Mayor of London

Insights team, Skills and Employment, May 2026

From 1 August 2019, the Secretary of State for Education delegated responsibility for the commissioning, delivery and management of London’s Adult Education Budget (AEB) to the Mayor. In August 2024, the AEB changed to the Adult Skills Fund (ASF), this is the second academic year under the new ASF. As a result, it is not possible to directly compare 2024/25 and 2025/26 to previous years under the AEB.

More information on the ASF can be found on london.gov.uk

In February 2025, the Mayor of London and London Councils published the London Growth Plan. This ambitious plan for growth in London is supported by the Inclusive Talent Strategy (ITS) which was launched in October 2025.

The ITS will:

  • Put employers at the centre of driving inclusive growth.

  • Ensure that Londoners can find the right training and career path for them.

  • Tackle the barriers to retaining talent.

The ASF data publication contains summary statistics on further education and skills in London, covering a range of data on learner participation and enrolments, including Mayoral areas of interest. This release is based on data for the first half of the 2025/26 academic year (August 2025 to January 2026).This publication shows how the ASF is supporting Londoners to access education and skills and how it is supporting the ambitions of the London Growth Plan and ITS.

This interactive report shows the key trends in the data. For further exploration and to create bespoke charts and tables see the ASF Data Publication Dashboard and Data Tables

Key points

Methodology

Figures include learners and learning that is active at any point during the publication period.

Aims enrolments is the count of the relevant learning aims reported in the Individualised Learner Record (ILR). Learners may be enrolled in more than one learning aim.

Learner participation is the count of unique learners who meet the breakdown shown in a table or chart. Therefore, a single learner may be counted more than once in a learner participation chart or table and breakdowns may not sum to the total count of unique learners. For example, a learner taking multiple aims will be reported for every level and subject they are participating in.

For more information see the methodology information.

Headline insights

There were 148,680 adult learners participating in ASF programmes in the first two quarters of academic year 2025/26. In year data suggests there has been a small decline (-5%) in learner participation in 2025/26 compared to the same period in 2024/25.

There were 263,620 aims taken over the course of the first two quarters of 2025/26 academic year. Learners can take more than one aim during the academic year (on average each learner undertakes around 2 aims).

Similarly, there was a marginal decline (-6%) in ASF aim enrolments in the first two quarters of 2025/26 compared to the same period in 2024/25.

Two factors play a key role in understanding the decline in enrolments. Firstly, overtime the ASF has had an increase in the number of enrolments at Level 3 and above. These are longer and more expensive qualifications so comparatively fewer aims can be provided. Secondly, providers in London have experienced a reduction in funding and seen an increase in cost pressures that limit the amount of aims they can deliver - both of which are outside the GLA’s control.

Learner Participation

R06 August - January ILR data, 2019/20-2025/26

Aim enrolments

R06 August - January ILR data, 2019/20-2025/26

Learner participation

Adult Skills Core had 105,020 learners participating in the first two quarters of 2025/26, compared to Tailored Learning that had 54,800 learners.


What is Adult Skills Core and Tailored Learning?

As part of the new ASF introduced in 2024/25, delivery can be divided into Adult Skills Core and Tailored Learning:

  • Adult Skills Core includes formula funded regulated learning and non-regulated essential skills.

  • Tailored Learning brings together what was AEB community learning and delivery of previously formula-funded AEB non-regulated learning aims which are not part of the GLA’s essential skills core offer.

The primary purpose of the ASF is to support learners into employment and to progress to further learning. However, Tailored Learning also supports wider outcomes including using it to improve health and wellbeing, equip parents/carers to support their child’s learning and develop stronger communities.


The majority (79%) of Tailored Learning participation was on courses at Other Level. For Adult Skills Core the highest share of participation is in Entry Level courses (44%), but increased flexibility in London’s ASF means that there were 590 learners participating in courses at Level 4 or above.

All ASF

R06 August - January ILR data 2024/25 - 2025/26.

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Adult Skills Core

R06 August - January ILR data 2024/25 - 2025/26.

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Tailored Learning

R06 August - January ILR data 2024/25 - 2025/26.

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Aim enrolments

Adult Skills Core had 176,020 aim enrolments in the first two quarters of 2025/26, compared to Tailored Learning that had 87,600 enrolments. Since devolution, there has been an increase in provision of Level 3+ qualifications (partially due to Free Courses for Jobs). The first two quarters of 2025/26 shows that there were 12,030 aim enrolments at Level 3 (representing 5% of all ASF enrolments).

Overall, the distribution of aim enrolments by Level and by funding model shows a similar pattern to learner participation.

