Navigating the challenges: Understanding ADHD in Prison Education
Adult Provision

According to a report published by the ADHD Foundation, one in four prisoners in the UK are believed to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Prisoners with ADHD have significant barriers to accessing education whilst in prison, which is why, we must address the needs of these prisoners to ensure they can engage in the education and support services available.
What is adult ADHD?
ADHD is defined as a disorder that “affects people’s behaviour” and “people with ADHD show a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with day-to-day functioning and or development”.
ADHD is often diagnosed in children, but it is a life-long condition that can continue to affect individuals well into adulthood. According to the NHS, the symptoms of ADHD in adults are more difficult to define due to a lack of research into adults with ADHD.
However, some common symptoms may include:
- Inability to focus or prioritise
- Carelessness and lack of attention to detail
- Forgetfulness
- Poor organisational skills
- Mood swings, irritability and a quick temper
- Inability to deal with stress
- Extreme impatience
Understanding ADHD in prison education
Research suggests that “one in four prisoners in Britain are believed to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” and further evidence shows that “ADHD is linked to an increase in early age criminality and an increased likelihood of reoffending”.
Education is a significant factor to rehabilitation, and we support learners to engage in education so that they can gain the skills and qualifications needed to thrive upon release. However, learners with ADHD can often struggle to engage in education and their ADHD can pose a number of challenges such as:
Difficulty concentrating – Learners with ADHD may find it difficult to concentrate during lessons, which has a negative impact on their learning.
Impulsivity – They may also have impulse issues which can disrupt a learning environment, making it harder for these learners to engage with learning material or participate in structured learning activities.
Behavioural issues – Impulsivity and hyperactivity can lead to disciplinary issues within a prison education environment, further isolating individuals from educational opportunities.
Low self-esteem - Learners with ADHD may have had a negative experience in school, which can lead to low confidence and low self-esteem issues making them reluctant to engage in education whilst in prison.
For learners to engage in our education provision, we first need to understand the challenges that they face in engaging in education as well as finding ways to support prison learners with ADHD so that they can access education.
Supporting prison learners with ADHD
Education is one of the main contributors to successful rehabilitation and at Novus we work tirelessly to ensure our education provision is accessible for all learners no matter their age, ability and/or neurodiverse needs. To engage learners with ADHD in our education provision, we provide tailored education programmes, individualised learning plans and support to ensure that they can access education in a way that supports their individual needs.
Novus champions inclusivity and diversity in prison education across establishments which is why we work hard to set up all learners for success upon release. Supporting learners with ADHD in education will positively benefit learners in a multitude of ways including:
Improved education and employment outcomes – Addressing the challenges of ADHD through tailored education programmes can result in successful completion of courses, and learners being able to gain the skills and qualifications necessary to be successfully rehabilitated upon release and find employment.
Increased engagement – More adaptive and supportive learning environments can ensure learners engage more effectively with education, increasing their chances of success.
Behavioural improvement – Putting support strategies in place whilst in education, can have positive effects on a learner’s behaviour and interactions with others. Ensuring they’re less disruptive in a learning environment.
How Novus sets neurodivergent learners up for success
Providing the right support and services for neurodiverse learners is incredibly important and at Novus we provide support for both colleagues and learners in this area.
Tailored education programmes
Tailoring our education programmes to meet the needs of each individual learner is integral to our education provision, so that all learners have the opportunity to access education programmes and services.
Tailored education programmes accommodate individualised teaching and learning so that learners are able to engage in education in their own way, making it a more positive experience for them. With the right support and needs being met, learners are able to take part in education and gain the qualifications needed to find employment upon release.
Being able to take part in education, in a way that suits them proves to learners that they are capable of thriving in a learning environment and obtaining new qualifications and skills.
Learner success story at HMP Low Newton
A neurodiverse learner from HMP Low Newton has made excellent progress in their education journey. The learner struggled with ADHD and dyslexia but with the support of her tutor, prison and Novus staff, appropriate targets were agreed.
Through a tailored individual learning plan, learning journal documents, and the support from their tutor and Novus colleagues, appropriate support was put in place to help the learner attend their classes as well as having access to vital services such as the Primrose therapy intervention programme.
Whilst in class, completing her level 2 hairdressing qualification, targets were put in place so that the learner could get the most out of their classes.
Through collaborative discussions with her tutors and Novus colleagues, the learner was able to have a say in her learning plan, enabling the learner to have a voice and shape her learning journey in a way that would help support her neurodiverse needs.
Prior to starting the hairdressing course, the learner completed their functional skills English, and maths courses. At first, the learner was reluctant and was struggling with her ADHD at the time of completing her English qualification.
The learner was waiting for her ADHD medication and spent a lot of time in the Care and Supervision Unit at Low Newton (CSU). However, after a discussion with the Governor and expressing her interest in the hairdressing qualification, the Governor and hairdressing tutor worked collaboratively, to encourage the learner to complete their functional skills maths as they couldn't start on the hairdressing course without it.
With the right support and help from the prison and hairdressing tutor, the learner was able to complete their maths course and secure a place on the hairdressing course.
Trained and experienced colleagues
Our trained and experienced SENCos, tutors, trainers, teachers and support colleagues work with learners with ADHD to develop support strategies to ensure that they are able to access and progress in education.
We also work with a number of specialist advisory partners such as the ADHD Foundation and the British Dyslexia Association to seek advice and guidance, and to ensure our approaches and processes meet sector standards.
Accessible learning environments
In order for learners with ADHD and other neurodiverse needs to engage in education, they need to have an accessible learning environment so that they can learn in a safe and supportive environment that supports their individual needs.
HMP Kirkham Education Department
At HMP Kirkham, Neurodiverse learners and how to best support them has been at the heart of a refresh of the education department.
The department now has a specialist room where 1-to-1 and group conversations can take place in an environment that makes learners feel at ease and more ready to learn, redesigned signage that makes understanding easier for dyslexic learners and paint colours chosen to way mark the corridors. All additions have been made with advice and support from our dedicated SENCo team.
Learners with neurodiverse needs at HMP Kirkham now have an environment where they will feel supported and confident in engaging in education.
A comprehensive guide to neurodiversity for colleagues
Each of our education teams have access to our comprehensive neurodiversity guide which provides information and support for our tutors on how to meet the needs of our learners.
They also have comprehensive CPD available, a lot of which is delivered by our partners. By working collaboratively across the education sector, our colleagues are able to gain knowledge that makes a real difference to our learners.
If you're passionate about inclusive education which supports neurodivergent learners in prison settings, Novus needs your support!
Whether you're an educator, an advocate, or just interested in making a difference - together, we can create a more understanding, supportive, and inclusive environment for all prison learners.
Join Novus in our mission to guide our learners into a brighter future, regardless of age or background; learn more about our educational provisions, or contact us today.