Education as Purposeful Activity in Prisons

Purposeful activity in prisons refers to structured, meaningful programmes that support rehabilitation and prepare learners for life after release. By taking part in purposeful activity, such as prison education, people in custody can develop new skills, build confidence and self-esteem, and improve their mental wellbeing.

These benefits play a crucial role in reducing the likelihood of reoffending and supporting positive resettlement outcomes, helping individuals succeed when they return to the community.

What is purposeful activity in prison?

Purposeful activity is structured and meaningful programmes within prison offers learners meaningful ways to spend their time while building skills for life after release. These activities are designed to support rehabilitation, resettlement and reduced reoffending.

This includes:

• Work opportunities
• Vocational training
• Education courses
• Rehabilitation programs aimed at improving mental health and well-being.

When delivered effectively, purposeful activity in prisons helps individuals develop routine, responsibility and skills that support successful reintegration into society.

The importance of purposeful activity in prisons

The importance of purposeful activity in prisons lies in its ability to drive rehabilitation, build practical and personal skills, and prepare people for life after release. Structured routines help individuals develop confidence, responsibility and employability.

Education must sit alongside prison work as a recognised and valued form of purposeful activity. High-quality, structured learning gives people in custody the qualifications, skills and mindset they need to succeed on release, making it a vital part of purposeful activity in prisons for resettlement.

Barriers to education in prisons

Attendance rates and missed opportunities

Prison education is a proven way to reduce reoffending and support rehabilitation. Across forty three adult estates, attendance rates average 69% , showing strong engagement from learners.

In a typical class of ten, seven learners attend regularly, gaining valuable skills for employment and personal growth. While some places remain unfilled, this creates an opportunity to expand access by ensuring the curriculum is engaging and aligned with future labour market needs.

Low pay compared to prison work

Prison work provides  valuable opportunities for individuals to develop practical skills and earn an income. Alongside these roles, education programmes provide a unique pathway for learners to gain qualifications and build skills that support successful resettlement.

While education may offer lower financial incentives than some prison jobs, evidence shows that learning delivers significant long-term benefits. According to the Prisoners’ Education Trust, participation in education while in custody can reduce reoffending by around 7.5%, highlighting the critical role education plays as purposeful activity in prisons.

Timetabling and Regime Pressures

Prison estates must balance a wide range of operational demands, which can affect access to education and other purposeful activities. Timetabling pressures and competing priorities can limit consistency of attendance.

Better integration of education within prison estates would help ensure learning is fully recognised as purposeful activity, supporting rehabilitation while fitting effectively alongside work and other commitments.

Why education should count as purposeful activity

Prison education gives people the chance to gain qualifications, build confidence and improve their employability, providing a clear pathway to a more stable future.

There is a clear direct link between prison education and reduced reoffending rates. Research by the Ministry of Justice found that people who had participated in education whilst in prison were significantly less likely to reoffend within 12 months of release than those who had not by 7.5% points.

Benefits for society includes safer communities, lower costs for taxpayers and better long-term outcomes for ex-offenders. Recognising prison education as a vital purposeful activity is essential for rehabilitation and resettlement.

When learning is treated as a central part of prison life it becomes a powerful force for change. By fully valuing learning as a transformative tool, prisons can support long-term positive outcomes for both ex-offenders and society as a whole.

Learners success stories

From prison education to a thriving hospitality career, this learner’s journey is truly inspiring. After completing vocational training at HMP Berwyn and gaining confidence through The Right Course, they secured a commis chef role with live-in accommodation at a South Wales hotel.

Read the full story: Novus Cambria Learner’s Journey to Employment.

One learner at HMP Parc has turned rehabilitation into real opportunity through hands-on work experience with G4S. By contributing to projects like building a new delivery bay and earning a CSCS card, they’ve gained practical skills and industry recognised qualifications that boost employability after release.

Read the full story: Working collaboratively with G4S to provide employment opportunities.

At HMP Styal, one learner has achieved remarkable success by turning education into employment. Through Novus training and dedicated support, they gained the skills and confidence needed to secure a job after release, proving how tailored learning can transform futures. This inspiring story highlights the power of rehabilitation and opportunity.

Read the full story: Employment Success Strategies at HMP Styal.