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
Adult participation in learning survey
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
- and 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 25 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
Explore trend data from the past 28 years in our interactive charts. The data can be broken down by demographics, learning status and other useful variables.
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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.
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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.
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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.
The latest survey shows the post-pandemic leap in lifelong learning appears over, with freefalling participation rates
Get in touch
For further information about adult participation in learning or to talk to us about how you can get involved contact: Emily Jones