All ASF

R06 August - January ILR data 2024/25 - 2025/26.

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Adult Skills Core

R06 August - January ILR data 2024/25 - 2025/26.

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Tailored Learning

R06 August - January ILR data 2024/25 - 2025/26.

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Subject Studied (SSA)

Half (51%) of all ASF aims enrolments correspond to Preparation for Life and Work courses (the vast majority is funded via Adult Skills Core). Preparation for life and work prepares learners for employment and provides Maths and English skills. It also helps the learners outside of work by teaching skills for independence and personal development.

Aside from Preparation for Life and Work, the top subjects studied in Adult Skills Core were in the subject area of Health, Public Services and Care (10%) and Information and Communication (6%).

Tailored Learning does not have a sector subject area reported by the DfE. However, the GLA has mapped Tailored Learning aims to sector subject areas, to allow greater understanding of provision in London. For more information see the methodology information. Based on this the highest share of Tailored Learning enrolments are in Preparation for Life and Work (35%) and in Arts, Media and Publishing (34%).

All ASF

R06 August - January ILR data 2024/25 - 2025/26.
Note: Subjects are based on the Sector Subject Areas tier one.

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Adult Skills Core

R06 August - January ILR data 2024/25 - 2025/26.
Note: Subjects are based on the Sector Subject Areas tier one.

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Tailored Learning

R06 August - January ILR data 2024/25 - 2025/26.
Note: Subjects are based on the Sector Subject Areas tier one.

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SSA Tier 2

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Learner location

The ASF supports Londoners across the capital: all of the Sub-Regional Partnerships (SRPs) and London local authorities showed significant activity in the first two quarters of 2025/26.

The top five London Boroughs with the highest number of learners were Newham (7,510), Croydon (7,010), Brent (6,780), Lewisham (6,700) and Lambeth (6,690). However, differences in participation by borough can be partially explained by variations in the size of the working-age population. When adjusting for the 19-64 population the boroughs with the highest participation rate were Haringey (33.2), Lewisham (32.7), Waltham Forest (31.0), Camden (30.7) and Brent (29.4).

By SRP, Central London Forward had marginally higher participation per 1,000 19-64 population (27.04) compared to the other SRPs whose participation rate was between 23.6 to 24.5.

All ASF

Source: R06 August - January 2025/26 ILR data.
Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database rights [2015].
Note: underlying data are based on the learner’s home postcode on the learning start date and excludes records without a valid postcode.
ONS Mid-year Population Estimate by local authority 2024 (19-64 population).

Sub-regional partnership - All Adult Skills Fund

Measure Central London Forward Local London South London Partnership West London Alliance
Learner Participation 56,640 39,840 18,320 34,160
Participation per 1,000 19-64 population 27.04 23.6 24.5 24.0
Aims Enrolments 100,100 69,600 31,900 61,720

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Adult Skills Core

Source: R06 August - January 2025/26 ILR data.
Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database rights [2015].
Note: underlying data are based on the learner’s home postcode on the learning start date and excludes records without a valid postcode.
ONS Mid-year Population Estimate by local authority 2024 (19-64 population).

Sub-regional partnership - Adult Skills Core

Measure Central London Forward Local London South London Partnership West London Alliance
Learner Participation 35,560 30,470 12,950 26,300
Participation per 1,000 19-64 population 17.0 18.1 17.3 18.5
Aims Enrolments 60,610 49,710 22,320 43,140

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Tailored Learning

Source: R06 August - January 2025/26 ILR data.
Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database rights [2015].
Note: underlying data are based on the learner’s home postcode on the learning start date and excludes records without a valid postcode.
ONS Mid-year Population Estimate by local authority 2024 (19-64 population).

Sub-regional partnership - Tailored Learning

Measure Central London Forward Local London South London Partnership West London Alliance
Learner Participation 24,760 12,940 6,200 10,900
Participation per 1,000 19-64 population 11.8 7.7 8.3 7.7
Aims Enrolments 39,490 19,890 9,580 18,580

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Learner demographics

The ASF helps Londoners who face difficulties in the labour market: 69% of learners were women, 64% were from a Black, Asian or Minority ethnic background and 16% reported a disability or learning difficulty.

Women and learners from a Black, Asian or Minority ethnic background are particularly over represented compared to the rest of London’s population. The 2021 Census showed that 52% of 19-64 Londoners were female and 45% were from a Black, Asian or Minority ethnic background.

The proportion of learners reporting a disability or learning difficulty is similar (16% vs 18%) to the proportion of 19-64 year old Londoners who are either Equality Act Disabled or have a long-term physical or mental health condition (based on the 2021 Census).

