There is a vast body of research that has focused on the determinants of qualification attainment and staying on in post-compulsory education Generally, those with a higher measure of innate ability are more likely to undertake additional qualifications or remain in full-time education than...

Although there are some estimates of the incidence of late learning1 and the economic rewards achieved by those in possession of formally recognised qualifications, little is known about the personal or family characteristics associated with those engaged in late learning, the associated costs...