Research and analysis

Adult skills international survey 2012

These reports look at the literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills of adults in England in comparison with other OECD countries.

Applies to England

Documents

International survey of adult skills 2012: adult literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills in England

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International survey of adult skills 2012: adult literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills in England - appendices

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International survey of adult skills 2012: adult literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills in England - data tables

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International survey of adult skills 2012: adult literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills in England appendices - data tables

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International survey of adult skills 2012: comparative analysis of young adults in England

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International survey of adult skills 2012: young adults’ skills gain

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International survey of adult skills 2012: low skills impact on employment

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Details

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Survey of Adult Skills survey is based on tests of adult skills in literacy, numeracy and problem-solving in 25 countries in 2012.

The main report - ‘adult literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills in England’ - highlights skill levels in England in comparison with other OECD countries. It also examines:

  • relationships between skill levels and personal characteristics
  • use of skills in work and in everyday life
  • characteristics related to having low skills

The ‘comparative analysis of young adults’ report compares the performance of young adults in England against top-performing countries in the survey.

The ‘young adults’ skills gain’ report considers how and why the literacy and numeracy skills of young people in England continue to improve after they complete formal education.

The ‘low skills impact on employment’ report compares the relationship between low skills and workers’ performance in England with that of other OECD countries.

Published 8 October 2013