FE data library: equality and diversity
Source: data.gov.uk (2017-03-20)

Participation and success rates of apprentices & adult learners by ethnicity, gender, disabilities and age.

Report 
 
 
Skills Funding Agency 
 
Cheylesmore House  Quinton Road  Coventry  CV1 2WT  
T xx-xxxx-xxxx  www.skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk 
An agency of the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills 
 
Equality and Diversity data report, 2008/09 to 2010/11 
Adult learner and all age Apprenticeship participation and success rates by ethnicity, gender, learning difficulties and/or disabilities and 
age 
 
 
Date of issue 
2 May 2012 
 
 
Publication intent 
NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 
 
 
 
 
Executive Summary 
1 
This report analyses participation and success rates of apprentices and adult learners in 2008/09, 2009/10 and 2010/11, by 
ethnicity, gender, learning difficulties and/or disabilities and age, using data from the Individualised Learner Record.  
2 
The summary chart below shows participation in 2010/11 by Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) learners, female 
learners, and learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, broken down by funding stream, and compared against the 
English population. Comparable population figures for learning difficulties and/or disabilities are not available, so are not 
shown in this chart. 
 

 
Summary Chart: Equality and Diversity Proportions for Learners, 2010/11 and the English Population1 
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic  
(BAME) learners
Female learners
Learners with Learning Difficulties 
and/or Disabilities (LDD)
Proportion  (%)
BAME learners, Female learners and learners with LDD
Adult (19+) FE and Skills
All Age Apprenticeships
Adult (19+) Workplace learning
Adult (19+) Education and 
Training
Adult (19 to 64) English 
Population
 
                                            
1 Office for National Statistics Quarter 4 2010 Labour Force Survey, ages 19 to 64, England. 
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Ethnicity 
3 
In 2010/11: 
 
19.2 per cent of all adult learners were from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) background. This was higher than 
the estimated proportion of BAME people in the general English population (12.7 per cent) and higher than the proportion 
of BAME learners in 2008/09 (17.6 per cent). 
 
8.7 per cent of apprentices were from a BAME background. This is lower than the proportion of BAME people in the 
general English population, but it is higher than the proportion of BAME apprentices in 2008/09 (6.7 per cent).  
 
Apprenticeship success rates were higher for all ethnic groups than in either of the previous two years. Success rates 
ranged from 71.1 per cent for Black or Black British learners to 76.6 per cent for White learners, a gap of 5.5 percentage 
points. 
 
Gender  
4 
In 2010/11: 
 
57.1 per cent of all adult learners were female. This is higher than the proportion in the general English population (50.2 
per cent), but lower than the proportions in 2008/09 (58.1 per cent) and 2009/10 (57.4 per cent). 
 
50.4 per cent of apprentices were female. This is slightly higher than the proportion in the general English population, and 
higher than the proportion of female apprentices in 2008/09 (45.8 per cent).  
5 
In 2010/11, in the five largest Apprenticeship Sector Subject Areas by number of starts: 
 
65.3 per cent of starts in Business, Administration and Law are by females 
 
61.8 per cent of starts in Retail and Commercial Enterprise are by females 
 
81.7 per cent of starts in Health, Public Services and Care are by females 
 
6.1 per cent of starts in Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies apprentices are by females 
 
1.6 per cent of starts in Construction, Planning and the Built Environment apprentices are by females. 
6 
Success rates rose for both female and male apprentices between 2008/09 and 2010/11. In 2010/11, Females had a success 
rate of 77.2 per cent, 1.5 percentage points higher than males. 
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Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities 
7 
Among all adult learners in 2010/11: 
 
11.2 per cent declared learning difficulties and/or disabilities (LDD). This is higher than the proportion in 2008/09 (10.3 per 
cent). 
 
0.9 per cent declared a mental health difficulty 
 
0.8 per cent declared a disability affecting mobility 
 
0.7 per cent declared a hearing impairment 
 
0.7 per cent declared multiple disabilities 
 
2.4 per cent declared dyslexia 
 
1.5 per cent declared a moderate learning difficulty. 
8 
In Apprenticeships in 2010/11: 
 
8.4 per cent of apprentices declared learning difficulties and/or disabilities. This is lower than the proportion in 2008/09 
(10.1 per cent). 
 
7.1 per cent of BAME apprentices declared an LDD, compared to 8.6 per cent of White apprentices. 
 
Apprentices with LDD had a success rate of 72.6 per cent, 4.3 percentage points lower than that for apprentices who did 
not have an LDD. 
 
Success rates by disability impairment type ranged from 67.8 per cent for apprentices with emotional/behavioural 
difficulties, to 77.0 per cent for those with visual impairments compared to 76.5 per cent for those who did not declare a 
disability impairment. 
 
Success rates by learning difficulty ranged from 59.6 per cent for apprentices with multiple learning difficulties, to 73.5 per 
cent for learners with dyscalculia, compared to 76.8 per cent for learners without a learning difficulty. 
9 
In Education and Training provision in 2010/11,  
 
Learners who declared an LDD had a success rate of 81.8 per cent, 0.2 percentage points higher than learners who did 
not declare an LDD. 
 
10.4 per cent of BAME learners declared an LDD, compared to 17.2 per cent of White learners 
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Age 
10 
In Apprenticeships between 2008/09 and 2010/11, learners over 25 consistently had higher success rates than learners aged 
19-24 and learners under 19.  
11 
In Education and Training provision between 2008/09 and 2010/11, success rates were consistently highest for learners aged 
60+, and lowest for learners aged 19-24.  
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Contents 
Executive Summary............................................................................................................................................................................ 1 
Contents ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 
Introduction......................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 
Notes on Data..................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 
Participation........................................................................................................................................................................................ 9 
Participation by Ethnicity................................................................................................................................................................. 9 
Participation by Gender................................................................................................................................................................. 13 
Participation by Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities ................................................................................................................ 16 
Participation by Age ...................................................................................................................................................................... 21 
Participation by Ethnicity and Gender ........................................................................................................................................... 25 
Participation by Ethnicity and Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities........................................................................................... 28 
Participation by Gender and Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities ............................................................................................ 31 
Apprenticeship starts by Sector Subject Area and Gender............................................................................................................... 34 
Success Rates.................................................................................................................................................................................. 36 
Success Rates by Ethnicity........................................................................................................................................................... 36 
Success Rates by Gender ............................................................................................................................................................ 39 
Success Rates by Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities............................................................................................................ 40 
Success Rates by Age.................................................................................................................................................................. 44 
Success Rates by Ethnicity and Gender....................................................................................................................................... 46 
Success Rates by Ethnicity and Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities ...................................................................................... 48 
Success Rates by Gender and Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities ........................................................................................ 51 
Support............................................................................................................................................................................................. 53 
 
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Introduction 
12 
In January 2012, we published a learner equality data report covering 2008/09 and 2009/10. The figures from that report 
have not changed, but this report additionally includes: 
 
data from 2010/11 
 
further breakdowns, for example by disability impairment type and age 
 
funding streams updated in accordance with the new headings in the Post 16 Education & Skills: Learner Participation, 
Outcomes and Level of Highest Qualification Held Statistical First Release. University for Industry figures have been 
added to Learner Responsive to show the new Education and Training funding stream figures. Other Employer 
Responsive (non-Apprenticeships) figures have been added to Train to Gain to give the new Workplace Learning funding 
stream figures. Overall FE and Skills (all funding streams) figures and Apprenticeship figures are unaffected.  
 
charts and graphs. 
13 
This report forms part of a range of equality information published by the Skills Funding Agency, including: 
 
our Single Equality Scheme, published in April 2012 
 
a report on equality and diversity in the Skills Funding Agency workforce published in January 2012 
 
research on the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans learners, published in August 2011 
 
a summary of progress made against our draft Single Equality Scheme, published in September 2011. 
14 
This report is accompanied by a spreadsheet which includes more detailed breakdowns, for example Apprenticeship data 
broken down by age, and full ethnicity breakdowns. Where indicated, some tables and charts in this report are extracts of 
these more detailed tables. 
15 
The next update of this report is due in early 2013, when final 2011/12 data becomes available. Additionally, an evaluation of 
learners’ experiences of religion and belief equality is expected to be published later in 2012.  
16 
The purposes of these reports are to: 
 
enable communities to hold the FE sector to account for its equality outcomes 
 
inform learners 
 
enable colleges, providers and other stakeholders to understand the impact of their activities on equality, and develop 
objectives to advance equality 
 
help meet one of the specific duties under the Equality Act, to publish equality information.  
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Notes on Data 
 
17 
All learner data are drawn from the Individualised Learner Record (ILR). Full details are available in the Excel spreadsheets 
which accompany this report, and the table numbers correspond to those in the spreadsheets. 
18 
Demographic comparisons for gender and ethnicity are based on the Office for National Statistics Quarter 4 2010 Labour 
Force Survey, ages 19 to 64 in England. 
19 
Volumes are rounded to the nearest ten except Grand Totals which are rounded to the nearest hundred; percentages are 
calculated based on pre-rounded data. 
 
20 
In participation and starts tables, '-' Indicates a base value of less than five or a percentage of less than 0.5%. In success rate 
tables, '-' Indicates when the number of related cohorts is less than 30 or the number of achievers is under 5. 
21 
To allow for comparison between different ILR data sources, learner data tables use age as at 31 August of the academic 
year for all provision except Table 8 (Apprenticeships starts) which uses age at the start of the programme. The tables 
include learners aged 19 and over only, except Apprenticeship tables, which include under 19s. 
22 
Full-year numbers are a count of the number of learners that participated at any point during the year. Learners undertaking 
more than one course will appear only once.  However, learners that are included in different data collections, whether that 
relates to different years or different funding streams, will be counted more than once.  
 
