adult Community Learning (ACL) provides flexible learning opportunities for adults and families, delivered in venues in the community to meet local needs. There is an Adult Learning Partnership in every Local Authority area and a lead for adult community learning in each Local Authority and Further Education Institution.

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13 January 2026

Inspire! Adult Learning Awards

Nominations have opened for the 2026 Inspire! Adult Learning Awards. The annual awards are organised by Learning and Work Institute in partnership with the Welsh Government, and they celebrate the exceptional achievements of individuals and community projects in Wales that demonstrate outstanding passion, commitment, and drive to improve themselves and their community through lifelong learning.

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