ABSTRACT
There is a growing emphasis within UK education policy on encouraging adults to gain higher level qualifications through participation in higher education (DIUS 2007). However, little previous research has focused on the decision-making about education and careers of individuals who possess the qualifications normally required for enrolment on higher level courses but who have not, as yet, participated. Similarly, little is known about the values people in this category attach to formal learning or the potential relevance of HE to their lives. This chapter makes a contribution to the knowledge base in this area.