23 
Success rates are calculated as the number of learning aims achieved divided by the number of starts, excluding any 
learners who transferred onto another qualification within the same organisation. Learners who withdrew within the first 6 
weeks of the qualification are excluded. 
24 
Age, gender, learning difficulties and/or disabilities and ethnicity are based upon self-declaration by the learner. 
25 
'Total BAME' is the sum of learners from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic group.   
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 

 
Participation 
Participation by Ethnicity 
26 
In 2010/11, 19.2 per cent of adult learners were from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background. This was higher than the 
estimated proportion in the general English population (12.7 per cent) and higher than the proportions in 2008/09 (17.6 per cent) and 
2009/10 (18.1 per cent). All BAME groups had a higher representation in FE and Skills than in the general population [Table 1A].  
 
Table 1A: Adult (19+) FE and Skills Participation by Ethnicity (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
Funded Learners 
English population1 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
2010 
Ethnicity 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
  
Asian or Asian British 
282,890
7.5%
267,900
7.6%
257,380
8.1%
6.3% 
Black or Black British 
223,790
5.9%
215,770
6.1%
205,830
6.5%
2.9% 
Mixed 
62,030
1.6%
62,520
1.8%
60,830
1.9%
0.9% 
Chinese or Other Ethnic Group 
95,430
2.5%
93,830
2.7%
83,940
2.7%
2.5% 
Total BAME 
664,140
17.6%
640,020
18.1%
607,980
19.2%
12.7% 
White 
2,991,750
79.3%
2,807,040
79.3%
2,481,450
78.4%
87.2% 
Not Known 
115,350
3.1%
93,430
2.6%
73,770
2.3%
0.1% 
Grand Total 
3,771,200
100.0%
3,540,500
100.0%
3,163,200
100.0%
100.0% 
 
 
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27 
In 2010/11, 8.7 per cent of apprentices of all ages were from a BAME background. This was lower than the proportion of BAME people 
in the English population (ages 19-64) as a whole. However, it is higher than the proportions of BAME apprentices in 2008/09 (6.7 per 
cent) and 2009/10 (7.1 per cent).  
28 
In 2010/11, compared to the population at large, there was a lower proportion of apprentices from Asian or Asian British; Black or Black 
British; and Chinese or Other Ethnic Group backgrounds; and a higher proportion from Mixed and White backgrounds [Table 1B].  
 
Table 1B (extract2): Apprenticeship Participation by Ethnicity (2008/09 to 2010/11)  
  
Funded Learners 
English population1 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
2010 
  
All Age 
All Age 
All Age 
  
Ethnicity 
Number
% of Total
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
  
Asian or Asian British 
13,370
3.0%
14,070
2.9%
24,020
3.6%
6.3% 
Black or Black British 
7,840
1.8%
10,010
2.0%
17,950
2.7%
2.9% 
Mixed 
6,430
1.4%
7,890
1.6%
11,380
1.7%
0.9% 
Chinese or Other Ethnic Group 
2,340
0.5%
2,700
0.5%
4,660
0.7%
2.5% 
Total BAME 
29,970
6.7%
34,680
7.1%
58,020
8.7%
12.7% 
White 
410,960
92.4%
452,680
92.1%
602,420
90.5%
87.2% 
Not Known 
3,830
0.9%
3,920
0.8%
5,460
0.8%
0.1% 
Grand Total 
444,800
100.0%
491,300
100.0%
665,900
100.0%
100.0% 
 
 
                                            
2 A full version of Table 1B, including breakdowns by age, is available in the spreadsheet accompanying this report. 

 
29 
In adult Workplace Learning provision in 2010/11, 17.0 per cent of learners were from a BAME background, higher than the proportion 
in the population at large (12.7 per cent) and higher than the proportions in 2008/09 (16.6 per cent) and 2009/10 (15.7 per cent) [Table 
1C]. 
Table 1C: Adult (19+) Workplace Learning Participation by Ethnicity (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
Funded Learners 
English population1 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
2010 
Ethnicity 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
  
Asian or Asian British 
77,950
7.6%
70,040
7.2%
60,700
8.1%
6.3% 
Black or Black British 
59,940
5.8%
52,390
5.4%
42,650
5.7%
2.9% 
Mixed 
13,210
1.3%
12,790
1.3%
10,590
1.4%
0.9% 
Chinese or Other Ethnic Group 
19,310
1.9%
17,890
1.8%
13,770
1.8%
2.5% 
Total BAME 
170,420
16.6%
153,110
15.7%
127,700
17.0%
12.7% 
White 
837,180
81.3%
803,500
82.6%
614,260
81.5%
87.2% 
Not Known 
21,830
2.1%
15,600
1.6%
11,290
1.5%
0.1% 
Grand Total 
1,029,400
100.0%
972,200
100.0%
753,200
100.0%
100.0% 
 
 
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30 
In adult Education and Training provision in 2010/11, 26.3 per cent of learners were from a BAME background. This was higher than 
the estimated proportion in the population as a whole (12.7 per cent) and higher than the proportions in 2008/09 (21.6 per cent) and 
2009/10 (23.2 per cent).  
 
Table 1D: Adult (19+) Education and Training Participation by Ethnicity (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
Funded Learners 
English population1 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
2010 
Ethnicity 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
  
Asian or Asian British 
145,020
8.6%
134,390
8.9%
124,030
10.2%
6.3% 
Black or Black British 
129,300
7.6%
124,970
8.3%
115,610
9.5%
2.9% 
Mixed 
35,700
2.1%
35,220
2.3%
32,630
2.7%
0.9% 
Chinese or Other Ethnic Group 
55,930
3.3%
54,080
3.6%
46,320
3.8%
2.5% 
Total BAME 
365,950
21.6%
348,660
23.2%
318,590
26.3%
12.7% 
White 
1,274,350
75.2%
1,113,190
73.9%
863,550
71.2%
87.2% 
Not Known 
53,810
3.2%
43,970
2.9%
31,270
2.6%
0.1% 
Grand Total 
1,694,100
100.0%
1,505,800
100.0%
1,213,400
100.0%
100.0% 
 
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31 
In adult Skills for Life provision in 2010/11, 27.6 per cent of learners were from a BAME background, higher than the proportion in 
England as a whole (12.7 per cent), but lower than the proportions in 2008/09 (28.4 per cent) and 2009/10 (28.6 per cent) [Table 1E].  
 
Table 1E: Adult (19+) FE and Skills - Skills for Life Participation by Ethnicity (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
Funded Learners 
English population1 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
2010 
Ethnicity 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
  
Asian or Asian British 
118,670
12.6%
111,100
12.2%
113,340
11.8%
6.3% 
Black or Black British 
84,190
8.9%
83,160
9.1%
88,030
9.2%
2.9% 
Mixed 
20,530
2.2%
20,640
2.3%
22,470
2.3%
0.9% 
Chinese or Other Ethnic Group 
44,580
4.7%
44,730
4.9%
41,590
4.3%
2.5% 
Total BAME 
267,970
28.4%
259,630
28.6%
265,420
27.6%
12.7% 
White 
655,290
69.3%
629,450
69.2%
679,400
70.6%
87.2% 
Not Known 
21,820
2.3%
20,060
2.2%
17,030
1.8%
0.1% 
Grand Total 
945,100
100.0%
909,100
100.0%
961,800
100.0%
100.0% 
 
 
Participation by Gender 
32 
In 2010/11, 57.1 per cent of adult learners were female. This is higher than the proportion in the general English population (50.2 per 
cent), but lower than the proportions in 2008/09 (58.1 per cent) and 2009/10 (57.4 per cent) [Table 2A]. 
 
Table 2A: Adult (19+) FE and Skills Participation by Gender (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
Funded Learners 
English population1 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
2010 
Gender 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
  
Female 
2,191,890 
58.1%
2,033,770
57.4% 
1,807,390
57.1%
50.2% 
Male 
1,579,350 
41.9%
1,506,730
42.6% 
1,355,800
42.9%
49.8% 
Grand Total 
3,771,200 
100.0%
3,540,500
100.0% 
3,163,200
100.0%
100.0% 
 
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33 
In 2010/11, 50.4 per cent of apprentices were female. This is slightly higher than the English population estimate of 50.2 per cent, and 
higher than the proportions in 2008/09 (45.8 per cent) and 2009/10 (46.9 per cent) [Table 2B].  
 
Table 2B (extract3): Apprenticeship Participation by Age and Gender (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
Funded Learners 
English population1 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
2010 
Gender 
Number 
% of Total
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
  
Female 
203,800 
45.8%
230,320
46.9% 
335,530
50.4%
50.2% 
Male 
240,970 
54.2%
260,960
53.1% 
330,360
49.6%
49.8% 
Grand Total 
444,800 
100.0%
491,300
100.0% 
665,900
100.0%
100.0% 
 
 
34 
In 2010/11, 43.5 per cent of learners in Workplace Learning provision were female. This is lower than the English population estimate 
of 50.2 per cent, and lower than the proportions of female learners in 2008/09 (46.8 per cent) and 2009/10 (47.0 per cent) [Table 2C]. 
 
Table 2C: Adult (19+) Workplace Learning Participation by Gender (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
Funded Learners 
English population1 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
2010 
Gender 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
  
Female 
481,960 
46.8%
456,840
47.0% 
327,390
43.5%
50.2% 
Male 
547,460 
53.2%
515,360
53.0% 
425,860
56.5%
49.8% 
Grand Total 
1,029,400 
100.0%
972,200
100.0% 
753,200
100.0%
100.0% 
 
 
                                            
3 A full version of Table 2B, including breakdowns by age, is available in the spreadsheet accompanying this report. 

 
35 
In 2010/11, 56.6 per cent of adult learners in Education and Training provision were female. This is higher than the estimated 
proportion of females in the English population, but lower than the proportions of female learners in 2008/09 (58.6 per cent) and 
2009/10 (57.3 per cent) [Table 2D]. 
 
