Local estimates of adult qualification levels are based on responses to the ONS Annual Population Survey over a calendar year, the latest being January to December 2025. The survey uses the Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) to classify the highest level of the stated qualifications of respondents.
The RQF has eight levels, the five highest of which are combined in the published data. Key qualifications at each level are:
Level 1: GCSEs grades 3-1 and equivalent; NVQ1
Level 2: GCSEs grades 9-4 and equivalent; intermediate apprenticeships; NVQ2
Level 3: A levels grade A-E; AS levels; T levels; advanced apprenticeships; NVQ3
Level 4: Certificates of higher education; HNCs; higher apprenticeships; NVQ4
Level 5: Diplomas of higher education; HNDs; foundation degrees; NVQ5
Level 6: Bachelor’s degree (with or without honours); degree apprenticeships; NVQ6
Level 7: Master’s degree, Postgraduate certificates including PGCE; NVQ7
Level 8: Doctorates.
Up to 2021, National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) levels were used so there is a discontinuity between 2021 and 2022 in the time series. NVQ included an apprenticeship level, but apprenticeship qualifications are split into four separate levels in the RQF
The dataset is subject to differing degrees of sampling variability, particularly for smaller geographic areas. This is because the statistics are based on survey responses, with sample sizes varying by area.
In this report, the North East refers to the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority area, one of England's 15 combined authority (CA) areas. Unless otherwise stated, the headline rate is expressed as a percentage of working age residents, with the 16 to 64 age group used as a proxy for working age. In most cases, rates are rounded to the nearest 1% in the text but are shown to the nearest 0.1% in the charts.
North East qualification levels
39%
were qualified to level 4 and above in 2025
North East working age rate.
lower than the UK (48%).
5th lowest of the 15 English
CA (combined authority) areas.
10%
had no qualifications
working age rate, 2025.
higher than the UK (6%),
highest of the
15 English CA areas.
50%
were qualified to level 4 and above in Newcastle
Highest of North East LA areas,
lowest: Sunderland (31%).
Highest % with no qualifications:
South Tyneside (14%).
-0.5 pp
one year change in % with no qualifications
percentage point change 2024 to 2025.
UK change: also -0.5 pp.
Change in % qualified to level 4 plus:
North East: -1.4 pp, UK: +1.3 pp.
Differences by sex and age
41%
of females were qualified to level 4 and above in 2025
North East working age rate.
Above the male rate (36%).
% with no qualifications:
Males: 11%, females: 10%.
53%
of 25 to 29 year-olds were qualified to level 4 and above
North East residents 2025,
highest among age groups.
Lowest (excluding under 25s):
50 to 64 age group: 36%.
13%
of 50 to 64 year-olds had no qualifications
North East residents 2025,
highest by age group
(excluding under 20s).
Lowest: 25 to 29 age group (6%)
41%
of those with no qualifications were aged 50 to 64
North East residents 2025.
Only 31% of those educated to level 4 and above were in this age group.
Differences by economic activity status
58%
Economic inactivity rate for residents with no qualifications
North East, 2025.
UK equivalent: 55%
Overall rates:
NE 26%, UK 21%.
12%
Economic inactivity rate for residents qualified to level 4 and above
North East, 2025.
UK equivalent: 11%
Level 2 rates:
NE 32%, UK 31%.
47%
of employed people were educated to level 4 and above
North East, 2025.
Compared to:
39% of all working age people;
18% of the economically inactive.
23%
of economically inactive people had no qualifications
North East, 2025.
Compared to:
10% of all working age people;
6% of the employed.
Further analysis
Education and skills theme page
The evidence hub's education and skills landing page. With links to data reports about education at all levels and adult skills.
Nomis labour market data (source)
An ONS site with a flexible way of downloading up-to-date official labour market statistics for local areas.
Labour market theme page
The evidence hub's labour market landing page. With links to data reports about employment, unemployment and economic inactivity.