A project invesitgated the current whereabouts of students whose names appeared on adult basic education class registers during October 1986 in Hackney, England. The city was identified by 1981 census data as the most deprived local authority area in England and Wales. Returns were received from 375 students (out of 506 to whom questionnaires were sent). Tutors were asked to record relevant information about the students. Discussions were held with students and tutors. Of the 375 students, 252 had left or moved on; 123 still attended their original class. The external factors in people's lives--work and other commitments-were given most often as the reason for leaving. Factors that affected choices about student progression were fear of failure, finding the right course, and readiness. Links had been created between adult basic education courses and two further education courses designed for "post-basic" literacy students. They showed a fundamental difference between the concept of a "post-basic" literacy student able to learn quickly and the adult basic education student ready to move on after many years of slow progress. Students with learning difficulties were transferred from further education to adult education institutes. Language, literacy, and numeracy support was provided for advanced students in further or higher education courses. Recommendations are made with regard to policy, management, education advice services, staff development, and further research. (16 references) (YLB)