Table 2D: Adult (19+) Education and Training Participation by Gender (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
Funded Learners 
English population1 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
2010 
Gender 
2008/09 
% of Total 
2009/10 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
  
Female 
992,650 
58.6%
862,110
57.3% 
687,100
56.6%
50.2% 
Male 
701,460 
41.4%
643,710
42.7% 
526,310
43.4%
49.8% 
Grand Total 
1,694,100 
100.0%
1,505,800
100.0% 
1,213,400
100.0%
100.0% 
 
 
36 
In 2010/11, 59.3 per cent of adult Skills for Life learners were female. This is higher than the estimated proportion in the general 
English population (50.2 per cent) and higher than the proportions in 2008/09 (58.5 per cent) and 2009/10 (58.1 per cent) [Table 2E]. 
 
Table 2E: Adult (19+) FE and Skills - Skills for Life Participation by Gender (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
Funded Learners 
English population1 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
2010 
Gender 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
  
Female 
552,690 
58.5%
528,220
58.1% 
570,240
59.3%
50.2% 
Male 
392,390 
41.5%
380,930
41.9% 
391,610
40.7%
49.8% 
Grand Total 
945,100 
100.0%
909,100
100.0% 
961,800
100.0%
100.0% 
 
 
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Participation by Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities 
37 
The Office for Disability Issues estimates that in 2009/10, there were 10.9 million disabled people in Great Britain4, which equates to 
17.3 per cent of the total population. However, learner figures and population estimates cannot be directly compared as they are 
collected in different ways. In particular, impairments are defined differently; learner data are based on self-declaration, and there was 
a relatively large proportion of ‘not knowns’ in the learner data.  
38 
In 2010/11, 11.2 per cent of all adult learners declared learning difficulties and/or disabilities. This is higher than the proportions in 
2008/09 (10.3 per cent) and in 2009/10 (10.7 per cent) [Table 3A.1].  
 
Table 3A.1: Adult (19+) FE and Skills Participation by Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
Funded Learners 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Learning Difficulty/Disability 
387,810
10.3% 
378,160
10.7%
354,000
11.2% 
No Learning Difficulty/Disability 
3,104,720
82.3% 
2,942,580
83.1%
2,616,490
82.7% 
Not Known 
278,710
7.4% 
219,760
6.2%
192,700
6.1% 
Grand Total 
3,771,200
100.0% 
3,540,500
100.0%
3,163,200
100.0% 
 
 
                                            
4 Office for Disability Issues, Disability prevalence estimates 2009/10 

 
39 
In 2010/11: 
 
0.9 per cent of all adult learners declared a mental health difficulty 
 
0.8 per cent declared a disability affecting mobility 
 
0.7 per cent declared a hearing impairment 
 
0.7 per cent declared multiple disabilities 
 
1.6 per cent declared another medical condition [Table 3A.2]. 
 
 
Table 3A.2: Adult (19+) FE and Skills Participation by Disability (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
Funded Learners 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Disability 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Visual Impairment 
17,630
- 
17,360
-
14,900
- 
Hearing Impairment 
24,070
0.6% 
24,690
0.7%
22,170
0.7% 
Disability Affecting Mobility 
27,810
0.7% 
27,720
0.8%
24,910
0.8% 
Other Physical Disability 
13,480
- 
13,210
-
12,520
- 
Other Medical Condition (For Example Epilepsy, Asthma, Diabetes 
49,590
1.3% 
51,610
1.5%
49,150
1.6% 
Emotional/Behavioural Difficulties 
6,130
- 
6,500
-
6,700
- 
Mental Health Difficulty 
27,590
0.7% 
28,510
0.8%
28,440
0.9% 
Temporary Disability After Illness (For Example Post-Viral) or 
Accident 
2,190
- 
2,030
-
1,820
- 
Profound Complex Disabilities 
1,590
- 
1,570
-
1,820
- 
Asperger's Syndrome 
1,320
- 
2,390
-
2,980
- 
Multiple Disabilities 
19,690
0.5% 
19,900
0.6%
20,860
0.7% 
Other 
41,650
1.1% 
42,320
1.2%
36,490
1.2% 
No Disability 
3,201,900
84.9% 
3,042,130
85.9%
2,708,150
85.6% 
Not Known 
336,600
8.9% 
260,550
7.4%
232,300
7.3% 
Grand Total 
3,771,200
100.0% 
3,540,500
100.0%
3,163,200
100.0% 
 
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40 
In 2010/11: 
 
2.4 per cent of all adult learners declared they have dyslexia 
 
1.5 per cent declared a moderate learning difficulty [Table 3A.3]. 
 
Table 3A.3: Adult (19+) FE and Skills Participation by Learning Difficulty (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
Funded Learners 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Learning Difficulty 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Moderate Learning Difficulty 
52,790
1.4% 
52,430
1.5%
48,900
1.5% 
Severe Learning Difficulty 
10,350
- 
9,870
-
9,180
- 
Dyslexia 
68,940
1.8% 
76,500
2.2%
74,480
2.4% 
Dyscalculia 
2,390
- 
2,480
- 
2,570
- 
Other Specific Learning Difficulty 
6,590
- 
6,190
- 
5,310
- 
Autism Spectrum Disorder 
1,330
- 
2,400
- 
3,410
- 
Multiple Learning Difficulties 
7,400
- 
8,050
- 
8,880
- 
Other 
36,110
1.0% 
35,690
1.0%
30,400
1.0% 
No Learning Difficulty 
3,230,490
85.7% 
3,070,050
86.7%
2,730,940
86.3% 
Not Known 
354,860
9.4% 
276,850
7.8%
249,120
7.9% 
Grand Total 
3,771,200
100.0% 
3,540,500
100.0%
3,163,200
100.0% 
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41 
In 2010/11, 8.4 per cent of apprentices declared learning difficulties and/or disabilities. This is lower than the proportions in 2008/09 
(10.1 per cent) and 2009/10 (9.7 per cent) [Table 3b.1].5  
 
Table 3B.1 (extract): Apprenticeship Participation by Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
Funded Learners 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
  
All Age 
All Age 
All Age 
Learners with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Learning Difficulty/Disability 
44,950
10.1%
47,620
9.7%
55,950
8.4% 
No Learning Difficulty/Disability 
396,540
89.2%
439,530
89.5%
604,750
90.8% 
Not Known 
3,280
0.7%
4,130
0.8%
5,190
0.8% 
Grand Total 
444,800
100.0%
491,300
100.0%
665,900
100.0% 
 
 
42 
In 2010/11, 6.0 per cent of learners in Workplace Learning provision declared learning difficulties and/or disabilities. This was a higher 
proportion than in 2008/09 (5.6 per cent) and the same proportion as in 2009/10 [Table 3C.1]6.  
 
Table 3C.1: Adult (19+) Workplace Learning Participation by Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
Funded Learners 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Learning Difficulty/Disability 
57,690
5.6%
58,770
6.0%
45,100
6.0% 
No Learning Difficulty/Disability 
935,840
90.9%
892,120
91.8%
692,560
91.9% 
Not Known 
35,890
3.5%
21,310
2.2%
15,590
2.1% 
Grand Total 
1,029,400
100.0%
972,200
100.0%
753,200
100.0% 
 
 
                                            
5 Full breakdowns are available of participation by disability and learning difficulty impairment type in the spreadsheet accompanying this report [Tables 3b.2 and 3b.3] 
6 Full breakdowns are available of participation by disability and learning difficulty impairment type in the spreadsheet accompanying this report [Tables 3C.2 and 3C.3] 

 
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43 
In 2010/11, 15.2 per cent of learners in Education and Training provision declared learning difficulties and/or disabilities. This was a 
higher proportion than in 2008/09 (13.0 per cent) and 2009/10 (13.7 per cent) [Table 3D.1].7  
 
Table 3D.1: Adult (19+) Education and Training Participation by Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
Funded Learners 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Learning Difficulty/Disability 
220,120
13.0%
205,830
13.7%
184,220
15.2% 
No Learning Difficulty/Disability 
1,340,280
79.1%
1,196,240
79.4%
932,920
76.9% 
Not Known 
133,710
7.9%
103,750
6.9%
96,260
7.9% 
Grand Total 
1,694,100
100.0%
1,505,800
100.0%
1,213,400
100.0% 
 
44 
In 2010/11, 12.0 per cent of Skills for Life learners declared learning difficulties and/or disabilities. This was a lower proportion than in 
2008/09 (12.7 per cent) and in 2009/10 (13.0 per cent) [Table 3E.1]. 
 
Table 3E.1: Adult (19+) FE and Skills - Skills for Life Participation by Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (2008/09 to 2009/10) 
  
Funded Learners 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Learning Difficulty/Disability 
120,430
12.7%
117,980
13.0%
115,400
12.0% 
No Learning Difficulty/Disability 
770,680
81.5%
746,180
82.1%
794,320
82.6% 
Not Known 
53,970
5.7%
44,990
4.9%
52,120
5.4% 
Grand Total 
945,100
100.0%
909,100
100.0%
961,800
100.0% 
 
                                            
7 Full breakdowns are available of participation by disability and learning difficulty impairment type in the spreadsheet accompanying this report [Tables 3D.2 and 3D.3] 

 
Participation by Age 
45 
Among all adult learners in 2010/11: 
 
23.5 per cent were aged 19-24, a higher proportion than in 2008/09 (20.3 per cent) and 2009/10 (21.8 per cent) 
 
24.7 per cent were aged 25-34, a higher proportion than in 2008/09 (24.2 per cent) and 2009/10 (24.5 per cent) 
 
22.1 per cent were aged 35-44, a lower proportion than in 2008/09 (24.1 per cent) and 2009/10 (23.1 per cent) 
 
20.5 per cent were aged 45-59, a lower proportion than in 2008/09 (21.7 per cent) and 2009/10 (21.3 per cent) 
 
8.8 per cent were aged 60+, a slightly lower proportion than in 2008/09 (9.1 per cent) and the same as in 2009/10 [Table 4A]. 
 
