How a learner-led newsletter is supporting prison education at HMP Preston

Preston Press Demonstrates the Power of Prison Education at HMP Preston

At Novus, we believe education should be engaging, purposeful, and provide learners with opportunities to develop real-world skills that support progression, employability, and personal growth. At HMP Preston, one project that perfectly demonstrates this approach is Preston Press, a learner-led newsletter produced within Novus Digital Skills classes.

Launched in 2024, the newsletter has evolved into a highly successful educational project that combines digital skills, literacy development, communication, teamwork, and creativity. Under the guidance of Novus Digital Skills Tutor Usman, learners have embraced the opportunity to create meaningful content for their peers while gaining practical experience that supports their personal and professional development.

More than just a newsletter, Preston Press has become a powerful example of how prison education can engage learners, promote achievement, and create a positive learning culture within custody.

Developing Essential Skills Through Real-World Learning

A key principle of our education provision is creating learning experiences that are relevant, engaging, and connected to real-world outcomes, and one of the key strengths of Preston Press is its ability to bring learning to life through a real-world project. Novus learners are actively involved in researching, writing, editing, designing, and publishing each edition, allowing them to apply classroom learning in a practical and purposeful way.

The project supports the development of a wide range of transferable skills, including:

• Digital and IT skills
• Communication and writing skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Problem-solving and planning
• Creativity and content creation
• Confidence and self-expression

These are all valuable skills that can support progression into further education, training, and employment upon release.

By working towards a shared goal and seeing their work published, learners gain a sense of achievement and ownership that can be difficult to replicate through traditional classroom activities alone.

Supporting Literacy and Reading Development

Improving literacy remains a central focus of our prison education provision, and Preston Press plays an important role in supporting this objective.

Each edition is carefully designed to encourage reading among learners with varying levels of confidence and ability. Accessible formats, larger fonts, bullet-point summaries, and easy-read content ensure that the publication can be enjoyed by a broad audience across the prison population.

Alongside informative articles and current affairs content, the newsletter actively promotes reading and the prison's reading strategy by:

• Recommending books available through the prison library
• Highlighting reading opportunities and resources
• Promoting the Reading Challenge initiative
• Encouraging learners to engage with a wider range of reading materials

This helps create a culture where reading is visible, valued, and accessible to everyone.

Creating Inclusive Learning Opportunities

Inclusive education is fundamental to learner success, particularly within prison settings where educational experiences and literacy levels can vary significantly.

Preston Press reflects this commitment by ensuring content is accessible to all learners. Longer feature articles are often accompanied by simplified summaries, allowing readers to engage with topics at a level that suits their individual needs.

Recent editions have covered subjects ranging from the World Cup and Grand Prix racing to historical events, wellbeing initiatives, and cultural celebrations. This variety helps learners broaden their knowledge while developing reading and comprehension skills in an engaging way.

Encouraging Learner Voice and Engagement

Effective prison education provides opportunities for learners to be heard, contribute, and take ownership of their learning journey.

Preston Press achieves this by encouraging learners to submit their own creative work, including poetry, articles, and personal contributions. This not only develops writing skills but also helps individuals build confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging within the learning community.

The newsletter gives learners a platform to share their interests, perspectives, and achievements while celebrating positive engagement with education.

Connecting Learning to Wellbeing and Personal Development

Education in prison extends beyond qualifications. It also plays a critical role in supporting personal growth, wellbeing, and social development.

Through its content, Preston Press promotes a range of enrichment activities and wellbeing initiatives, including:

• Health and fitness activities
• Mindfulness techniques
• Healthy lifestyle choices
• Cultural and religious awareness
• Educational enrichment events

By encouraging participation in these activities, the newsletter helps learners engage with opportunities that support both personal development and positive behavioural outcomes.

Strengthening Communication Across the Prison Community

The newsletter also serves as an important communication tool, helping learners access information and understand the support available to them.

Contributions from prison partners and specialist services help raise awareness of key initiatives, including support available through Neurodiversity Representatives and other learner support networks.

For individuals arriving at HMP Preston, which is a remand prison, dedicated information pages provide practical guidance on topics such as visits, canteen arrangements, property procedures, and wing representative roles. This information can help reduce uncertainty and support successful integration into prison life.

Prison Education in Action

The continued success of Preston Press demonstrates the value of innovative prison education programmes that combine literacy, digital skills, employability, creativity, and personal development.

Projects such as Preston Press support our mission to transform lives through education, skills, and employability. They demonstrate how education can empower individuals to recognise their potential, develop valuable skills, and build brighter futures.

By placing learners at the centre of the project, the newsletter creates meaningful opportunities for engagement while developing skills that can support progression both during custody and beyond.

As Preston Press continues to grow, it stands as a powerful example of prison education in action - empowering learners, strengthening communities, and demonstrating how education can help individuals build confidence, develop new skills, and work towards brighter futures.