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The latest national statistics on post-16 learner numbers produced by the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills were released on 10th April 2008 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics AuthorityUK Statistics Authority

DIUS: Further Education, Work-Based Learning, Train to Gain and Adult Safeguarded Learning - Learner Numbers in England: October 2007

DescriptionThis SFR presents statistics on LSC-funded post-16 learning, including Further Education, Train to Gain and Adult Safeguarded Learning learner numbers and Apprenticeship starts. Figures are for England at October 2007.

The key points from the latest release are:

  • Numbers of learners on full level 2 programmes have increased by 24.2% to 598,200. Of these, 363,500 are adult learners, an increase of 45.1% between 1 October 2006 and 1 October 2007.
  • Numbers of learners on full level 3 programmes have increased by 7.4% to 560,900.
  • Young People aged under 19 participating on Skills for Life programmes have decreased by 16.9%.
  • There were 2.46 million LSC-funded learners on 1 October 2007 in Further Education (FE), Work Based Learning (WBL), Train to Gain (TtG) and Adult Safeguarded Learning (ASL), a decrease of 2.4% on the 1 October 2006 figure.
  • The number of learners aged under 19 has increased by 2.5% to 852,400.


  • [Prepared and published by the Learning and Skills Council in consultation with DCSF and DIUS statisticians]

    This Statistical First Release was originally due to be published on 18 March 2008 and was held back by decision of the Head of Profession for Statistics. The reason being that the units of measurement were not in line with a previous decision and announcement by the department.
    Download FormatsLINK  | Explain formats
    Reference IDILR/SFR15
    Coverage Country England
    Date Released10 April 2008
    Main Category Education and Skills
    Sub CategoryStudies and Qualifications (post-16)    Click on subcategory link to see if there is later information
    TypeStatistical First Release
    ContactLouise Feebrey  Louise.Feebrey@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk  tel: 0114 259 3396

    To access this publication click on the links next to "Download Formats" above