Table 4A: Adult (19+) FE and Skills Participation by Age (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
Funded Learners 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Age 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
19-24 
764,150
20.3%
770,620 
21.8%
744,220
23.5% 
25-34 
914,150
24.2%
868,030 
24.5%
782,870
24.7% 
35-44 
907,100
24.1%
819,050 
23.1%
698,520
22.1% 
45-59 
819,250
21.7%
754,790 
21.3%
649,720
20.5% 
60+ 
342,760
9.1%
310,690 
8.8%
277,700
8.8% 
Not Known 
23,820
0.6%
17,330 
-
10,170
- 
Grand Total 
3,771,200
100.0%
3,540,500 
100.0%
3,163,200
100.0% 
 
 
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46 
In Apprenticeships in 2010/11: 
 
37.8 per cent of apprentices were aged 19-24, a lower proportion than in 2008/09 (43.1 per cent) and 2009/10 (42.9 per cent) 
 
13.7 per cent of apprentices were aged 25-34, a higher proportion than in 2008/09 (9.4 per cent) and 2009/10 (10.0 per cent) 
 
9.4 per cent of apprentices were aged 35-44, a higher proportion than in 2008/09 (5.0 per cent) and 2009/10 (5.3 per cent) 
 
8.0 per cent of apprentices were aged 45-59, a higher proportion than in 2008/09 (3.2 per cent) and 2009/10 (3.7 per cent) [Table 
4B].  
 
Table 4B: Apprenticeship Participation by Age (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
Funded Learners 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Age 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Under 16 
2,710 
0.6%
4,130
0.8%
4,150
0.6% 
16 
38,220 
8.6%
39,100
8.0%
42,610
6.4% 
17 
64,780 
14.6%
67,620
13.8%
71,300
10.7% 
18 
68,200 
15.3%
75,580
15.4%
85,070
12.8% 
19-24 
191,760 
43.1%
210,930
42.9%
251,900
37.8% 
25-34 
42,000 
9.4%
48,930
10.0%
91,440
13.7% 
35-44 
22,370 
5.0%
26,270
5.3%
62,490
9.4% 
45-59 
14,190 
3.2%
17,970
3.7%
53,450
8.0% 
60+ 
550 
-
740
-
3,490
0.5% 
Not Known 
 -  
-
 - 
-
 - 
- 
Grand Total 
444,800 
100.0%
491,300
100.0%
665,900
100.0% 
 
 
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47 
In Adult Workplace Learning provision in 2010/11: 
 
17.8 per cent of learners were aged 19-24 
 
26.3 per cent of learners were aged 25-34 
 
26.8 per cent of learners were aged 35-44 
 
26.6 per cent of learners were aged 45-59, and 
 
2.6 per cent of learners were aged 60+ [Table 4C]. 
 
Table 4C: Adult (19+) Workplace Learning Participation by Age (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
Funded Learners 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Age 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
19-24 
160,780
15.6%
158,920
16.3%
134,140
17.8% 
25-34 
268,390
26.1%
252,890
26.0%
198,080
26.3% 
35-44 
300,530
29.2%
271,890
28.0%
201,500
26.8% 
45-59 
270,900
26.3%
262,100
27.0%
200,030
26.6% 
60+ 
28,820
2.8%
26,400
2.7%
19,500
2.6% 
Not Known 
 - 
-
 - 
- 
 - 
- 
Grand Total 
1,029,400
100.0%
972,200
100.0%
753,200
100.0% 
 
 
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48 
In Adult Education and Training provision in 2010/11: 
 
25.0 per cent of learners were aged 19-24, a higher proportion than in 2008/09 (21.1 per cent) and 2009/10 (22.9 per cent) 
 
28.1 per cent of learners were aged 25-34, a higher proportion than in 2008/09 (26.5 per cent) and 2009/10 (27.2 per cent) 
 
22.7 per cent of learners were aged 35-44, a lower proportion than in 2008/09 (24.0 per cent) and 2009/10 (23.3. per cent) 
 
18.6 per cent of learners were aged 45-59, a lower proportion than in 2008/09 (20.6 per cent) and 2009/10 (19.5 per cent) 
 
5.5 per cent of learners were aged 60+, a lower proportion than in 2008/09 (7.4 per cent) and 2009/10 (6.7 per cent) [Table 4D]. 
 
Table 4D: Adult (19+) Education and Training Participation by Age (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
Funded Learners 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Age 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
Number 
% of Total 
19-24 
357,740
21.1%
345,580
22.9%
303,900
25.0% 
25-34 
448,490
26.5%
409,580
27.2%
341,140
28.1% 
35-44 
407,110
24.0%
350,530
23.3%
275,140
22.7% 
45-59 
348,610
20.6%
294,140
19.5%
225,890
18.6% 
60+ 
125,210
7.4%
101,580
6.7%
66,900
5.5% 
Not Known 
6,930
-
4,410
-
440
- 
Grand Total 
1,694,100
100.0%
1,505,800
100.0%
1,213,400
100.0% 
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Participation by Ethnicity and Gender 
49 
In 2010/11, 49.5 per cent of BAME apprentices were female. This was lower than the proportion of White apprentices who were female 
(50.4 per cent) and lower than the proportion of BAME apprentices who were female in 2008/09 (52.1 per cent) [Chart 5A] 8. 
 
Chart 5A: Proportion of Learners (All Ages) Participating in Apprenticeships that were Female, by Ethnicity (2008/xx-xxxx-xxxx) 
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
55%
60%
65%
70%
75%
2008/09
2009/10
2010/11
Female learners (%)
Academic Year
Asian or Asian British
Black or Black British
Mixed
Chinese or Other Ethnic 
Group
Total BAME
White
Grand Total
  
                                            
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8 Full data, including breakdowns by age, are available in Table 5A in the spreadsheet accompanying this report. 

 
 
50 
In adult Workplace Learning in 2010/11, 40.0 per cent of BAME learners were female, lower than the proportion of White learners who 
were female (44.2 per cent). It was also lower than the proportion of BAME learners who were female in 2008/09 (44.0 per cent). 
Participation by females was lowest among Asian or Asian British learners, among whom 33.2 per cent were female in 2010/11 [Chart 
5B]9.  
 
Chart 5B: Proportion of Adult (19+) Learners Participating in Workplace Learning that were Female, by Ethnicity (2008/xx-xxxx-xxxx) 
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
55%
60%
65%
70%
75%
2008/09
2009/10
2010/11
Female learners (%)
Academic Year
Asian or Asian British
Black or Black British
Mixed
Chinese or Other Ethnic 
Group
Total BAME
White
Grand Total
  
                                            
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9 Full data are available in Table 5B in the spreadsheet accompanying this report. 

 
 
51 
In adult Education and Training provision in 2010/11, 59.1 per cent of BAME learners were female. This was higher than the proportion of White 
learners who were female (56.2 per cent), but lower than the proportion of BAME learners who were female in 2008/09 (59.7 per cent) [Chart 5C]10.  
 
Chart 5C Proportion of Adult (19+) Learners Participating in Education and Training Provision that were Female, by Ethnicity 
(2008/xx-xxxx-xxxx) 
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
55%
60%
65%
70%
75%
2008/09
2009/10
2010/11
Female learners (%)
Academic Year
Asian or Asian British
Black or Black British
Mixed
Chinese or Other Ethnic 
Group
Total BAME
White
Grand Total
  
 
                                            
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10 Full data are available in Table 5C in the spreadsheet accompanying this report. 

 
Participation by Ethnicity and Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities 
52 
In 2010/11, 7.1 per cent of BAME apprentices declared an LDD, compared to 8.6 per cent of White apprentices. In 2010/11, LDD 
declarations were highest among apprentices of Mixed ethnicity (9.8 per cent) and lowest among apprentices from Chinese or Other 
Ethnic Groups (5.2 per cent) [Chart 6A]11.  
  
Chart 6A: Proportion of Learners (All Ages) Participating in Apprenticeships that had LDD, by Ethnicity (2008/xx-xxxx-xxxx) 
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
20%
2008/09
2009/10
2010/11
Learners with LDD (%)
Academic Year
Asian or Asian British
Black or Black British
Mixed
Chinese or Other Ethnic 
Group
Total BAME
White
Grand Total
 
                                            
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11 Full figures, including breakdowns by age group, are available in Table 6A of the spreadsheet accompanying this report. 

 
53 
In adult Workplace Learning in 2010/11, 4.0 per cent of BAME learners declared an LDD, compared to 6.4 per cent of White learners 
[Chart 6B].12  
 
Chart 6B: Proportion of Adult (19+) Learners Participating in Workplace Learning that had LDD, by Ethnicity (2008/xx-xxxx-xxxx) 
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
20%
2008/09
2009/10
2010/11
Learners with LDD (%)
Academic Year
Asian or Asian British
Black or Black British
Mixed
Chinese or Other Ethnic 
Group
Total BAME
White
Grand Total
 
                                            
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12 Full data are available in Table 6B in the spreadsheet accompanying this report. 

 
54 
In adult Education and Training provision in 2010/11, 10.4 per cent of BAME learners declared an LDD, compared to 17.2 per cent of 
White learners [Chart 6C].13  
 
Chart 6C: Proportion of Adult (19+) Learners Participating in Education and Training that had LDD, by Ethnicity (2008/xx-xxxx-xxxx) 
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
20%
2008/09
2009/10
2010/11
Learners with LDD (%)
Academic Year
Asian or Asian British
Black or Black British
Mixed
Chinese or Other Ethnic 
Group
Total BAME
White
Grand Total
 
                                            
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13 Full data are available in Table 6C of the spreadsheet accompanying this report. 

