HMP Styal hospitality academy celebrates first graduates

The first cohort of learners from the Hope & Anchor hospitality academy at HMP Styal have graduated, marking a major step forward in supporting women in custody into sustainable employment.

Delivered in partnership with the prison, Novus, Marston’s and New Futures Network, the programme is designed to equip learners with the practical skills, confidence and industry experience needed to transition successfully into hospitality careers after release.

Celebrating the success of HMP Styal graduates

Six learners successfully completed the 12-week catering and hospitality programme, gaining hands-on experience in a real working kitchen environment that reflects industry standards.

The graduates developed a wide range of skills, from food preparation and kitchen operations to teamwork, communication and professional behaviours - all essential for progressing into roles such as Line Chef positions within Marston’s pubs.

For these learners, graduation represents more than completing a course. It is a turning point - providing a clear route into employment and a positive future beyond custody.

One learner has already secured employment following her release, highlighting the immediate impact of the programme and the strength of employer partnerships in creating real opportunities.

Building confidence through real-world training

The Hope & Anchor academy provides a fully immersive training experience within HMP Styal, allowing learners to work in an environment that mirrors the pace and expectations of the hospitality sector.

This approach helps learners build confidence, resilience and independence, ensuring they are well prepared to move directly into employment upon release.

Programmes like this are vital. Government data shows that people who secure employment after release are significantly less likely to reoffend.

Creating real pathways into employment

At Novus, the focus is on ensuring every learner can progress into meaningful work. Through collaboration with employer partners like Marston’s, training is aligned to real job opportunities, helping bridge the gap between education and employment.

This model is already delivering results across the prison estate. At HMP Liverpool, for example, Novus and Marston’s have established the ‘Lock Inn’ kitchen academy, where learners gain industry-standard catering skills and move into employment upon release. Many learners have already progressed directly into full-time roles with Marston’s after completing the programme.

These initiatives demonstrate how collaborative partnerships can create sustainable employment pathways and long-term outcomes for learners.

Louise Gibbons, Novus Education Manager at HMP Styal, said:

“I am incredibly proud of all our Catering and Hospitality learners at HMP Styal. They have shown real commitment and resilience, working alongside our dedicated teaching staff to develop the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to take their next steps into employment with Marston’s.

It is particularly rewarding to see one learner already secure a role following release, which highlights the real, tangible impact of this programme.

The partnership between Novus, Marston’s and HMP Styal is creating meaningful opportunities for women to rebuild their lives, supporting them to move into sustainable employment and make a positive contribution to their communities.”

A model for future prison education

The success of the first graduating cohort at HMP Styal highlights the importance of combining high-quality education with direct employer engagement.

By focusing on real outcomes - skills, jobs and progression - Novus and its partners are helping learners move forward with confidence, reduce reoffending, and build long-term careers.

As more learners graduate from the programme, the Hope & Anchor academy continues to demonstrate what is possible when education and employment come together to create genuine second chances.