This dataset provides 2011 estimates that classify usual residents aged 3 and over in England and Wales by their proficiency in English. The proficiency in English classification corresponds to the tick box response options on the census questionnaire. The estimates are as at census day, 27 March 2011.

This is the first time this information has been available from the census. Estimates are used to help central government, local authorities and the NHS allocate resources and provide services for non-English speakers. It also helps public service providers effectively target the delivery of their services. For example, translation and interpretation services and material in alternative languages.|

In order to protect against disclosure of personal information from the 2011 Census, there has been swapping of records in the Census database between different geographic areas, and so some counts will be affected. In the main, the greatest effects will be at the lowest geographies, since the record swapping is targeted towards those households with unusual characteristics in small areas.

More details on the ONS Census disclosure control strategy may be found on the Statistical Disclosure Control page on the ONS web site.