Click here to
- Click here to Request a Callback

The State of Learning

Discover what’s driving adults to invest in education during economic uncertainty, why online learning could be the saviour during the cost-of-living crisis, and how a digital-first society could impact traditional learning as we know it.

Our first trend report, The State of Learning, provides insight into the commercial education industry and how it’s adapting to cater to the demands of learners during a time of national economic struggle.

By surveying a sample of learndirect customers, we were able to build a profile of the modern learner and identify core motivations for gaining qualifications through online learning, breaking it down generationally and geographically.

We also look ahead to the future, gathering thoughts on how digital education will affect traditional learning.

The report includes topics, such as:

  • Key motivations for choosing online education during economic uncertainty
  • Generational attitudes towards the current UK education system
  • How Boomers are handling digital advancements
  • NHS strikes and if they’re putting off the desire to get into nursing
  • A North/South divide in values related to online learning
  • How qualifications could be the route out of the cost-of-living crisis
  • Views on how digital learning could affect the future of traditional education
  • Insight into the demand for professional upskilling

To explore our findings and get a better understanding of the commercial education industry, download our report here.

Rated by our learners

Rated Excellent by our learners

4.5 out of 5

Based on 32,152 Trustpilot reviews

Read all reviews →
Verified

Ethan was very informative and helped…

Ethan was very informative and helped guide me through the process of getting started.

Meshach B. 19 Sep 2026
Verified

Jordan was very helpful and friendly

Jordan was very helpful and friendly, I am now enrolled thanks to his help!

C’L 19 Sep 2026
Verified

Samuel was amazing great service…

Samuel was amazing great service explained eveything I need to know about the course Was very patient to with our technical difficulties a credit to learndirect

Mark L. 19 Sep 2026
Verified

Great service

I talked to a really sweet and helpful person on the service team; they walked me through everything and it went super smoothly.

Marci 19 Sep 2026
Verified

Great customer service!

John was fantastic! He made the whole experience seamless and so easy. He was very knowledgeable about the course chosen & answered all of my questions so clearly. Looking forward to starting my course! Thanks John, you were really helpful.

Kurt L. 19 Sep 2026
Verified

I had such a great experience speaking Solomon

I had such a great experience speaking with Solomon. He took the time to talk me through the Access to Nursing course in detail and explained everything in a way that was really easy for me to understand. He went through the different course lengths, from 6 months up to 24 months, and explained how the course could help me progress towards university. What I really appreciated was that Solomon didn’t just give me basic information — he broke everything down step by step, answered all my questions, and explained how they can support me with applying to university once I complete the course. He made me feel much more confident about my options and my future plans. Thank you, Solomon, for taking the time to explain everything so clearly and for being so helpful and reassuring. I really appreciate your support!

Vanessa B. 19 Sep 2026
Ready when you are

Take the next step in your learning journey

Course tips, career advice and exclusive offers, straight to your inbox. No spam, just guidance.

Accredited & trusted

Working with the UK's leading awarding bodies