Resources
Take a look at selected reports and reviews that examine the background on adult literacy skills in England.
Report:
Adult Literacy in the UK: A Basic Primer
Adult Literacy Trust
This guide provides an introduction to the field of adult literacy. It covers: the scale and nature of the challenge in the UK; why some adults have poor literacy; the personal, social and economic benefits of good literacy; how adults learn literacy, including the provision available and how it is funded; as well as current challenges in the sector.
OECD Survey of Adult Skills: UK Country Report
The Survey of Adult Skills offers unique insights on adults’ proficiency in literacy, numeracy, and problem solving.
OECD (2024)
Evidence review:
What works to improve adult basic skills?
Learning & Work Institute (2019)
Paying the price: The cost of very poor adult literacy
An exploration of how literacy skills have a material impact on individuals’ lives.
ProBono Economics (2021)
Millions of British adults lack basic literacy skills – and it's becoming a crisis
Robert Glick, The Big Issue (Dec. 2024)
This op-ed outlines the paramount importance of the Government taking a much more proactive approach to adult education if it is to fulfil its promise to boost economic activity.