Working with NFER, Verian led the in-home survey for England. The survey involved interviews and skills assessments with nearly 5,000 adults (aged 16 to 65). A detailed background questionnaire collects information about factors affecting skill development, such as education, socio-economic background, and engagement with literacy, numeracy, and technology. Verian also carried out direct skills assessments, measuring literacy, numeracy, and adaptive problem-solving skills. The survey was administered using a tablet-based platform, with additional data collected through doorstep interviews for those unable or reluctant to complete the survey. The survey followed strict technical standards and guidelines to ensure high-quality and internationally comparable data.
The 2023 survey revealed that England's average literacy scores have remained stable since 2012, with adults scoring above the OECD average. Positively, numeracy scores have significantly improved, with England outperforming most countries in the G7. Adaptive problem-solving skills were also above the OECD average. The survey highlights how higher skill levels are associated with higher educational attainment and employment. It also shows that the gap between the highest and lowest achievers has been increasing over time. The study findings show the importance of interventions to build adult skills.