Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The Skills for Life Survey, 2003 (SfL2003), funded by the then Department for Education and Skills, examined the basic skills of adults, aged 16-65 years (inclusive) in England. The survey aimed to produce a national profile of adult literacy, numeracy, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills. In addition, the survey was designed to assess the impact different levels of skill had on people's lives. For further details, see documentation. Further information can also be found on the Department for Education and Skills Skills for Life Survey, 2003 archived webpage. The 2003 survey was the first in the series; a later SfL survey, conducted in 2011, is held under SN 7240.

Main Topics:

The survey was divided into two parts, with a sample of respondents from the first interview taking part in the second. The first interview comprised a 'background' questionnaire, collecting behavioural and demographic data, and two computer-based skills assessments in literacy and numeracy. Each of the three sections lasted 20-25 minutes on average. The second interview comprised two ICT assessments, the first a test of awareness, and the second a test of practical skills. This interview lasted c.35 minutes.

Multi-stage stratified random sample

Face-to-face interview

Educational measurements