The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have published further results from the 2021 Census, helping us to better our understanding of the Somerset population. The latest results reveal insights into the qualifications held by Somerset residents and the number of residents in full-time education.
It should be remembered that the 2021 Census is a snapshot of the population on 21st March 2021, a time during which coronavirus restrictions were in place. These restrictions will likely have impacted on living arrangements for certain groups – such as university students – and will therefore have an impact on the census results.
Highest level of qualification
3 in 10 (30.5%) Somerset residents aged 16 and over have a level 4 qualification or above. Level 4 qualifications include Higher National Certificate, Higher National Diploma, Bachelor's degree or post-graduate qualifications. Nationally, the proportion of people with a level 4 or higher qualification was higher, at 33.8%.
At the other end of the scale, more than 80,000 Somerset residents reported having no qualifications. This represents 17.1% of the Somerset population aged 16 and over, lower than the equivalent national rate of 18.2%.
6.5% of Somerset residents have an apprenticeship as their highest level of qualification.
The qualification levels of Somerset residents have increased significantly in the 10 years since the 2011 census. Those with no qualifications made up 22.4% of Somerset residents aged 16 and over in 2011, compared to 17.1% in 2021. Somerset residents with a level 3 or level 4 qualification now comprise a combined 48.1% of residents; in 2011 the equivalent figure was 37.7%.
Schoolchildren and full-time students
There were more than 90,000 Somerset residents in full-time education at the time of the 2021 census. This represents 16% of all Somerset residents aged five years and over. The equivalent figure nationally is 20.4%. The lower proportion of the population in full-time education in Somerset reflects the older age profile of the Somerset population.
48% of the Somerset population live in a Rural area compared to 18% across England overall - Rurality