National Survey of Adult Skills in Wales, 2010

This Statistical First Release presents summary information from The National Survey of Adult Skills in Wales, which was commissioned by the Welsh Government to provide updated data on literacy and numeracy.  The survey was carried out during 2010, and assessed overall literacy and numeracy skills of adults (aged 16-65) in Wales (through English medium), and Welsh medium literacy skills of Welsh-speaking adults in Wales. The surveys were designed as far as was practically possible to replicate similar surveys carried out in 2004/05, in order to consider changes in skills levels.

Overall results (from English medium survey):

• There has been improvement in literacy levels: 12 per cent of adults were assessed to have Entry Level literacy or below, a decrease from 25 per cent in 2004. 29 per cent of adults were assessed at Level 1 (37 per cent in 2004) and 59 per cent at Level 2 or above (an increase from 38 per cent in 2004).
• There is little change in numeracy levels: 51 per cent of adults were assessed to have Entry Level numeracy or below, similar to the 53 per cent in 2004. 29 per cent were assessed at Level 1 (25 per cent in 2004) and 21 per cent at Level 2 or above (22 per cent in 2004).
• Literacy and numeracy levels were higher amongst the employed, those with higher levels of household income, those with higher qualifications, and amongst the older age groups.

Contact

Tel: 029 2082 3357
E-mail: post16ed.stats@wales.gsi.gov.uk

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