Rising youth unemployment means it is important to consider how young people are accessing education and training opportunities. Compared to mid-year 2024/25 there has been a minor increase in the share of ASF learners aged 19-23.

There are some notable differences in demographics by Funding Model, especially in terms of ethnicity and age. Compared to Tailored Learning, Adult Skills Core engaged a higher proportion of learners from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic backgrounds, male learners and younger learners.

All ASF

R06 August - January ILR data 2024/25 - 2025/26.
Note: Age is based on learner’s age on 31st August of the academic year.
LLDD stands for learning difficulty and/or disability and/or health problem. Learning difficulty and/or disability and/or health problem is based on self-declaration by the learner.
The percentage calculation for the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and White learners here are based on excluding instances of unknown ethnicity.
The percentage calculation for LLDD learners here are based on excluding instances of unknown LLDD status.

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Adult Skills Core

R06 August - January ILR data 2024/25 - 2025/26.
Note: Age is based on learner’s age on 31st August of the academic year.
LLDD stands for learning difficulty and/or disability and/or health problem. Learning difficulty and/or disability and/or health problem is based on self-declaration by the learner.
The percentage calculation for the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and White learners here are based on excluding instances of unknown ethnicity.
The percentage calculation for LLDD learners here are based on excluding instances of unknown LLDD status.

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Tailored Learning

R06 August - January ILR data 2024/25 - 2025/26.
Note: Age is based on learner’s age on 31st August of the academic year.
LLDD stands for learning difficulty and/or disability and/or health problem. Learning difficulty and/or disability and/or health problem is based on self-declaration by the learner.
The percentage calculation for the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and White learners here are based on excluding instances of unknown ethnicity.
The percentage calculation for LLDD learners here are based on excluding instances of unknown LLDD status.

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Basic skills

Basics skills are essential in enabling people to function in society and progress in learning and employment. The GLA funds basic skills in English, Maths, ESOL and Digital.

All basic skills have experienced a reduction compared to the same period last year. The largest basic skill remains ESOL - with 57,610 enrolments by 37,980 learners. However, not all ASF funded ESOL delivery is included within the basic skill definition - total ESOL delivery was 66,230 enrolments.

R06 August - January ILR data 2024/25 - 2025/26.
Note: Whether a learning aim is included as ‘Basic Skills’ depends on how the learning aim is categorised by the Learning Aim Reference Service. Literacy aims are described as English, numeracy as Maths, and language as ESOL.

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Entitlements

Entitlements provide full funding for eligible adults (aged 19+) in England to gain essential qualifications, primarily focusing on employability and foundational skills. The legal entitlements play a key role amongst eligible adult learners taking English and Maths, Digital and Level 2 and Level 3 learning.

The largest entitlements, as measured by enrolments, are English (11,450) and Maths (11,340). Only Level 2 entitlements have seen a year on year increase compared to the same period last year (+4%).

R06 August - January ILR data 2024/25 - 2025/26.
Note: Entitlement learning is learning taken as part of the legal entitlements to full funding for eligible adult learners for English and Maths, Digital and Level 2 and Level 3 learning. Levels are based on the notional NVQ level version two.

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ASF Flexibilities and other fully funded courses

The ASF Flexibilities and fully funded provision allow adult learning in London to be tailored to the needs of Londoners.

In the first two quarters of 2025/26 the largest flexibility in terms of both participation and enrolments was Learners in Receipt of Low Wage. This flexibility provides full funding for those who are earning below the London Living Wage. The use of this flexibility has declined compared to mid-year 2024/25.

In 2025/26 the ASF flexibilities underwent a series of changes: The Trade Union Flexibility was added to allow all ASF eligible learners aged 19 and over to be fully funded to undertake an approved Trade Union qualification/unit (from the GLA Trade Union learning aims flexibility list) irrespective of the London Living Wage threshold. The ‘Learners Out of Work, inc. Outside Benefit Arrangements and Asylum Seekers’ was adjusted and therefore it is no longer comparable to delivery in previous years.

R06 August - January ILR data 2024/25 - 2025/26.
Note: The ‘Learners Out of Work, inc. Outside Benefit Arrangements and Asylum Seekers’ flexibility is not comparable to previous years. The Learners in receipt of low wage and Level 3 recovery flexibility have been expanded and therefore are not directly comparable to 2024/25.

