Learner experiences in post-16 education: April to May 2024

This report presents the findings of a survey into learner experiences in post-16 education. The research focused on improving understanding of the recent experiences of learners in further education who are aged 16 to 24.

Main findings

• Poor mental health and emotional wellbeing presents a significant challenge amongst learners in post-16 education.
• Learners reported struggles with anxiety, depression, and overall deterioration in mental health.
• Whilst learners felt providers were attempting to meet their mental health and wellbeing support needs there remains a significant unmet demand which requires training and resource.
• The decline in the quality of education and negative impact on mental health were the most frequently cited reasons for changes in planned learning courses. Learners reported struggles with anxiety, depression, and overall deterioration in mental health. Additional support may be required for these most vulnerable groups to enable them to successfully progress.
• Over a third of respondents indicated that their education plans changed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 
• Seven in ten learners felt the pandemic had a negative impact on their education. More than six in ten believed the pandemic to have negatively impacted their mental health and four in ten their longer-term job prospects.
• There was much higher prevalence of mental health and wellbeing difficulties amongst female respondents than amongst male respondents. Female respondents reported disruption to their education as a result and achieved lower wellbeing scores than male respondents.
• Changes in education plans were particularly evident for care-experienced learners, those who reported having a disability or additional learning needs and learners eligible for free school meals.
• Almost half (47.3%) of respondents who were in year 11 in March 2020 reported that the pandemic had a negative impact on their job prospects, compared to just 36.0% of learners who were in year 8.