 
Participation by Gender and Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities 
55 
In 2010/11, 8.7 per cent of female apprentices declared an LDD, compared to 8.1 per cent of male learners [Chart 7A].14  
 
Chart 7A: Proportion of Learners (All Ages) Participating in Apprenticeships that had LDD, by Gender (2008/xx-xxxx-xxxx) 
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
20%
2008/09
2009/10
2010/11
Learners with LDD (%)
Academic Year
Female
Male
 
 
                                            
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14 Full data, including breakdowns by age, are available in Table 7A in the spreadsheet accompanying this report. 

 
56 
In adult Workplace Learning in 2010/11, 6.1 per cent of female learners declared an LDD, compared to 5.9 per cent of male learners 
[Chart 7B]. 15 
 
Chart 7B: Proportion of Adult Learners Participating in Workplace Learning that had LDD, by Gender (2008/xx-xxxx-xxxx) 
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
20%
2008/09
2009/10
2010/11
Learners with LDD (%)
Academic Year
Female
Male
 
                                            
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15 Full data are available in Table 7B of the spreadsheet accompanying this report. 

 
57 
In adult Education and Training provision in 2010/11, 13.2 per cent of female learners declared an LDD, compared to 17.7 per cent of 
male learners [Chart 7C].16  
 
Chart 7C: Proportion of Adult Learners Participating in Education and Training that had LDD, by Gender (2008/xx-xxxx-xxxx) 
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
20%
2008/09
2009/10
2010/11
Participation (%)
Academic Year
Female
Male
 
 
                                            
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16 Full data are available in Table 7C of the spreadsheet accompanying this report. 

 
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Apprenticeship starts by Sector Subject Area and Gender 
58 
In 2010/11, in the five largest Apprenticeship Sector Subject Areas by number of starts: 
 
65.3 per cent of Apprenticeship starts in Business, Administration and Law are by females 
 
61.8 per cent of Apprenticeship starts in Retail and Commercial Enterprise are by females 
 
81.7 per cent of Apprenticeship starts in Health, Public Services and Care are by females 
 
6.1 per cent of Apprenticeship starts in Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies apprentices are by females 
 
1.6 per cent of Apprenticeship starts in Construction, Planning and the Built Environment apprentices are by females [Table 8]17. 
 
Table 8: Apprenticeship Starts by Sector Subject Area (SSA) and Gender (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
  
Female 
Male 
All 
Female 
Male 
All 
Female 
Male 
All 
Sector Subject Area (SSA) 
% of SSA
% of SSA
Number
% of SSA 
% of SSA
Number
% of SSA
% of SSA
Number 
Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care 
48.9%
51.1%
5,210
43.7% 
56.3%
5,690
41.6%
58.4%
7,380 
Arts, Media and Publishing 
41.1%
58.9%
230
34.1% 
65.9%
440
31.7%
68.3%
1,030 
Business, Administration and Law 
69.7%
30.3%
64,060
67.3% 
32.7%
76,590
65.3%
34.7%
133,820 
Construction, Planning and the Built Environment
1.7%
98.3%
29,220
1.6% 
98.4%
25,210
1.6%
98.4%
28,090 
Education and Training 
90.3%
9.7%
1,160
85.7% 
14.3%
860
87.9%
12.1%
4,070 
Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies 
3.9%
96.1%
36,990
4.0% 
96.0%
37,860
6.1%
93.9%
48,970 
Health, Public Services and Care 
85.7%
14.3%
34,890
84.1% 
15.9%
44,150
81.7%
18.3%
89,970 
Information and Communication Technology 
21.1%
78.9%
8,820
18.9% 
81.1%
12,570
25.2%
74.8%
19,520 
Languages, Literature and Culture 
-
- 
 - 
- 
- 
 - 
- 
-
 -  
Leisure, Travel and Tourism 
37.9%
62.1%
11,330
30.7% 
69.3%
14,690
29.2%
70.8%
21,590 
Preparation for Life and Work 
-
- 
 - 
- 
- 
 - 
- 
-
 -  
Retail and Commercial Enterprise 
68.5%
31.5%
48,030
61.3% 
38.7%
61,620
61.8%
38.2%
102,770 
Science and Mathematics 
-
- 
 - 
- 
- 
 - 
37.5%
62.5%
10 
Unknown 
-
- 
 - 
- 
- 
 - 
- 
-
 -  
 Grand Total 
49.7%
50.3%
239,900
49.6% 
50.4%
279,700
53.8%
46.2%
457,200 
 
                                            
17 Full data, including breakdowns by age, are available in Table 8 of the spreadsheet accompanying this report. 

 
Chart 8: All Age Apprenticeship Starts by Sector Subject Area and Gender, five largest SSAs (2010/11) 
-
10,000 
20,000 
30,000 
40,000 
50,000 
60,000 
70,000 
80,000 
90,000 
100,000 
Business, Administration and Law
Construction, Planning and the Built 
Environment
Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies
Health, Public Services and Care
Retail and Commercial Enterprise
Starts
Sector Subject Area (SSA)
Female
Male
0
 
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Success Rates 
Success Rates by Ethnicity 
59 
In 2010/11, Apprenticeship success rates were higher for all ethnic groups than in either of the previous two years. Success rates 
ranged from 71.1 per cent for Black or Black British learners to 76.6 per cent for White learners, a gap of 5.5 percentage points. This is 
a wider gap than the equivalent 3.4 percentage point gap in 2009/10 [Chart 9A]. 
 
Chart 9A: All Age Apprenticeship Success Rates by Ethnicity (2008/09 to 2010/11)  
 
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Asian or Asian British
Black or Black British
Mixed
Chinese or Other Ethnic 
Group
White
Grand Total
Success Rates (%)
Ethnicity 
2008/09
2009/10
2010/11
 
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60 
In Train to Gain provision, success rates increased among all ethnic groups between 2008/09 and 2010/11. In 2010/11, they ranged 
from 87.8 per cent for Black or Black British learners to 92.1 per cent for Asian or Asian British learners, a gap of 4.3 percentage 
points. This gap is narrower than the equivalent gap in 2008/09 (8.8 percentage points) but wider than the equivalent gap in 2009/10 
(3.8 percentage points) [Chart 9B]. 
 
Chart 9B: Adult (19+) Train to Gain Success Rates by Ethnicity (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
 
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Asian or Asian British
Black or Black British
Mixed
Chinese or Other Ethnic 
Group
White
Grand Total
Success Rates (%)
Ethnicity
2008/09
2009/10
2010/11
 
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61 
Education and Training success rates rose across all ethnic groups between 2008/09 and 2010/11. In 2010/11, they ranged from 77.4 
per cent for Black or Black British learners to 82.4 per cent for White learners, a gap of 5.0 percentage points. This is a narrower gap 
than the equivalent gap of 7.1 percentage points in 2008/09 (Chart 9C). 
 
Chart 9C: Adult (19+) Education and Training Success Rates by Ethnicity (2008/09 to 2010/11) 
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Asian or Asian British
Black or Black British
Mixed
Chinese or Other Ethnic 
Group
White
Grand Total
Success Rates (%)
Ethnicity
2008/09
2009/10
2010/11
 
 
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Success Rates by Gender 
62 
When all age groups are combined, success rates rose for both female and male apprentices between 2008/09 and 2010/11. In 
2010/11, Females had a success rate of 77.2 per cent, 1.5 percentage points higher than males. 
63 
Between 2008/09 and 2010/11, Apprenticeship success rates rose for all age and gender groups, with the exception of 25+ males, 
whose success rate was 77.9 per cent in 2008/09, fell to 73.8 per cent in 2009/10 and rose back to 77.9 per cent in 2010/11 [Table 
10A].  
 
Table 10A: Apprenticeship Success Rates by Age and Gender (2008/09 to 2010/11) - Percentages 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Gender 
Under 19 
19-24 
25+ 
All Age 
Under 19 
19-24 
25+ 
All Age 
Under 19 
19-24 
25+ 
All Age 
Female 
70.1%
70.4% 
74.7%
70.8%
72.8%
74.5%
75.7%
74.1%
75.1%
77.8%
79.4%
77.2% 
Male 
69.2%
72.3% 
77.9%
71.0%
72.1%
75.4%
73.8%
73.5%
73.2%
77.9%
77.9%
75.7% 
Grand Total 
69.6%
71.3% 
75.9%
70.9%
72.4%
74.9%
75.1%
73.8%
74.0%
77.8%
78.8%
76.4% 
 
 
64 
In Train to Gain provision, success rates rose for both female and male learners between 2008/09 and 2010/11. In 2010/11, males had 
a success rate of 90.9 per cent, which was 2.1 percentage points higher than that of females. This gap is narrower than the equivalent 
gap of 4.5 percentage points in 2008/09, but wider than the equivalent gap of 1.6 percentage points in 2009/10 [Table 10B].  
 
Table 10B: Adult (19+) Train to Gain Success Rates by Gender (2008/09 to 2010/11) - Percentages 
Gender 
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Female 
71.0% 
85.6%
88.8%
Male 
75.5% 
87.3%
90.9%
Grand Total 
73.4% 
86.5%
89.9%
 
 
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65 
In Education and Training provision, success rates increased for both females and males between 2008/09 and 2010/11, although with 
a slight dip in 2009/10. In 2010/11, females had a success rate of 81.9 per cent, which was 1.2 percentage points higher than that for 
males [Table 10C].  
Table 10C: Adult (19+) Education and Training Success Rates by Gender (2008/09 to 2010/11) - Percentages 
Gender 
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Female 
80.9% 
80.7%
81.9%
Male 
80.2% 
79.4%
80.7%
Grand Total 
80.6% 
80.3%
81.4%
 
 
Success Rates by Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities  
66 
In Apprenticeships, success rates for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities (LDD) increased from 66.5 per cent in 2008/09 
to 72.6 per cent in 2010/11. In 2010/11, this success rate was 4.3 percentage points lower than that for apprentices who did not have 
an LDD. This gap was narrower than the equivalent 5.0 percentage point gap in 2008/09 [Table 11A.1]. 
 
