Adult Learning accountability agreement 2023/24

Local Context – North and West Northamptonshire

Data sources: Census, Nomis, ONS, Fingertips 

North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire population (2021 census)

There are around 784,264 people living in NN (North Northamptonshire) and WN (West Northamptonshire) combined. 63.1% are working age adults (16-64), around 494,680 people. This is an increasing population with a 13.5% increase (5% higher than the national average).

The biggest increase is in the over 65’s at 30.4%, 10% higher than the national average, however those aged 15-64 is also 7% higher than the national average with an increase of 10.3%. 

Deprivation

At 26.5%, almost one third of NN/WN 444 LSOA’s are ranked to be in the most deprived 3 deciles in England with respect to IMD. The map shows most deprived areas (red) are focused in the former districts of Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and Northampton. 

For Education, Skills and Training deprivation, 35.5% of LSOA’s are in the worst 3 deciles. In Corby, 31 out of its 41 LSOA’s are in the worst 3 deciles (75.6%).

Qualifications and NEET

School performance measures have changed since Covid. 2021/22 data shows NN students achieved an attainment 8 score of 46.4. This was lower than WN (48.6) and England (48.7).

In 2020/21, 13.5% of Northamptonshire secondary school pupils were persistent absentees. This was lower than England (14.8%). Historically, Corby, Wellingborough and Daventry had high school absence rates.

At 2.4% (NN) and 2.3% (WN), a significantly lower proportion of 16/17 year olds were NEET than England (4.7%) in 2021.

Employment, earnings and benefits

Economically active in 2022 was 77.6% for NN and 82.5% for WN, while the Great Britain value was 78.5%. 13.6% of people in NNC work in elementary occupations compared to just 9.5% for Great Britain. Weekly wages for full-time workers were lower in NN and WN than England. The biggest pay gap was for women. 

There were also around 13,800 people of working age unable to work due to long-term sickness, making up 29.2%. This was higher than England (25.8%). WN had 11,300 just above the England rate at 25.9%.

There were 7,750 people claiming Universal Credit in NN and 8,630 in WN in April 2023. NN had 580 more claimants on the previous year while WN had 395 less. 

Skills profile

31% of residents across both North and West Northamptonshire do not hold a Level 2 or above qualification.

The average across England and Wales is 28%.

Last updated 21 November 2023