Young adults' literacy and numeracy skills have improved in the
last decade, according to new findings from an international
survey of adult skills.
Overall, adults in England scored above the international average
across numeracy, literacy and problem solving, with a significant
increase in numeracy scores since 2012. Within the G7 countries,
England is second only to Japan in literacy and problem solving,
and outperformed only by Japan and Germany in numeracy.
The Survey of Adult Skills is part of the Programme for the
International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) led by the
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD).
It measures literacy, numeracy and adaptive problem solving
skills in adults aged 16-65 in 31 countries. The first survey
cycle in 2012 identified that the youngest adults in England
performed less well than older adults, in contrast to
international trends.
The 2023 survey results, published today, show the average
numeracy score of young adults aged 16-19 in England has
increased considerably by 24 points to 274 out of a possible 500.
There was also an average 16-point increase in literacy scores
for the same age group in England, increasing to 276.
However, the report estimates that there are 8.5 million working
age adults (16-65) in England with low proficiency (achieving a
score of 225 or below) in literacy, or numeracy, or
both.
There are a number of characteristics associated with low
proficiency and the findings show that in England, those most
strongly associated with an increased likelihood of lower scoring
across all three areas include: lack of secondary school
education; being Black or Asian; being born outside the UK; and
having no computer experience.
Rebecca Wheater, NFER Research Director, said:
“It is encouraging to see such improved scores in both literacy
and numeracy for the youngest adults, who are no longer
outperformed by their international peers.
“However, there is still a significant disparity between the
highest and lowest scoring adults, and strengthening these vital
skills should be seen as a priority to ensure adults have these
and other essential employment skills that will be needed for the
jobs of the future.
“NFER is currently leading a five-year programme of work called
the Skills Imperative 2035,
which seeks to support the country to develop the skills it needs
by 2035. A number of recommendations have been made in our most
recent report.”
The survey also found that in England:
-
Adults working in professional jobs – including science and
engineering, health, and teaching – were found to have the
highest levels of skills across literacy, numeracy and
problem-solving, scoring well above the OECD
average.
-
Non-economic outcomes, like levels of socio-emotional skills
and life satisfaction, are similar to the OECD average,
however, those with higher education levels were found to
have better outcomes including better perceived health and
life satisfaction, and more social trust.
ENDS
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