Novus begins Prisoner Education Service in West Midlands

Novus has begun delivering core education provision across eight West Midlands prisons as part of the new Prisoner Education Service (PES), building on its established partnerships and experience across the region.

Following a procurement process led by the Ministry of Justice, Novus, officially begins delivery of the Prisoner Education Service in the West Midlands today.

The contract covers eight prisons across the region:

• HMP Birmingham
• HMP Brinsford
• HMP Featherstone
• HMP Hewell
• HMP Oakwood
• HMP Stafford
• HMP/YOI Stoke Heath
• HMP Swinfen Hall

Novus has delivered education across these sites since the introduction of the Prison Education Framework (PEF), the predecessor to PES, in 2019. 

The start of the new contract marks the continuation of Novus' long-standing work across the West Midlands, with education playing an important role in supporting rehabilitation, skills development, progression and future employment.

Education as a catalyst for rehabilitation

Education can help people in prison develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to make positive changes, prepare for employment and build a more positive future beyond prison.

Peter Cox, Chief Executive of Novus, said:

“We know that education can be a powerful catalyst for rehabilitation, helping people discover their potential, prepare for employment and build a more positive future beyond prison.

Our new Prisoner Education Service contract in the West Midlands gives us an important opportunity to work alongside our partners to provide education that is ambitious, inclusive and genuinely focused on progression.

“As an established provider in the West Midlands, we are proud to continue building on our experience and partnerships across the region, working together to ensure learners have the opportunities and support they need to progress and make lasting positive changes.”

Building on experience across the West Midlands

Novus has been delivering education in the West Midlands since 2019, developing strong relationships with prisons, HMPPS and regional partners.

The new Prisoner Education Service contract provides an opportunity to build on this experience and continue delivering education that responds to the needs of learners and the wider prison estate.

Through PES, learners can access education designed to support the development of essential skills, qualifications, vocational skills and employability. These opportunities can help people progress into further education, training and employment, both during their time in prison and following release.

The West Midlands contract is part of our wider delivery of the Prisoner Education Service across England. Alongside the West Midlands, Novus delivers core education provision through the Prisoner Education Service in Cumbria and Lancashire; Tees and Wear; Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire; and Yorkshire, contracts for these regions began on 1 October 2025. You can see our locations here. 

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