A Complete Guide to Prison Education
Adult Provision Youth Provision

For 30 years, Novus have been working to educate the UK prison population, helping to reduce reoffending rates through vocational and academic education.
Approximately 47% of individuals entering the prison system lack any previous qualifications. Additionally, almost two-thirds (59%) of prisoners have a history of truancy from school.
Without qualifications and skills, individuals enter a cycle of committing crime and entering the prison system. Not only does this have negative consequences for them, their families, and their communities, it is also costly for the taxpayer.
At Novus, we deliver engaging and innovative education and training programmes across all prison sites to encourage learners to take part in education, improve the education levels of learners and help them seek employment upon release.
What education is available in prison?
To ensure learners are gaining the relevant knowledge, skills and experience needed for successful rehabilitation we provide a number of education provisions.
We provide learners with:
- English, maths and digital skills
- Vocational and technical training
- Higher level and distance learning
- Enrichment and engagement
- Employment support
Why do learners need English, maths and digital skills?
In order for learners to thrive in society, they need to obtain English, Maths, and digital skills. These skills are the fundamental pillars of our education programme, and we strive to ensure all learners are equipped with the qualifications needed to be successful upon release.
57% of learners have English and Maths skills at or below those expected of an 11-year-old highlighting the struggle that learners face in obtaining education and employment.
Novus delivers English and Maths education in prisons from entry level to level 3 and provide opportunities to progress beyond that.
The English and Maths courses are open to all learners regardless of their skill or education level, and are assessed prior to the course starting, so that they can start on the level that is right for them.
How teaching Maths in prisons can help reduce reoffending
By taking part in our Maths provision, learners are able to;
- Develop their practical skills.
- Gain an essential qualification.
- Increase their confidence and self-belief.
However, Maths can also help to reduce reoffending rates. By improving learners' confidence and ability in English and Maths, we help them close their skills gaps to find and retain work that keeps them from re-offending post-release.
How Novus is improving prison literacy levels
Research suggests that 57% of adult prisoners have literacy levels below those expected of an 11 year old, stressing the importance of extra support in our English provision.
Reading gives learners the opportunity to develop crucial literacy skills, expand their knowledge and find pleasure in learning.
Which is why, at Novus, we place a particular importance on the reading strategy at each site we work at. Recently, HMP Wealstun opened their own reading room, supporting our mission for learners to develop a love for reading.
The reading room offers learners requiring support a safe space to learn in a non-judgemental environment. The room is bright and furnished with bean bags to create a relaxed atmosphere. It is filled with books for all reading abilities, as well as newspapers and magazines.
The room provides a breakout area for learners who have learning support needs and encourages them to use this time effectively in a calm, quiet environment where they are able to learn at their own pace.
English and Maths skills are crucial requirements for successful continued employment, which is why encouraging more learners onto these courses is essential.
Our education provision is tailored to meet the needs of each learner to ensure that they are receiving the right support and opportunities to help them thrive on the course.
Bridging the digital gap in prison education
Digital skills are essential in today’s world, yet many prisoners lack even basic knowledge. Bridging this gap is vital to help learners find work and reintegrate into society.
One of the many challenges of prison education is making sure learners aren't left behind during their time in prison. Government research suggests it is often the most vulnerable groups, including prisoners and former prisoners who face digital exclusion.
At Novus, we provide practical digital skills training to equip learners with the digital skills they need for jobs, independence, and a brighter future. By closing the digital divide, we’re reducing reoffending and preparing learners for life in a tech-driven world.
Teaching digital skills in prison
With more businesses embracing technology and a nationwide skills shortage in technology-related roles it is essential that learners are equipped with the skills required to integrate into their communities and contribute to society.
It is vital that we provide functional digital skills to learners so that they can find employment upon release. A 2019 UK Government report indicates at least 82% of job vacancies consider digital literacy an essential requirement for candidates.
By improving their confidence and ability in English, maths and essential digital skills, we help learners close their skills gaps so they can find and retain employment that will prevent them from re-offending upon release.
How do creative enrichment programmes benefit learners in prison?
According to research, creative enrichment programmes can support improved wellbeing, awaken an interest in learning and can help learners build new positive identities.
The large majority of learners have had a negative relationship with education with over 40% of learners being permanently excluded from school and over 30% of learners having a learning difficulty or learning challenges.
It is essential that we find new and innovative ways to engage learners in education which is where our creative enrichment provision comes in. Learners participating in creative projects provides an introduction to education which will interest and engage them in different ways.
By engaging in education in a way that meets their needs, learners will start to see education in a positive way which will encourage them to pursue further education and obtain skills and qualifications which will help them upon release.
Our high-quality creative arts and enrichment programmes also help to support the mental health and wellbeing of learners, providing them an outlet to express their feelings and seek support and guidance through creative enrichment.
Skills development through vocational training
Providing learners with industry-relevant skills and experience for their chosen career path means they can find employment or further training upon release and build a positive future.
We offer a large variety of vocational training programmes, so that learners are given more opportunities to enter a career that they will enjoy and pursue upon release.
Examples of our vocational courses include:
- Bricklaying
- Woodwork
- Engineering
- Gardening
- Barbering
- Hair & Beauty
- Catering
Our learners work towards nationally recognised qualifications, with embedded English, Maths, and employability skills available for those learners who need extra support, so they can develop a holistic skill set required by employers.
We have also developed a curriculum that is informed and co-designed by our partner employers, so our learners, and their future employers can be confident they are gaining the relevant skills in their chosen career.
Higher education opportunities for prisoners
We want our learners to have access to all levels of education, providing them with more job opportunities and boosting their confidence and self-belief, which will positively impact their rehabilitation.
Working collaboratively with partners who are specialists in higher level learning and distance learning ensures that our programmes are up to date, so that we can give learners the right skills to get the right jobs for them.
Our partners include the Open University, Prisoner Education Trust and local colleges and universities.
Supporting the education of young offenders
The needs of children in custody are unique. They are still developing and are yet to gain the life skills and experiences needed to be able to navigate through society. However, we see this as the perfect time to give them foundational knowledge and skills to improve their lives.
Many young offenders have struggled with the mainstream education system for many reasons, often including having neurodiverse needs.
However, we believe that all children are resilient and capable of change if provided with education, support and opportunity adapted to their needs.
Our delivery model for children and young offenders includes high-quality education, enrichment, vocational training, career routeways and support that are the foundations for change.
How Novus offers employment support
Employment is a key factor in rehabilitation and reducing the risk of reoffending.
Our experienced team provide an extensive range of related support to help learners develop the skills and strategies needed to find, apply and secure a job.
Our employment support includes:
- CV advice and guidance
- Job searching and application help
- Guidance on disclosure
- Interview preparation and performance
Novus also works with national, regional, and local partner employers to provide employment opportunities for learners upon release, giving our learners access to real job opportunities, apprenticeships, and training upon release.
Explore our range of prison education programmes to see how we’re making a difference in rehabilitation and skill-building. From academic support to vocational training and creative enrichment, we’re here to help learners turn their lives around.