30 January 2026
Post-16 White Paper too youth-oriented, misses adult learners
The Lifelong Education Institute held a series of roundtable discussions with parliamentarians, employers, colleges and universities to discuss the UK Government’s Post-16 Education and Skills White paper. The briefing paper summarises the discussion and recommendations.
One of the key concerns raised in the discussions was the emphasis of the policy on ‘pre-19’ rather than all adult careers, missing the need to address skills development amongst an ageing workforce. Similarly, while there was support for the Lifelong Learning Entitlement as a flagship reform, there was scepticism about its likely success and impact, without further work to address barriers to take-up – such as maintenance support while people are learning, and the risk that adults wouldn’t take on a loan without being clear that employers will value the training taken.
The discussions supported devolution but raised concerns about fragmentation, and highlighted that the different needs of SME and corporate employers weren’t factored in. The attendees also wanted to see more alignment with schools as the pipeline to post-16 education.
Read the full briefing from the Lifelong Education Institute.
One of the key concerns raised in the discussions was the emphasis of the policy on ‘pre-19’ rather than all adult careers, missing the need to address skills development amongst an ageing workforce. Similarly, while there was support for the Lifelong Learning Entitlement as a flagship reform, there was scepticism about its likely success and impact, without further work to address barriers to take-up – such as maintenance support while people are learning, and the risk that adults wouldn’t take on a loan without being clear that employers will value the training taken.
The discussions supported devolution but raised concerns about fragmentation, and highlighted that the different needs of SME and corporate employers weren’t factored in. The attendees also wanted to see more alignment with schools as the pipeline to post-16 education.
Read the full briefing from the Lifelong Education Institute.
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