4.1.1 Education attainment in the South West is generally higher than the national average and has improved at most Key Stages in recent years. Notwithstanding this, attainment varies considerably by pupil characteristics and geography. Among those least likely to reach expected levels are children of Black ethnic origin (particularly boys), those known to be eligible for free school meals, individuals with special educational needs and those with a second language other than English. The most prosperous areas typically outperform the most disadvantaged and in many cases, children in rural areas achieve better results than their urban peers.
4.1.2 Girls continue to achieve better results than boys at every qualification level although the attainment gap at GCSE has narrowed over the last four years. Girls are also more likely than boys to continue in education or training on leaving school and are more likely to enter Higher Education. Rising participation rates at age 17 have also exclusively benefited girls. Work-based learning is more popular among boys than girls.
4.1.3 While participation in adult learning is higher in the South West than the England average, there is little evidence that participation nationally has increased or broadened over the last ten years. Within the South West, participation in work-related education or training remains highest among women, young people, those with higher education qualifications and those working in personal service or professional occupations, and the public sector.
4.1.4 Qualification attainment among 19 year olds and adults remains high in the South West by national standards. Despite steady improvement in recent years, the South West is, however, unlikely to exceed the previous administration’s 2011 targets. Qualification levels vary considerably across the region’s local authority areas. For example, the proportions of residents with graduate-level qualifications (Level 4 or above) are highest in Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset and lowest in Cornwall, Plymouth, and Torbay.
