Over a million adults have achieved basic standards in English and Maths after a government campaign to persuade people to tackle their learning "gremlins".
Education Secretary Ruth Kelly said that 1,130,000 adults had achieved at least Level 1 since 2001. However, she said 5.2 million adults in England still had literacy levels below those expected of an 11-year-old.
Adults taking a Skills for Life qualification can take a Level 1 qualification, equivalent to a GCSE pass at grades D to G, or a Level 2 qualification, equivalent to a GCSE pass at grades A* to C.
According to government figures, an estimated 5.2 million adults could not achieve the standard of literacy expected of an 11-year-old. The figures show more than four million have taken up courses since 2001.
"Four years of hard work on, Skills for Life is really bearing fruit, and having a positive effect on the lives of learners," Ms Kelly said. "The difference being made to people across the country is a real and enduring one."
