Higher Education in Prison: A Powerful Route Out of Reoffending

Higher education in prisons offers more than qualifications, it transforms lives. For many learners, access to learning is a turning point, opening doors to new opportunities and a brighter future.

Recidivism refers to reoffending after release, and although rates remain high, access to education offers a proven route to better outcomes. Studies show that higher‑level learning helps build confidence, strengthens identity change, and supports a smoother transition back into the community.

Why higher education in prisons matters

Higher education offers learners in prison a new focus and a fresh start, helping them build essential skills, boost confidence, and shape future plans. Beyond personal growth, it benefits society by reducing crime rates and increasing employment opportunities.

According to the Longford Trust, fewer than 5% of higher education students return to prison, highlighting its transformative impact on rehabilitation and reintegration.

Link between higher education and recidivism

Higher education in prison plays a crucial role in rehabilitation by equipping individuals with new skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose. Through academic achievement, learners can reshape their identities prepare for successful reintegration into society.

Studies show that participation in higher-level learning while in prison leads to a significant reduction in recidivism, with evidence-backed data demonstrating fewer reoffending cases and higher employment rates after release. By supporting rehabilitation and identity change, higher education offers a powerful, proven route to breaking the cycle of reoffending.

Expanding Access to Higher Education in Prisons

Improving digital access and learning tools

Improving digital access and learning tools is essential to modernising higher education in prisons. Continued progress is being made across the prison sector to expand digital infrastructure, ensuring learners can access secure platforms that support distance learning and more flexible study options.

By introducing safe, innovative technology, prisons can open the door to richer educational experiences that mirror the digital expectations of the outside world. This digital innovation not only enhances the quality of teaching and learning in custody but also provides learners with vital skills that support rehabilitation and future employability.

Supporting long-term learning pathways

Long-term learning pathways play an essential role in supporting access to higher education. Funding and policy frameworks play a crucial role in shaping how learners engage with higher education opportunities, influencing everything from eligibility to long term study options.

Ongoing reviews of key policies, such as the “six-year rule” are creating new possibilities for more sustainable, future focused educational planning. Introducing greater flexibility across the system, prisons can enable learners to begin and maintain their higher education journey easier in their sentences, giving them the time, stability and support needed to achieve meaningful qualifications and long-term success.

Creating greater consistency across the prison sector

Building greater consistency across the prison sector is key to delivering fair and reliable access to higher education. As higher education provision continues to evolve across different prisons, improved alignment between establishments helps reduce the variation in opportunities available to learners.

Increased collaboration between providers plays a vital role in supporting smoother learner progression, practically when learners move between prisons and need continuity in their studies.

Higher education prisons partnerships in action

Effective partnerships help to create education opportunities and positive outcomes within prisons. Novus is in collaboration with the Open University, Prisoners’ Education Trust, and a network of colleges and universities.

One former Novus learner who had interest in the film industry, continued their education journey upon release by enrolling on a master’s course with Liverpool Hope University, after engaging in create enrichment sessions whilst in prison.

These partnerships are strengthened by the involvement of third-sector organisations, which work closely with education providers to bridge gaps in access and support, helping to tackle equity and inclusion across the prison estate by ensuring all learners can access high‑quality educational opportunities.

HMP Five Wells recently hosted its second Open University graduation ceremony, celebrating seven learners whose achievements from progression certificates to Master's degrees, highlighting the transformative impact of higher education in custody.

Led by Dr Stephen Akpabio‑Klementowski[DK1] , the event recognised the graduates’ resilience and long‑term commitment to study, bringing together staff, peers, and families in a rare moment of celebration within a secure environment.

Covering subjects from Business Management and Law to Environmental Studies and Philosophy, the ceremony showcased both academic ambition and the value of sustained educational access. It also reflected Novus’ ongoing partnership with the Open University and its commitment to empowering learners through meaningful, life‑changing opportunities.

The future of prison higher education

Higher education in prison has the power to transform lives, strengthen rehabilitation, and create long‑term benefits for individuals and society. By expanding digital access, improving consistency across the prison estate, and ensuring sustainable funding, prisons can offer learners a stable pathway into meaningful study.

Listening closely to learners’ experiences and ambitions will help education providers shape support that truly meets their needs, encourages engagement, and promotes positive identity change. With the right structures, partnerships, and opportunities in place, higher‑level learning can continue to break down barriers, reduce reoffending, and open doors to brighter futures. Discover how Novus supports higher level learners.