Table 11A.1: Apprenticeship Success Rates by Age and Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (2008/09 to 2010/11) - Percentages 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities Under 19
19-24 
25+ 
All Age
Under 19 
19-24 
25+ 
All Age
Under 19
19-24 
25+ 
All Age 
Learning Difficulty/Disability 
63.4%
68.9%
73.0%
66.5%
67.1% 
71.1%
75.0%
69.9%
70.3%
74.1%
76.3%
72.6% 
No Learning Difficulty/Disability 
70.4%
71.6%
76.3%
71.4%
73.1% 
75.4%
75.1%
74.3%
74.6%
78.2%
79.0%
76.8% 
Not Known 
66.2%
70.9%
75.6%
68.6%
68.9% 
69.4%
73.3%
69.9%
67.3%
71.6%
86.1%
73.5% 
Grand Total 
69.6%
71.3%
75.9%
70.9%
72.4% 
74.9%
75.1%
73.8%
74.0%
77.8%
78.8%
76.4% 
 
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67 
In 2010/11, Apprenticeship success rates by disability impairment type ranged from 67.8 per cent for apprentices with 
emotional/behavioural difficulties, to 77.0 per cent for those with visual impairments [Table 11A.2].  
 
Table 11A.2: Apprenticeship Success Rates by Age and Disability (2008/09 to 2010/11) - Percentages 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Disability 
Under 19
19-24 
25+ 
All 
Ages 
Under 
19 
19-24 
25+ 
All 
Ages 
Under 
19 
19-24 
25+ 
All 
Ages 
Visual Impairment 
67.5%
74.4%
71.4%
71.3%
77.5% 
78.3%
80.2%
79.1%
74.1%
74.5%
80.9% 
77.0% 
Hearing Impairment 
58.5%
62.6%
75.0%
62.1%
67.1% 
69.3%
77.4%
70.5%
68.8%
77.5%
77.1% 
74.3% 
Disability Affecting Mobility 
73.0%
73.3%
80.9%
75.0%
72.9% 
64.5%
83.0%
75.0%
67.1%
77.5%
76.8% 
74.4% 
Other Physical Disability 
59.6%
66.0%
81.3%
65.5%
66.1% 
74.1%
70.0%
70.1%
76.7%
81.3%
72.0% 
76.9% 
Other Medical Condition (For Example 
Epilepsy, Asthma, Diabetes 
66.6%
70.3%
76.2%
68.9%
69.6% 
75.5%
74.3%
72.4%
74.8%
78.1%
78.3% 
76.4% 
Emotional/Behavioural Difficulties 
48.0%
58.7%
-
51.0%
63.6% 
66.2%
75.6%
65.8%
64.6%
74.6%
77.4% 
67.8% 
Mental Health Difficulty 
54.0%
68.2%
70.0%
64.9%
59.3% 
63.4%
71.8%
66.7%
64.4%
69.7%
74.2% 
69.6% 
Temporary Disability After Illness (For 
Example Post-Viral) or Accident 
-
-
-
58.7%
- 
-
-
76.2%
76.5%
-
- 
70.6% 
Profound Complex Disabilities 
-
-
-
-
- 
-
-
-
-
-
- 
- 
Asperger's Syndrome 
-
-
-
-
68.0% 
-
-
71.6%
71.4%
68.5%
- 
70.4% 
Multiple Disabilities 
63.9%
80.1%
76.0%
75.7%
67.7% 
76.6%
73.7%
73.3%
70.5%
78.4%
78.6% 
76.2% 
Other 
62.3%
67.6%
75.9%
65.6%
67.7% 
72.8%
74.5%
70.5%
70.3%
71.7%
74.7% 
71.6% 
No Disability 
69.9%
71.4%
76.1%
71.1%
72.6% 
75.0%
74.9%
73.9%
74.2%
78.0%
78.8% 
76.5% 
Not Known 
66.0%
70.9%
73.1%
68.8%
68.9% 
71.5%
75.6%
71.2%
69.7%
73.7%
84.5% 
74.3% 
Grand Total 
69.6%
71.3%
75.9%
70.9%
72.4% 
74.9%
75.1%
73.8%
74.0%
77.8%
78.8% 
76.4% 
 
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68 
In 2010/11, Apprenticeship success rates by learning difficulty ranged from 59.6 per cent for apprentices with multiple learning 
difficulties, to 73.5 per cent for learners with dyscalculia. 
69 
Between 2008/09 and 2010/11, when all age groups are combined, Apprenticeship success rates rose across all learning difficulties 
except multiple learning difficulties, among whom the success rate fell from 65.3 per cent to 59.6 per cent [Table 11A.3].  
 
Table 11A.3: Apprenticeship Success Rates by Age and Learning Difficulty (2008/09 to 2010/11) - Percentages 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Learning Difficulty 
Under 19
19-24 
25+ 
All Ages
Under 19 
19-24 
25+ 
All Ages
Under 19
19-24 
25+ 
All Ages 
Moderate Learning Difficulty 
58.7%
65.3%
71.4%
61.4%
61.6% 
66.9%
68.6%
63.7%
65.0%
68.6%
70.8% 
66.4% 
Severe Learning Difficulty 
59.3%
-
-
63.5%
55.8% 
78.1%
-
64.2%
65.8%
-
- 
63.7% 
Dyslexia 
66.5%
67.6%
71.1%
67.2%
70.2% 
69.7%
71.5%
70.1%
71.9%
73.4%
72.6% 
72.6% 
Dyscalculia 
67.9%
71.8%
-
69.9%
70.4% 
66.2%
71.9%
69.0%
75.0%
76.5%
63.6% 
73.5% 
Other Specific Learning Difficulty 
62.5%
65.7%
-
63.5%
62.9% 
70.4%
-
67.6%
62.4%
67.7%
- 
67.2% 
Autism Spectrum Disorder 
-
-
-
-
- 
-
-
-
62.5%
-
- 
71.0% 
Multiple Learning Difficulties 
62.6%
69.1%
61.1%
65.3%
60.8% 
58.5%
67.2%
60.7%
57.5%
58.3%
77.4% 
59.6% 
Other 
61.5%
62.5%
64.0%
62.2%
64.7% 
69.5%
75.2%
68.2%
66.8%
76.2%
68.2% 
70.1% 
No Learning Difficulty 
70.2%
71.6%
76.2%
71.4%
73.0% 
75.4%
75.2%
74.3%
74.5%
78.2%
78.9% 
76.8% 
Not Known 
66.4%
71.3%
72.2%
68.8%
70.6% 
71.1%
75.9%
71.9%
69.6%
73.4%
85.9% 
75.0% 
Grand Total 
69.6%
71.3%
75.9%
70.9%
72.4% 
74.9%
75.1%
73.8%
74.0%
77.8%
78.8% 
76.4% 
 
 
70 
In 2010/11, Train to Gain learners who declared an LDD had a success rate of 88.0 per cent, 2.0 percentage points lower than for 
learners who did not declare an LDD. This gap is narrower than the equivalent 4.2 percentage point gap in 2008/09 [Table 11B.1].  
 
Table 11B.1: Adult (19+) Train to Gain Success Rates by Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (2008/09 to 2010/11) - Percentages 
Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities 
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Learning Difficulty/Disability 
69.4%
85.5% 
88.0%
No Learning Difficulty/Disability 
73.6%
86.6% 
90.0%
Not Known 
72.4%
85.7% 
88.3%
Grand Total 
73.4%
86.5% 
89.9%
 
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71 
In Education and Training provision in 2010/11, learners who declared an LDD had a success rate of 81.8 per cent, 0.2 percentage 
points higher than learners who did not declare an LDD [Table 11C.1]. 
 
Table 11C.1: Adult (19+) Education and Training Success Rates by Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (2008/09 to 2010/11) - Percentages 
Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities 
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Learning Difficulty/Disability 
80.7%
80.4% 
81.8%
No Learning Difficulty/Disability 
80.6%
80.3% 
81.6%
Not Known 
80.5%
79.9% 
78.7%
Grand Total 
80.6%
80.3% 
81.4%
 
72 
In Education and Training provision in 2010/11, the success rate by disability ranged from 79.3 for learners with temporary disability 
after illness, to 89.3 per cent for learners with profound and complex disabilities. Those with no disability had a success rate of 81.5 per 
cent [Table 11C.2].  
 
Table 11C.2: Adult (19+) Education and Training Success Rates by Disability (2008/09 to 2010/11) - Percentages 
Disability 
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Visual Impairment 
82.2% 
82.3%
82.3%
Hearing Impairment 
83.5% 
82.6%
82.5%
Disability Affecting Mobility 
82.9% 
82.4%
83.5%
Other Physical Disability 
81.3% 
81.2%
82.3%
Other Medical Condition (For Example Epilepsy, Asthma, Diabetes 
80.1% 
80.3%
81.9%
Emotional/Behavioural Difficulties 
83.6% 
81.8%
83.8%
Mental Health Difficulty 
78.4% 
77.9%
79.6%
Temporary Disability After Illness (For Example Post-Viral) or Accident 
76.5% 
78.3%
79.3%
Profound Complex Disabilities 
88.8% 
91.3%
89.3%
Asperger's Syndrome 
84.2% 
82.1%
84.6%
Multiple Disabilities 
83.8% 
84.0%
86.0%
Other 
80.7% 
80.0%
81.6%
No Disability 
80.5% 
80.2%
81.5%
Not Known 
80.7% 
80.1%
79.4%
Grand Total 
80.6% 
80.3%
81.4%
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73 
In Education and Training provision in 2010/11, the success rate by learning difficulty ranged from 77.5 per cent for dyslexic learners, 
to 91.6 per cent for learners with a severe learning difficulty. Learners who did not declare any learning difficulties had a success rate 
of 81.4 per cent [Table 11C.3]. 
 
