Time to go back to school?

And according to a new report, people who could benefit the most from extra qualifications are not getting involved.

Those that are returning to the classroom are likely to be wealthier, according to the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE).

Despite help with funding course fees, only one in four people who are unemployed but are not looking for a new job are in education.

The report found that participation in adult learning is determined by class, age, employment status and how well people did at school.

David Hughes, chief executive of NIACE, said adult learning is even more important now because of the recession and competition for jobs.

He urged politicians, businesses and charities to get more people learning.

Mr Hughes said: “Participating in learning can help people secure work, stay and flourish in their jobs, keep healthy and play a positive role in their community.

“All of those are even more important now with a tough labour market, an ageing population and stressed communities.

“So it is disappointing that participation in learning is declining, with many of the people who could most benefit missing out.

“Our survey shows that you are much less likely to take part in learning if you are retired, or outside of the labour market, if you are in a low skilled job, or if you didn't do well in school. We know from this year's Adult Learners' Week award winners – like all previous winners – that when people are given the right opportunities then their lives really do change for the better.

“What's needed now is for policy-makers, providers, businesses, unions and charities to work together to encourage more people to take up learning."

Phil Frier, principal of City College Brighton and Hove, said while national levels have dipped there has been a swing locally with people choosing to study more academic subjects and gain qualifications.

He said a higher proportion of people are going back to school to help them find work.

He said: “There has been a switch from leisure courses to more training.”

People who did not get A-levels can now study for free until they are 24.

Mr Frier said people with better qualifications can earn up to 20% more than those without by the time they are 30.

He said: “There is no doubt there is a clear link between qualifications and employment.

“If people get qualifications there is more chance of getting a job. It is not just about getting a job but also about the capacity to earn more money and getting into a career.

“The thing about a lot of jobs that people take without qualifications, the money stays the same throughout your life.”

Currently about one in five adults is in education and participation rates are dramatically higher for those with a full-time job (44%) compared to just 24% of people who do not have a job and are not looking.

Just 14% of retired people participate in adult learning.

It is part of a trend where the older you are the less likely you are to do an adult learning course.

A total of 74% of 18 to 24-year-olds have been in education in the last three years. A total of 40% of 25 to 49-year-olds and just 7% of people aged over 75.

Participation rates are dependent on when people left education.

For those who studied full-time until they were 21 or over, about half are learning.

Amongst people who left school before 16, only 23% are in education.

Single mother of four Amanda Scales, from Portslade, has been given a South East Outstanding Learner Award as part of Adult Learner’s Week.

Ms Scales went back to education to study for a diploma in archaeology but because of family difficulties she could not finish the course.

She later went to belly dancing evening classes before in 2006 joining a New Career Options for Women course and is now on her way to becoming a teacher.

The course is designed to help women access university and she has since graduated with a 2:1 BA (Hons) in contemporary history from the University of Sussex.

The 47-year-old now works as a support assistant and is studying for GCSE English, and has already passed GCSE maths.

Ms Scales will begin a PGCE teaching course this year.

She said: “My journey so far has been long and hard but immensely pleasurable.”

Further education, skills and lifelong learning minister John Hayes said: "I never fail to be impressed by the achievements of the winners and those shortlisted in NIACE’s Adult Learners’ Week Awards.

“Their stories demonstrate the power adult learning has to transform peoples’ lives and the communities they live in.”

Mr Hughes added: “Amanda’s life has improved because of her commitment, enthusiasm and ambition. I hope that others will be inspired by this story and see the role that learning can play to help them get a better life.”