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APPG inquiry on adult education

The APPG on Further Education and Lifelong Learning is conducting an inquiry into adult education.

Despite the many benefits of adult education being well-established – as a powerful tool for economic growth, employability, personal growth, health and wellbeing and social cohesion – it has suffered from decades of underinvestment and underappreciation from successive governments.

As a result, learning opportunities for adults have decreased by millions, and across the country, large swathes of the population are locked out of the skills they need to progress in their careers, build confidence and connect with others.

The APPG held five sessions with MPs, learning providers and leading organisations in adult education, and invited written submissions via an online call for evidence.

Inquiry report: Skills for Work, Life and Place

Following the four-month inquiry, the APPG has published a report which calls for adult education to be treated as essential national infrastructure, helping to tackle skills shortages and economic inactivity while also improving health, reducing isolation and strengthening communities.

It makes a series of recommendations to make this vision a reality.

Read the report Read supporting statement

Jonathan Brash MP, Chair of the APPG, said: “Adult education changes lives and strengthens our economy, yet for too long it has not had the recognition or investment it deserves. From colleges like Hartlepool College in my constituency to providers across the country, adult learning opens doors, helping people gain new skills, improve their literacy, return to work, progress in their careers and contribute to their communities.

“As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Further Education and Lifelong Learning, I am proud to lead this inquiry to examine both the enormous benefits adult education delivers and the impact of sustained underfunding. We want to hear directly from those delivering adult learning and other experts in the field, so that we can make clear, practical recommendations to unlock its full potential and ensure it sits at the heart of national renewal.”

Session one: economic growth, skills and workforce needs

This session will explore the role that adult education plays in meeting labour market needs, boosting productivity, and supporting economic transition.

Chair: Jonathan Brash MP (Labour)

Session two: social mobility and inclusion

This session will examine how adult education promotes opportunity, reduces inequalities and supports regional economic development.

Chair: Sam Rushworth MP (Labour)

Session three: health, wellbeing and community resilience

This session will highlight how adult education can support wider ambitions relating to public health, mental wellbeing, and more resilient communities.

Rachel Gilmour MP (Liberal Democrat)

Session four: policy, funding and the future of lifelong learning

This session will explore how we can create a well-funded and sustainable adult education system.

Chair: Lord Johnson of Marylebone (Conservative)

Session five: learning from across the UK and beyond

This session will explore how other countries have developed effective, inclusive, and sustainable adult education systems, and identify lessons that England can learn from their approaches to policy, funding, delivery, and participation.

Chair: Baroness Smith of Llanfaes (Plaid Cymru)