Table 11C.3: Adult (19+) Education and Training Success Rates by Learning Difficulty (2008/09 to 2010/11) - Percentages 
Learning Difficulty 
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Moderate Learning Difficulty 
85.0%
84.3% 
85.9%
Severe Learning Difficulty 
89.5%
90.4% 
91.6%
Dyslexia 
75.8%
75.4% 
77.5%
Dyscalculia 
79.0%
79.2% 
77.6%
Other Specific Learning Difficulty 
82.9%
81.4% 
82.7%
Autism Spectrum Disorder 
88.0%
85.4% 
87.9%
Multiple Learning Difficulties 
85.0%
84.3% 
87.0%
Other 
78.2%
77.7% 
80.0%
No Learning Difficulty 
80.5%
80.1% 
81.4%
Not Known 
81.5%
81.0% 
80.2%
Grand Total 
80.6%
80.3% 
81.4%
 
 
Success Rates by Age 
74 
In Apprenticeships between 2008/09 and 2010/11, learners over 25 consistently had higher success rates than learners under 19. In 
2010/11, 25+ apprentices had a success rate of 78.8 per cent, 4.8 percentage points higher than apprentices under 19. This is 
narrower than the equivalent gap of 6.3 percentage points in 2008/09. 
 
Table 12A: Apprenticeship Success Rates by Age (2008/09 to 2010/11) - Percentages 
Gender 
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Under 19 
69.6% 
72.4% 
74.0%
19-24 
71.3% 
74.9% 
77.8%
25+ 
75.9% 
75.1% 
78.8%
Grand Total 
70.9% 
73.8% 
76.4%
 
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75 
In Train to Gain provision between 2008/09 and 2010/11, success rates were consistently highest for 45-59 year old learners, and 
lowest for 19-24 year old learners. In 2010/11, 45-59 year old learners had a success rate of 91.4 per cent, 4.8 percentage points 
higher than the success rate for 19-24 year old learners (86.6 per cent) [Table 12B].  
 
Table 12B: Adult (19+) Train to Gain Success Rates by Age (2008/09 to 2010/11) - Percentages 
Age 
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
19-24 
70.5% 
82.5% 
86.6%
25-34 
72.5% 
85.6% 
89.2%
35-44 
74.6% 
87.4% 
90.7%
45-59 
75.2% 
88.3% 
91.4%
60+ 
74.5% 
88.0% 
91.1%
Not Known 
60.1% 
- 
-
Grand Total 
73.4% 
86.5% 
89.9%
 
 
76 
In Education and Training provision between 2008/09 and 2010/11, success rates were consistently highest for learners aged 60+, and 
lowest for learners aged 19-24. In 2010/11, 60+ learners had a success rate of 88.9 per cent, and learners aged 19-24 had a success 
rate of 79.0 percent, a gap of 9.9 percentage points. This gap is narrower than the equivalent gap of 11.2 percentage points in 2008/09 
[Table 12C]. 
 
Table 12C: Adult (19+) Education and Training Success Rates by Age (2008/09 to 2010/11) - Percentages 
Age 
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
19-24 
76.9% 
76.5% 
79.0%
25-34 
79.5% 
79.2% 
80.9%
35-44 
81.1% 
80.7% 
81.9%
45-59 
82.3% 
82.0% 
82.8%
60+ 
88.1% 
88.8% 
88.9%
Not Known 
84.7% 
87.6% 
83.8%
Grand Total 
80.6% 
80.3% 
81.4%
 
 
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Success Rates by Ethnicity and Gender 
77 
In Apprenticeships in 2010/11: 
 
Female Asian or Asian British apprentices had a success rate of 76.9 per cent, 1.1 percentage points higher than male Asian or 
Asian British apprentices (75.7 per cent). This gap is narrower than the equivalent gap of 4.1 percentage points in 2008/09. 
 
Female Black or Black apprentices had a success rate of 70.6 per cent, 1.0 percentage points lower than male Black or Black 
British apprentices (71.5 per cent). This gap is narrower than the equivalent gap of 3.7 percentage points in 2008/09. 
 
Female apprentices of Mixed ethnicity had a success rate 2.3 percentage points lower than male Mixed apprentices.  
 
Female White apprentices had a success rate 1.5 percentage points higher than male White apprentices.  
 
Female Chinese or Other Ethnic Group learners had a success rate 4.1 percentage points higher than male Chinese or Other 
Ethnic Group learners [Table 13A].  
 
Table 13A (extract)18: Apprenticeship Success Rates by Ethnicity and Gender (2008/09 to 2010/11) - Percentages 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Ethnicity 
Female 
Male 
All 
Female 
Male 
All 
Female 
Male 
All 
Asian or Asian British 
71.4%
67.2%
69.4%
73.5%
71.1% 
72.4%
76.9%
75.7%
76.3%
Black or Black British 
64.9%
68.6%
66.8%
68.1%
72.7% 
70.6%
70.6%
71.5%
71.1%
Mixed 
66.1%
68.1%
67.1%
67.8%
73.9% 
70.9%
70.7%
73.0%
71.9%
White 
71.0%
71.2%
71.1%
74.4%
73.7% 
74.0%
77.4%
75.9%
76.6%
Chinese or Other Ethnic Group 
69.1%
69.7%
69.4%
72.8%
71.2% 
72.0%
76.7%
72.5%
74.6%
Not Known 
71.5%
68.3%
69.8%
72.7%
70.7% 
71.7%
80.5%
76.0%
78.5%
 Grand Total 
70.8%
71.0%
70.9%
74.1%
73.5% 
73.8%
77.2%
75.7%
76.4%
 
                                            
18 A full version of Table 13A, including breakdowns by age, is available in the spreadsheet accompanying this report. 

 
78 
In Train to Gain provision between 2008/09 and 2010/11, females had lower success rates than their male counterparts across all 
ethnic groups. In 2010/11, this gap was widest among Asian or Asian British learners, where females had a success rate 5.2 
percentage points lower than males [Table 13B]. 
 
Table 13B: Adult (19+) Train to Gain Success Rates by Ethnicity and Gender (2008/09 to 2010/11) - Percentages 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Ethnicity 
Female 
Male 
All 
Female 
Male 
All 
Female 
Male 
All 
Asian or Asian British 
70.9%
77.1%
74.9%
85.2% 
89.1%
87.7%
88.5%
93.8%
92.1% 
Black or Black British 
64.7%
67.9%
66.1%
83.1% 
84.7%
83.9%
86.8%
88.9%
87.8% 
Mixed 
66.1%
70.8%
68.3%
82.5% 
83.4%
82.9%
87.0%
88.8%
87.9% 
White 
72.0%
76.0%
74.1%
85.9% 
87.4%
86.6%
88.9%
90.7%
89.9% 
Chinese or Other Ethnic Group 
66.0%
68.6%
67.2%
84.4% 
85.4%
84.9%
88.1%
88.9%
88.5% 
Not Known 
62.6%
72.1%
67.6%
83.4% 
85.0%
84.2%
89.1%
91.0%
90.1% 
Grand Total 
71.0%
75.5%
73.4%
85.6% 
87.3%
86.5%
88.8%
90.9%
89.9% 
 
 
79 
In Education and Training provision between 2008/09 and 2010/11, females consistently had higher success rates than their male 
counterparts across all ethnic groups. In 2010/11, this gap was widest among Asian or Asian British learners, where females had a 
success rate 4.0 percentage points higher than males [Table 13C]. 
 
Table 13C: Adult (19+) Education and Training Success Rates by Ethnicity and Gender (2008/09 to 2010/11) - Percentages 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Ethnicity 
Female 
Male 
All 
Female 
Male 
All 
Female 
Male 
All 
Asian or Asian British 
79.9%
76.0%
78.7%
79.4% 
75.3%
78.1%
82.0%
78.0%
80.6% 
Black or Black British 
74.9%
74.0%
74.6%
75.2% 
73.3%
74.5%
77.8%
76.7%
77.4% 
Mixed 
75.8%
74.9%
75.5%
75.3% 
74.4%
74.9%
78.0%
77.8%
77.9% 
White 
81.8%
81.6%
81.7%
81.8% 
81.0%
81.5%
82.7%
81.9%
82.4% 
Chinese or Other Ethnic Group 
78.6%
75.4%
77.5%
78.6% 
74.7%
77.3%
80.6%
77.2%
79.4% 
Not Known 
81.4%
81.5%
81.4%
81.9% 
80.2%
81.2%
82.8%
81.4%
82.2% 
Grand Total 
80.9%
80.2%
80.6%
80.7% 
79.4%
80.3%
81.9%
80.7%
81.4% 
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Success Rates by Ethnicity and Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities 
80 
In Apprenticeships in 2010/11, apprentices declaring LDD had lower success rates than their non-LDD counterparts across all ethnic 
groups. This gap was widest among Chinese or Other Ethnic Group learners, among whom apprentices declaring an LDD had a 
success rate 13.6 percentage points lower than those who did not. Among Black or Black British apprentices, those declaring an LDD 
had a success rate 6.9 percentage points lower than those who did not [Table 14A]. 
 