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Sector-based work academy programme

The sector-based work academy programme (SWAPs) is designed to help Job Centre Plus claimants build confidence to improve their job prospects and enhance their CV, whilst helping employers in sectors with current local vacancies to fill them. SWAPs can last up to six weeks and has three main components: pre-employment training, work experience placement and a guaranteed job interview. The ASF funds the pre-employment training component of SWAPs.

Level Learner participation Aim enrolments Achievement
Entry Level 120 120 100
Level 1 770 1,050 620
Level 2 480 550 280
Other Level 240 290 220
Total 950 2,010 1,220

Source: R06 August - January ILR data, 2025/26

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Free Courses for Jobs

Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ) provides Level 2 and 3 qualifications to help adults reskill and upskill, improving their employment prospects. The GLA fully fund learners that meet the eligibility criteria as described in the funding rules.In 2025/26 FCFJ was expanded to include learners of all ages and Level 2 qualifications in Construction which limits direct comparability to previous years.

In the first half of academic year 2025/26, there were 8,470 FCFJ enrolments - of which 8,290 were at Level 3. Based on the mid-year data over the last four years FCFJ Level 3 enrolments have increased more than three-fold since 2021/22. Therefore, the expansion of FCFJ has contributed to the shift in ASF provision towards Level 3 qualifications.

Mid-year Level 3 FCFJ delivery, 2021/22 - 2025/26

2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 2025/26
Learner Participation 2,610 4,830 4,940 7,480 8,160
Aims Enrolments 2,630 4,910 4,970 7,660 8,290
Achievement 70 560 430 1,430 1,390

Source: R06 August - January ILR data, 2021/22-2025/26
Note: Limited to FCFJ delivery at Level 3. In 2025/26 FCFJ now includes learners of all ages which has led to further expansion.

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Conclusion

In the first half of the 2025/26 academic year the ASF was supporting the ambitions of the London Growth Plan and Inclusive Talent Strategy. The ITS and London Growth Plan are working together to ensure all Londoners can benefit from growth. Core components of this include ensuring employers can find the skills they need, Londoners can access skills training and boosting productivity.

  • Addressing skills gaps in London’s economy and growth sectors:

    More than half (51%) of ASF provision is in “Preparation for life and work” which includes essential and transferable skills - therefore the ASF is supporting people to gain the skills needed to succeed in London’s increasingly challenging labour market. This is comparable to the same period last year.

    Around one‑third of ASF‑funded provision, slightly higher than last academic year, falls within subjects linked to London’s priority sectors (Health, Construction, Digital, Creative and Hospitality).

  • Providing skills employers need to boost productivity:

    8,160 learners participated in Free Courses for Jobs (predominantly Level 3) which is supporting people to access higher levels of learning which are in high demand in London. This reflects a 7% increase from the same period last year.

    There has been a large increase in delivery at Level 4 with 570 enrolments - representing an increase of 170 compared to this period in 2024/25.

  • Ensuring Londoners can find the right training and career path for them:

    69% of learners were women, 64% were from a Black, Asian or Minority ethnic background and 16% had a disability or learning difficulty.

    Compared to the same period last year there has been an increase in the share of learners aged 19-23 and 50+.

    92,760 enrolments were in Entry level qualifications, supporting essential skills development and providing a pathway to further learning that aligns with the ambitions of the Inclusive Talent Strategy.

Further implications of the ASF on the growth plan and Inclusive Talent Strategy can be seen in additional breakdowns of ASF further education statistics, which can be found online on the London datastore. These include for instance, breakdowns by funding model, level of learning and background characteristics, and detailed figures by Sector Subject Area (Tier 1 and Tier 2). These can be explored using the ASF data dashboard.

Additionally, the final year data for academic year 2025/26 will give a more comprehensive picture of provision in London and will be available in December 2026.

To better understand how the ASF supports the London Growth Plan, analysis of outcomes (as well as participation and enrolments is needed). The outcomes of the GLA’s ASF are monitored through the London Learner Survey. Through the London Learner Survey (LLS), the GLA are measuring how learners’ lives change after they complete their learning, whether that is, for instance, improvements in their health and wellbeing, progression in work or learning, or entering new employment.

Results for the 2024/25 London Learner Survey will be published in the summer of 2026. The results from the previous academic year (2023/24) and methodological information can be accessed on the London Datastore

More information

More information about the Adult Skills Fund can be found on the London.Gov website.

For information on apprenticeships in London (which are not part of the ASF or devolved), see Apprenticeship Statistics for London

All media enquiries should be emailed to the Mayor’s Press Office, and we will respond as quickly as possible.

For urgent media enquiries outside office hours and at weekends please call: 020 7983 4000 and ask for the duty press officer.

Other enquiries should be emailed to Kathryn Petrie.

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