Targets to boost numeracy and literacy are on course, with 750,000 adults in England achieving literacy and numeracy qualifications.

Since the government's Get On scheme started in 2001, 2.4 million adults have taken up 4.8 million course places.

However, its estimated that 5.2 million adults have worse literacy than that expected of 11 year olds, while 14.9 million have numeracy skills below this level.

The government's long-term target is 2.25 million by 2010, with an interim aim of 1.5 million by 2007.