The ONS has published a digital article looking at 2021 Census data on differing levels of educational qualifications held by residents active in the workforce across the various local authorities of England and Wales. A data explorer map allows users to see how their area compares.
Around four in ten economically active people in England and Wales (42%) have a higher education qualification, which was the most common level of qualification; there was little difference across most regions, but in London, this figure was higher, at 57%.
Leaving London aside, there was no clear north-south divide between regional qualification levels, in contrast to trends in income and productivity, where previous ONS analysis has shown a clear north-south divide.
Much starker inequalities exist within regions: the East Midlands and East of England regions had the greatest inequality in qualification levels, with the East of England being home both to the ninth most qualified area (Cambridge), and the 330th (Fenland).
Of the ten least highly qualified areas in England and Wales, seven were in these two regions, and many were coastal areas; people may need to leave such places to acquire higher-level qualifications or to get a job that requires more education.
While all of the ten most highly qualified areas were in cities, there were only two only cities in the ten least highly qualified areas.
Harrow is ranked 47 out of 331 English and Welsh local authorities. This puts it in the top 20% of areas. Brent is ranked 151 out of 331 English and Welsh local authorities. This puts it in the top 60% of areas. Bradford is ranked 283 out of 331 English and Welsh local authorities. This puts it in the bottom 20% of areas.
