According to the annual National Institute of Adult Continuing Educations’ adult participation in learning survey, the amount of young people taking part in learning has fallen by seven per cent.

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The drop is found in the 17 to 24 years old age range and there has also been a fall in the amount of unemployed people participating in learning by six per cent.  David Hughes, chief executive of NIACE, said of the report: “What is particularly worrying is the fall in the number of young people who are taking part in, or even considering, learning.  If these young people can’t see the positive impact learning can have on their lives then it suggests a ‘creeping hopelessness’ amongst them which could have lifetime consequences on their confidence, self-esteem and life chances.”