HOLEX

ICYMI - on National Social Prescribing Day last week, HOLEX Chair Dipa Ganguli OBE penned a fab piece talking about the powerful role the sector plays in meeting the needs those in most need, rebuilding lives and connecting people. There are more conversations taking place about this now and these increasingly recognise the role of adult education in driving health, wellbeing and economic resilience. WM College https://lnkd.in/eJHNWSrA

I am interested in your views - Adult Numeracy vs Adult Maths: What Language Resonates with Adult Learners? One of the questions raised in the Lords Review of adult numeracy was simple but still surprisingly contentious: what should we call it, maths or numeracy? It’s a debate many of us have been having for over 30+ years, and we are probably still not fully aligned. My view is that there is a compromise, but we need to be much clearer about when and why we use each term. When engaging adults in learning, particularly those with low confidence, the language we use really matters. We tend to default to “adult numeracy” or “adult maths,” but these terms land very differently and carry distinct meanings and emotional responses. Looking at the research and wider practice, “adult maths” generally resonates more positively with learners than “adult numeracy.” It feels more familiar, more accessible, and less like jargon. By contrast, “numeracy” can sound technical, abstract, and rooted in policy language. It can also carry a sense of deficit, implying something is lacking, whereas “maths” feels more neutral and less judgemental. This distinction matters because many adults already feel uncertain about their skills. There is also a strong association between “numeracy” and school experiences. The term is historically tied to initiatives like the National Numeracy Strategy and is often linked in people’s minds to lessons, tests, and early classroom experiences. As a result, many learners interpret numeracy as “the basics” or something they should have already mastered, which can make it feel remedial and backwards-looking rather than developmental. For those who had trouble at school, it can also trigger negative memories, reinforce low confidence, and create resistance to re-engagement. At the same time, there is a clear gap between policy language and learner language. While the sector talks about adult numeracy, functional skills, and curriculum levels, learners are more likely to respond to language around maths, numbers, confidence, and everyday life. “Numeracy” works well in policy documents, funding bids, and strategy discussions, but it is often less effective in marketing, recruitment, and community engagement. In practice, the most effective language tends to avoid both terms altogether, instead focusing on relatable and empowering phrases such as “confidence with numbers,” “everyday maths,” or “maths for life.” These approaches feel more adult, reduce stigma, and focus on practical outcomes rather than perceived shortcomings. So perhaps the way forward is not choosing one term over the other but being more intentional. Using “adult maths” when engaging learners, “adult numeracy” when operating at a policy level, and wherever possible reframing the conversation in plain English that connects to real life. The question is whether this distinction is something the sector could align around. I would be really interested in your views.

We’re delighted to be working with other local authority providers of #adultlearning to raise the profile of the work we do. Working in our boroughs and beyond to enable residents to achieve their learning and career aspirations. Working collectively to make adult learning responsive and accessible in our communities. Work Match Beverley Corson Melanie Ashdown Urooj Khan Liz Millington Lisa Fenaroli Charlie Rainsford amanda francis Dan Marks Sara Khan Judi Gasser Jan Elkin Sarah Gibb Steve Diamond George Turner Alicia Anderson Angela Browne Claudia Riley-Hards Ayodeji (Ayo) Akande Imman Laksari-Adams Ashley Dunning Tara Roudiani Bola Sobowale Lyn Bourne Ewelina Pietka Roger Mullings Cheney Gardner Suna Marfé Rory Rolt Kate Batchelor Katie Thornton Katie McElligott Caroline McDonald Susan Pember

Thanks again to Shane and the team at FE Week for carrying this piece. You can find further details here and let me know if you want to be involved. https://lnkd.in/eqJqAVxq Our 1st Lab held last week looking at lifelong learning and its health benefits was fantastic and thanks again to everyone that took part. WEA - Adult Learning, Within Reach https://lnkd.in/eqJqAVxq

Last week, Susan Pember and Dipa Ganguli OBE WM College spoke at the House of Lords Numeracy for Life Committee, to give evidence on an issue that is so critical to individuals, communities and the wider economy. Alongside colleagues from the Association of Colleges Marguerite Hogg and Learning and Work Institute Alexander Stevenson, this was a really compelling session. The session was an important platform to champion the vital role adult numeracy plays in transforming life chances, strengthening employability, and supporting active participation in society. Both Sue and Dipa drew on the expertise of the adult and community education sector, highlighting real experiences from learners and providers who witness the impact of this work every day. But all this amazing work needs to be caveated in the realities of reduced funding, teaching numbers, capacity and shifting priorities. The session can be watched back here - https://lnkd.in/ejr_SX6U #adulteducation #skillsforlife #numeracy

A great opportunity to see new tools in action and connect with the wider Ufi VocTech Trust community! 🙌 For more information on tomorrow's event visit: https://lnkd.in/eTrd_jGq

Something different tomorrow. As a sector the FE / Adult Learning sector (like other sectors I have worked in) can be guilty of just talking to ourselves. Not tomorrow! So proud of Katie Shaw Chris Butcher Kathleen Formosa and others from WEA - Adult Learning, Within Reach for pulling together a stellar panel from across a range of sectors to discuss the important role community based lifelong learning plays in improving health and wellbeing. Check out this list of contributors who are coming together at the fantastic Toynbee Hall, so grateful to you all. Monica Boulton Linda Monckton Heather Brown Natasha Stonebridge Christopher George Andy Bell Katherine Emms Gemma Jolly Lewis Cooper Graeme Dolphin Jessica Plant Charlotte Miller Mark Malcomson CBE Caroline McDonald Rory Tyler This is the first of our Lifelong Learning Labs that will run throughout 2026 looking at the wider impact of community based lifelong learning and you can find more details below and have your voice heard. https://lnkd.in/eqJqAVxq

I am looking forward to attending the House of Lords Numeracy for Life Committee this Thursday to give evidence on an issue that is so critical to individuals, communities and the wider economy. The session will be an important opportunity to highlight the role of adult numeracy in improving life chances, supporting employability, and enabling fuller participation in society. I’ll be drawing on insights from the adult and community education sector, and the experiences of learners and providers on the ground. There is growing recognition that improving numeracy is not just an education challenge, but a social and economic priority. But it also raises a fundamental question: if we all recognise the importance of maths to everyday life, why does investment so often fall short? I hope to explore this challenge as part of the discussion. It’s encouraging to see this agenda being given such focus, and I look forward to contributing. #NumeracyForLife #AdultEducation #SkillsForLife #LifelongLearning

It's the Week of #VocTech!🎉 Great to see the continued focus on how technology can expand access to skills and learning. HOLEX is proud to support Ufi VocTech Trust and the work happening across the sector to innovate and create new opportunities for learners. Head to https://lnkd.in/dnzPFWc for more information. #VocTech #LifelongLearning