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Written question asked by Chris Evans (Labour) on Monday, 15 October 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 October 2018. It was answered by Anne Milton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 October 2018 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Basic Skills

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of which areas of England have the highest proportion of adults with below average functional (a) numeracy and (b) literacy.

Answer

We recognise that more needs to be done to ensure adults in England have the literacy and numeracy skills that they need for life and work. This is why this government provides full funding for adults in England to enable them to develop their literacy and numeracy skills and to secure qualifications from entry level up to GCSE level.

The Skills for Life Survey, which was published in 2011, estimated the literacy and numeracy knowledge of adults aged 16 to 65 in England. This includes estimates for regions and local authorities. The survey shows estimates of the percentage of the adult population with different levels for these components for England and each region. It can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/36520/region-2009-all_1_.xlsx.

According to the survey, adults who have the lowest proportion of literacy and numeracy skills (with a L2 qualification or above) are in London and the North East respectively. However, this does not take into account adults who have English as a second language.

We are working with a range of sector and research partners to improve the evidence base on the best ways to support adults to secure basic English and maths skills. This includes exploring innovative ways through the Career Learning Pilots.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
179199
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Literacy Numeracy
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk