Adult qualification levels
The adult qualification level figures provide an estimate of the highest qualification level achieved in the population aged 16 to 64, using the regulated qualifications framework (RQF) levels. The RQF is a national framework for comparing different levels of qualifications, ranging from level 1 (lowest) to 8 (highest). Information on the RQF levels is available on the Gov.uk website.
These figures are sample-based estimates and there is higher uncertainty at smaller geographies. Please see the limitations section below for further information.
The latest figures are for the 12-month period ending December 2025.
Key figures
The majority of people aged 16 to 64 in Lancashire-12 (45.1%) had attained an RQF level 4 or higher qualification, equivalent to a certificate of higher education (CertHE). This was similar to Lancashire-14 (42.7%) and England overall (48.0%).
Over a fifth of people aged 16 to 64 in Lancashire-12 (24.1%) and Lancashire-14 (23.7%) had an RQF level 3 qualification as their highest level of qualification, equivalent to a GCSE grade 9 to 4 or A* to C. This was significantly higher than England overall (20.6%).
Those with no qualifications accounted for 6.4% of the population aged 16 to 64 in Lancashire-12. This was similar to England (6.1%). The figure in Lancashire-14 (7.4%) was significantly higher than England.
Source: Annual population survey from the Office for National Statistics, via the National On-line Manpower Information System (Nomisweb).
Further information
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes yearly sample-based estimates of qualification levels in the population aged 16 to 64, based on the annual population survey (APS). The APS dataset is produced by combining data taken from the labour force survey (LFS) with a sample boost to improve data quality. More details on the APS methodology information can be found on the ONS website.
These figures use the regulated qualifications framework (RQF) to categorise the levels of qualification. An RQF level 1 qualification is equivalent to GSCE grades 3 to 1 (D to G), RQF level 2 is equivalent to GSCE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), and RQF level 3 is equivalent to an AS/A Level. Th RQF includes both academic and non-academic qualifications. Further information on the RQF levels is available on the Gov.uk website.
Limitations
Despite the large sample size of the APS, estimates for smaller geographies, particularly local authority districts, are highly volatile and uncertain. Due to this, local authority level figures are not included here. Figures for Lancashire-12 and Lancashire-14 still have higher levels of uncertainty than higher geographies and should be interpreted with caution.
Estimated annual changes in these figures should be interpreted alongside the estimates of uncertainty for the yearly figures.
Qualification counts are rounded to the nearest 100. Components may not sum to totals due to rounding.
Page updated 8 May 2026