The Institute for Employment Studies has published a review into adult learning in England.

The study finds that there is a clear divide between those who benefit from education and training, and those who do not, and traces the historical reasons for this through religious education, the Workers’ Educational Association and local adult education and a shift to leisure-based learning, and notes the present governments attempts to create a 'learning society'.

The study also describes the potential barriers to learning and highlights the relationship between educational level and financial rewards.

The report concludes that this is a time of considerable flux in the field of adult learning in England as new structures and policies come on stream, but that a number of challenges remain, such as raising the demand for learning among those who need it most, but are interested in it least and ensuring that new initiatives aimed at widening participation are not dominated by current learners.

Details about obtaining the full report can be found at http://www.employment-studies.co.uk/pubs/order.html