Table 14A (Extract): Apprenticeship Success Rates by Ethnicity and Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (2008/09 to 2010/11) – 
Percentages  
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Ethnicity 
Learning 
Difficulty
/ 
Disability 
No 
Learning 
Difficulty
/ 
Disability 
Not Known
All 
Learning 
Difficulty
/ 
Disability 
No 
Learning 
Difficulty
/ 
Disability 
Not Known
All 
Learning 
Difficulty
/ 
Disability 
No 
Learning 
Difficulty
/ 
Disability 
Not Known 
All 
Asian or Asian British 
71.0% 
69.2%
71.9%
69.4%
71.8%
71.0% 
65.1%
72.4%
72.4%
76.7%
63.5% 
76.3% 
Black or Black British 
66.5% 
66.9%
68.8%
66.8%
67.6%
71.6% 
60.5%
70.6%
64.9%
71.8%
52.1% 
71.1% 
Mixed 
62.2% 
67.9%
-
67.1%
66.2%
71.6% 
-
70.9%
69.5%
72.3%
- 
71.9% 
White 
66.5% 
71.7%
68.7%
71.1%
70.0%
74.5% 
69.4%
74.0%
72.9%
77.1%
69.9% 
76.6% 
Chinese or Other Ethnic 
Group 
62.4% 
70.0%
-
69.4%
61.8%
73.1% 
-
72.0%
62.1%
75.7%
- 
74.6% 
Not Known 
63.2% 
70.5%
69.6%
69.8%
72.7%
70.7% 
82.5%
71.7%
72.5%
75.9%
90.7% 
78.5% 
Grand Total  
66.5% 
71.4%
68.6%
70.9%
69.9%
74.3% 
69.9%
73.8%
72.6%
76.8%
73.5% 
76.4% 
 
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81 
In Adult Train to Gain provision in 2010/11, across all ethnic groups learners who declared an LDD had lower success rates than those 
who did not. The gap was widest among Black or Black British learners, among whom those who declared an LDD had a success rate 
4.4 percentage points lower than those who did not.  
 
Table 14B: Adult (19+) Train to Gain Success Rates by Ethnicity and Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (2008/09 to 2010/11) - Percentages 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Ethnicity 
Learning 
Difficulty
/ 
Disability 
No 
Learning 
Difficulty
/ 
Disability 
Not Known
All 
Learning 
Difficulty
/ 
Disability 
No 
Learning 
Difficulty
/ 
Disability 
Not Known
All 
Learning 
Difficulty
/ 
Disability 
No 
Learning 
Difficulty
/ 
Disability 
Not Known 
All 
Asian or Asian British 
67.3% 
75.2%
72.4%
74.9%
85.4%
87.9% 
84.3%
87.7%
89.8%
92.2%
88.5% 
92.1% 
Black or Black British 
63.4% 
66.9%
50.1%
66.1%
82.1%
84.0% 
83.3%
83.9%
83.6%
88.0%
88.3% 
87.8% 
Mixed 
61.4% 
68.8%
68.7%
68.3%
81.0%
83.0% 
83.5%
82.9%
84.0%
88.2%
83.0% 
87.9% 
White 
70.3% 
74.2%
76.1%
74.1%
85.7%
86.7% 
86.1%
86.6%
88.1%
90.0%
87.7% 
89.9% 
Chinese or Other Ethnic 
Group 
55.2% 
67.4%
74.6%
67.2%
84.5%
84.9% 
83.3%
84.9%
86.7%
88.6%
88.9% 
88.5% 
Not Known 
60.3% 
70.4%
56.9%
67.6%
82.4%
84.1% 
85.5%
84.2%
88.0%
89.7%
93.0% 
90.1% 
Grand Total 
69.4% 
73.6%
72.4%
73.4%
85.5%
86.6% 
85.7%
86.5%
88.0%
90.0%
88.3% 
89.9% 
 
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82 
In Adult Education and Training provision in 2010/2011, across most ethnic groups, there was less than 1.0 percentage point difference 
between the success rate of learners who declared an LDD and those who did not. The gap was widest among Asian or Asian British 
learners: those who declared an LDD had a success rate 1.4 percentage points higher than those who did not. 
Table 14C: Adult (19+) Education and Training Success Rates by Ethnicity and Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (2008/09 to 2009/10) - 
Percentages 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Ethnicity 
Learning 
Difficulty
/ 
Disability 
No 
Learning 
Difficulty
/ 
Disability 
Not 
Known 
All 
Learning 
Difficulty/
Disability 
No 
Learning 
Difficulty/ 
Disability 
Not 
Known 
All 
Learning 
Difficulty/
Disability 
No 
Learning 
Difficulty/
Disability 
Not 
Known 
All 
Asian or Asian British 
79.7% 
78.5%
78.5%
78.7%
79.5%
78.1% 
74.7%
78.1%
82.1%
80.7%
76.9% 
80.6% 
Black or Black British 
75.2% 
74.7%
72.0%
74.6%
74.7%
74.8% 
70.6%
74.5%
76.9%
77.9%
73.0% 
77.4% 
Mixed 
75.4% 
75.6%
73.6%
75.5%
74.8%
75.1% 
73.0%
74.9%
78.3%
78.0%
74.9% 
77.9% 
White 
81.5% 
81.8%
82.1%
81.7%
81.1%
81.5% 
82.2%
81.5%
82.4%
82.6%
79.6% 
82.4% 
Chinese or Other Ethnic 
Group 
75.2% 
77.9%
75.9%
77.5%
77.0%
77.6% 
73.1%
77.3%
79.4%
79.6%
77.5% 
79.4% 
Not Known 
82.4% 
81.3%
81.4%
81.4%
82.8%
80.5% 
82.3%
81.2%
82.2%
81.4%
84.3% 
82.2% 
Grand Total 
80.7% 
80.6%
80.5%
80.6%
80.4%
80.3% 
79.9%
80.3%
81.8%
81.6%
78.7% 
81.4% 
 
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Success Rates by Gender and Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities 
83 
In Apprenticeships in 2010/11, female apprentices who declared an LDD had a success rate that was: 
 
1.1 percentage point higher than male apprentices who declared an LDD 
 
4.5 percentage points lower than female apprentices who did not declare an LDD 
 
3.0 percentage points lower than male apprentices who did not declare an LDD [Table 15A]. 
 
Table 15A: Apprenticeship Success Rates by Age and Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities and Gender (2008/09 to 2010/11) - Percentages 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Learning Difficulties and/or 
Disabilities 
Female 
Male 
All 
Female 
Male 
All 
Female 
Male 
All 
Learning Difficulty/Disability 
67.8%
64.9%
66.5%
70.2% 
69.5%
69.9%
73.1%
72.0% 
72.6% 
No Learning Difficulty/Disability 
71.2%
71.6%
71.4%
74.7% 
74.0%
74.3%
77.6%
76.1% 
76.8% 
Not Known 
70.0%
67.8%
68.6%
70.5% 
69.4%
69.9%
77.3%
69.8% 
73.5% 
 Grand Total 
70.8%
71.0%
70.9%
74.1% 
73.5%
73.8%
77.2%
75.7% 
76.4% 
 
84 
In Train to Gain provision in 2010/11, female learners who declared an LDD had a success rate that was: 
 
1.6 percentage points lower than male learners who declared an LDD 
 
1.8 percentage points lower than female learners who did not declare an LDD, and 
 
3.9 percentage points lower than male learners who did not declare an LDD [Table 15B]. 
 
Table 15B: Adult (19+) Train to Gain Success Rates by Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities and Gender (2008/09 to 2010/11) - Percentages 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Learning Difficulties and/or 
Disabilities 
Female 
Male 
All 
Female 
Male 
All 
Female 
Male 
All 
Learning Difficulty/Disability 
67.8%
71.4%
69.4%
84.3% 
86.6%
85.5%
87.1%
88.7%
88.0% 
No Learning Difficulty/Disability 
71.3%
75.7%
73.6%
85.7% 
87.3%
86.6%
88.9%
91.0%
90.0% 
Not Known 
69.6%
74.0%
72.4%
84.8% 
86.6%
85.7%
87.7%
89.1%
88.3% 
Grand Total 
71.0%
75.5%
73.4%
85.6% 
87.3%
86.5%
88.8%
90.9%
89.9% 
 
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85 
In Adult Education and Training, female learners who declared an LDD had a success rate that was: 
 
0.1 percentage point lower than male learners who declared an LDD 
 
0.4 percentage points lower than female learners who did not declare an LDD, and 
 
1.1 percentage points higher than male learners who did not declare an LDD [Table 15C]. 
 
Table 15C: Adult (19+) Education and Training Success Rates by Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities and Gender (2008/09 to 2010/11) - 
Percentages 
  
2008/09 
2009/10 
2010/11 
Learning Difficulties and/or 
Disabilities 
Female 
Male 
All 
Female 
Male 
All 
Female 
Male 
All 
Learning Difficulty/Disability 
80.5%
81.1%
80.7%
80.4% 
80.4%
80.4%
81.8%
81.9%
81.8% 
No Learning Difficulty/Disability 
81.0%
80.0%
80.6%
80.8% 
79.2%
80.3%
82.2%
80.6%
81.6% 
Not Known 
80.4%
80.7%
80.5%
80.2% 
79.3%
79.9%
78.9%
78.3%
78.7% 
Grand Total 
80.9%
80.2%
80.6%
80.7% 
79.4%
80.3%
81.9%
80.7%
81.4% 
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Support 
Should you have any questions about the data analysis please contact the Data Service Service Desk on 
xxx@xxx.xx or telephone xx-xxxx-xxxx. 
 
Should you have any queries on the Skills Funding Agency’s equality activities, please contact xxx@xxx.xx. 
 
 
 
 
Date Published 
2 May 2012 
Publication no. 
SkillsFundingAgency-P-120111 
 
 
Version 
2