Teaching in Prisons: a Unique Path to Making a Difference

Prison education plays a key role in reducing reoffending and equipping learners with the qualifications needed to find employment upon release. Government research shows that people who participate in education while in prison are significantly less likely to reoffend within 12 months of release, particularly when learning is combined with support and mentoring.

A dedicated government report on prison education participation, achievement and needs describes how education helps prisoners develop skills and qualifications that support their resettlement. It finds that participants are more likely to achieve accredited courses and qualifications which are recognised in the labour market.

Despite its benefits, engagement with purposeful activity, including education, is not consistent across the prison system. A parliamentary report notes that about half of prisoners do not take part in education or work activities, which undermines efforts to reduce reoffending and prepare people for release.

What it’s like to work in prison education

Working in prison education gives you the opportunity to help vulnerable people develop the skills and confidence they need for a positive future. Education in custody forms part of the purposeful regime that supports rehabilitation and increases post release success.

Our end goal is to equip learners with the skills and qualifications necessary to find employment immediately after release. To achieve this, we need to provide learners with the best possible opportunities and high quality teaching.

Develop flexibility and adaptability in your teaching style

Teaching in prisons is a rewarding career with opportunities for fulfilment and professional growth. No two days are the same in prison education, and you will need to be flexible and able to communicate well with learners, colleagues and other professionals. Because learners come with diverse experiences and educational histories, a one size fits all approach rarely works; tutors need to adapt their style to meet individual needs.

Help learners secure employment

As a prison educator, you will help learners across the country complete accredited training programmes that support them in securing employment on release. Gaining meaningful work not only provides financial and mental security but also plays a strong part in reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

Embrace daily challenges and foster engaged learning

Every day in prisons brings something new. Many learners have had limited or negative past experiences with education and may lack belief in their ability to learn. As a tutor, it is your role to engage learners in education and enrichment programmes, helping them build confidence and develop the skills needed for life outside of prison.

At Novus, our education provision is specifically designed and tailored to meet the diverse needs of learners so that they can benefit from the full range of educational and enrichment opportunities.

Join a supportive and expertly equipped education team

Working in prison education is a collaborative experience. Our education teams are supportive, and you’ll work with like minded professionals in a positive and purpose driven environment. You’ll collaborate with other teachers and education staff to support learner outcomes and build pathways to success.

The role of a prison educator

As a prison educator, you play a key role in helping learners access vital education and employment opportunities that reduce their risk of reoffending.

Roles available in prison education

Jobs in prison education are exciting and varied. Colleagues are needed across all areas of our education provision to deliver high quality teaching to learners. Common roles include:

• English, maths and digital tutors
• Music and art tutors
• Vocational course tutors and trainers
• Functional skills tutors
• Student support practitioners
• Careers, employability and guidance specialists
• ESOL tutors • Administration and coordination roles

What education provision do we offer to learners?

The education offered in each prison varies. While we aim to host core classes in essentials like English and maths at every location, the wider provision depends on the needs of learners and the wider establishment community.

English, maths and digital

Research evidence shows that literacy and numeracy in prisoners is at a significantly lower level than the general UK population.

We work with learners on functional skills, including English, maths and essential digital skills. This is how we help those who have previously disengaged from education build confidence and obtain recognised qualifications.

English and maths are essential skills needed to function in society, and learners need confidence in these areas to improve their employment prospects upon release. With the UK labour market increasingly driven by digital competence, essential digital skills are also crucial. A UK government report indicates that a large majority of job vacancies now include digital literacy as an essential requirement.

By improving learners’ confidence and ability in English, maths and essential digital skills, we help them close skills gaps so they can find and retain work that helps prevent future offending.

Arts and creative enrichment

Creative enrichment helps learners engage in education through non traditional pathways. Providing opportunities in the arts gives learners alternative ways to express themselves, build confidence and support their mental well being.

Arts and creative enrichment also support positive behaviour and emotional regulation, equipping learners with healthy ways to express emotions. Working with creative partners such as Tate, the National Justice Museum and other cultural organisations allows us to deliver dynamic and exciting activities that support both learning and personal growth.

Vocational training

Many learners are well suited to work in trade and industry, provided they have the right skills and qualifications. Our vocational training programmes lead to nationally recognised qualifications and embed essential English, maths and employability skills, giving learners a holistic skill set needed by employers.

By participating in vocational training, learners are equipped with practical and employability skills that help them enter sustainable employment upon release.

When designing these vocational courses, we consult with local employers to ensure that learners gain industry standard training that leads directly to employment opportunities, helping employers access trained talent while reducing skills shortages in local economies.

Youth education in prisons

Young adult and juvenile learners are entitled to education while serving custodial sentences. Many young offenders come with negative experiences of education, making engagement a challenge.

Novus education services are tailored to meet each young person’s diverse needs and interests. Our model includes high quality education, enrichment activities, vocational pathways and personalised support, helping learners gain the skills they need for life beyond custody.

The rewards of teaching in prisons

Teaching in prisons can be challenging but equally rewarding. Here are some of the benefits of working in prison education:

Enjoy a healthy work/life balance

Because work is contained within the custodial environment, colleagues can enjoy clearer boundaries between work and home life, including flexible and agile working arrangements where appropriate and support for mental health and well being.

Salary, pension and annual leave

We offer a competitive salary, generous pension and annual leave package to support colleagues in feeling valued and secure.

Great discounts and offers through partners

We also provide staff with access to a range of discounts and offers through our industry partners, helping make your money go further.

Making a difference

As a prison educator, you help shape the lives of learners and ensure they leave custody with the skills and confidence they need to be successful. Making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals is a key reason why many of our colleagues choose and remain in prison education.

If you are interested in working in prison education, head over to our careers page to find the perfect role for you.