London Learner Survey 2024/25 highlights impact of adult learning
New findings from the London Learner Survey 2024/25 show the positive impact adult learning is having on people’s employment prospects, wellbeing and confidence across the capital. The survey measures the economic and social outcomes experienced by learners who take part in courses funded through London’s Adult Skills Fund, including those offered by Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES).
The latest results show that 79% of learners were either in employment or pursuing further learning after completing their course. Around 21,400 Londoners moved into work, while almost two-thirds (64%) had started or were planning to start further study.
The survey also highlights the wider benefits of adult education beyond employment and qualifications. An overwhelming 95% of learners reported positive social outcomes, including improvements in wellbeing, confidence and social connections. More than eight in ten learners (81%) said their course had improved their wellbeing, while 90% reported increased confidence.
The findings underline the important role adult education plays in supporting both individuals and London’s economy. More than half of employed learners were working in one of the sectors identified as priorities for growth in London, including construction and health and social care.
The London-wide findings reflect outcomes reported by WAES learners in the most recent provider-level results available, covering academic year 2023/24. In that survey, 82% of WAES learners were in employment or further learning after completing their course, while 97% reported positive social outcomes. Nearly seven in ten learners (70%) progressed to further learning, 84% reported improved wellbeing, and 86% said their course had helped them meet new people.
Arinola Edeh CBE, Principal of WAES, said:
“These findings reflect what we see every day at WAES. Adult learning helps people gain new skills, progress into employment, improve their confidence and take positive steps towards their goals.
“Whether learners are looking to develop their careers, support their families, improve their English or maths, or simply build their confidence and wellbeing, education can be life-changing.
“The survey highlights the important contribution that adult learning makes not only to economic opportunity, but also to healthier, stronger and more connected communities.
“As part of Westminster City Council, we are proud to work with the Mayor of London and Greater London Authority and partners across the capital to deliver adult learning programmes that help Londoners progress, achieve and thrive.”
As organisations across the adult education sector continue to make the case for lifelong learning and skills investment through initiatives such as the Adult Learning Pays campaign, the Lifelong Learning London campaign and the London Adult Skills Summit statement, the London Learner Survey provides further evidence of the benefits adult education delivers. The findings show how learning can help people access new opportunities, improve their confidence and wellbeing, and contribute to London’s economy and communities.
The London Learner Survey is conducted annually. Learners are invited to complete an initial survey when they begin their course and are then contacted again several months after completing their learning. At WAES, participation in the survey is promoted through the learner induction process, helping ensure that learner experiences and outcomes are reflected in the results.
