This dataset provides 2001 Census estimates that classify usual residents in England and Wales aged 16 to 74 by NS-Sec by highest level of qualification. The estimates are as at census day, 29 April 2001.

The highest level of qualification variable uses both the educational and vocational qualifications question, and the professional qualifications question.

No qualifications: No academic, vocational or professional qualifications.
Level 1: 1+ 'O' levels/CSE/GCSE (any grade), NVQ level 1, Foundation GNVQ.
Level 2: 5+ 'O' levels, 5+ CSEs (grade 1), 5+ GCSEs (grade A - C), School Certificate, 1+ 'A' levels/'AS' levels, NVQ level 2, Intermediate GNVQ or equivalents. Level 3: 2+ 'A' levels, 4+ 'AS' levels, Higher School Certificate, NVQ level 3, Advanced GNVQ or equivalents.
Level 4/5: First degree, Higher Degree, NVQ levels 4 - 5, HNC, HND, Qualified Teacher Status, Qualified Medical Doctor, Qualified Dentist, Qualified Nurse, Midwife, Health Visitor or equivalents.

NS-SeC stands for National Statistics Socio-economic Classification.

'Not classified' includes people who have not been coded, those who cannot be allocated to an NS-SeC category and all full-time students regardless of whether they are economically active or inactive.

Figures have been randomly adjusted to avoid the release of confidential data