Entering further education is still a popular choice among school leavers.
According to the Department for Education and Skills, 84 per cent of over 16s remain in formal education or work-based learning when they leave school.
But for some, studying is a luxury not open to them.
For these people, there is no option but to go straight into work when they finish their GCSEs.
It is for this group in particular that adult learning provision is so important.
Lisa Roach, 38, from Dartford, had dreams at school of becoming a primary school teacher.
But after finding herself homeless at just 17 years old, was forced instead to learn how to support herself and look for a full-time job.
Many years later after being made redundant as an investment analyst, Lisa has finally been able to pursue her initial desire to teach.
She has just finished her first year as a BA primary education student at the University of Greenwich's Avery Hill Campus and she is realising a dream kept on hold for 20 years.
She said: "The main reason I chose the University of Greenwich's primary education programme was because it takes only three years, whereas many others take four."
Both Avery Hill and the school near Dartford where Lisa has carried out her student class placements, are within easy reach of her home, allowing her to spend more time with her daughter.
She said: "When I was working full-time, I often missed out as a parent.
"So returning to studying and eventually working as a primary school teacher has allowed me to fit in better with her life and I can now take her to school most days.
"Combining teaching and parenting is a huge priority for me."
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