The Government’s new Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper could have been a defining moment for lifelong learning – but instead, it risks sidelining millions of adults who want and deserve access to education.
In a 38,000-word document, adults barely get a mention. While the Government says it wants to “level up” skills and “leave no one behind,” community learning, which supports confidence, wellbeing and progression for thousands every year, is barely visible.
WM College Principal and CEO Dipa Ganguli OBE, who also serves as Chair of HOLEX, has co-authored a new FE Week article with Caroline McDonald, CEO of HOLEX, calling for urgent recognition of the vital role adult learning plays in achieving the nation’s skills ambitions.
Together they argue that adult and community education providers, including WM College, are key to tackling skills shortages, supporting employability, and helping people rebuild confidence and wellbeing. But funding cuts and a lack of a clear strategy risk leaving adult learners further behind.
Two key opportunities: Essential Skills Review and Skills Passport
The article welcomes the Government’s proposed Essential Skills Review but warns it must go beyond English and maths. To truly build a skilled nation, it needs to include language, literacy, digital and numeracy learning at every level – and crucially, give community providers a voice in delivery.
The White Paper also introduces a Skills Passport as part of the UK’s “Plan for Change.” This could help learners track their achievements – but as it stands, it’s limited to the energy sector. Dipa and Caroline argue that it must become genuinely lifelong and record all learning, not just accredited or employment-linked qualifications.
“For thousands of adults returning to study after years away, the first step is a short course that rebuilds confidence or language skills,” Dipa explains. “Those experiences must count. A Skills Passport that values every stage of learning would be a real step towards inclusion.”
Investing in people, not just systems
HOLEX is calling for an increase of £5 billion in the adult skills budget this Parliament and for funding to be distributed locally, through authorities that understand community and employer needs.
As Dipa and Caroline write, “If ministers truly want a skills revolution, they must recognise that people – not just institutions – are its driving force. Adult learning isn’t an optional extra – it’s the backbone of an inclusive, productive and healthy society.”
