Reading for rehabilitation: Why literacy is central to education in prison

Reading is a fundamental skill that underpins learning, personal development and successful resettlement. The Reading for rehabilitation thematic review by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons reinforces what education professionals have long known: without the ability to read confidently, people in prison are significantly disadvantaged in almost every aspect of prison life and beyond.

At Novus, reading is not treated as a standalone subject or a short-term intervention. It is embedded into everything we do, forming the foundation of our education delivery across the prison estate.

The importance of reading in custody

The report highlights that many people enter prison with low literacy levels, often far below those expected in the wider community. Poor reading skills can limit an individual’s ability to understand prison information, access services, engage in education or work, and plan effectively for release.

Reading is also closely linked to confidence and self-worth. When learners struggle to read, they are more likely to disengage from education altogether. Conversely, improving reading ability supports wider learning, communication skills and long-term employability, all of which are key to reducing reoffending.

A whole-prison approach to reading

One of the strongest messages from the report is that reading is most effective when it is treated as a whole-prison priority rather than solely the responsibility of education departments. Strong leadership, shared ownership and collaboration across teams are essential.

At Novus, we work closely with prison partners to help embed reading across the regime. This includes classroom delivery, enrichment activity, library engagement and everyday encouragement from staff. Reading is made visible, accessible and relevant to learners at all stages of their journey.

Embedding reading into education delivery

Novus education teams integrate reading into vocational training, functional skills, personal development and enrichment activity. This ensures learners are developing literacy skills alongside practical and technical learning, rather than in isolation.

Teaching approaches are adapted to meet individual needs, with structured support for those who lack confidence or have previously disengaged from education. By embedding reading into all learning contexts, we help learners build skills gradually and meaningfully.

Identifying needs and supporting progress

The report stresses the importance of early identification of reading needs and the use of assessment data to inform support. At Novus, we focus on understanding each learner’s starting point and providing appropriate pathways that support progress over time.

This includes tailored teaching strategies, and close collaboration with prison libraries and peer mentoring schemes. The aim is not only to improve reading ability, but to help learners rediscover the value of reading for themselves.

Libraries and reading culture

Libraries play a vital role in creating a positive reading culture. Where libraries are well integrated into education and prison life, they support independent reading, curiosity and personal growth.

Novus manage a number of libraries across the prison estate, but even when we don’t, we work in partnership with prison libraries to encourage reading for pleasure as well as for learning. This helps learners develop confidence, motivation and a sense of achievement, supporting both education outcomes and wellbeing.

Novus sites recognised for strong reading practice

The Reading for rehabilitation report highlights establishments where Novus provide education, such as Rye Hill, Frankland and Hatfield as examples where reading has been embedded across the prison regime. These sites reflect Novus’s wider approach, demonstrating how consistent focus, collaboration and leadership can make reading central to rehabilitation.

In addition to the sites mentioned in the report, we have recently seen a peer mentor from a Novus English class interviewed by The Guardian and ITV discussing his experience of prison education. There are also great examples at HMP Risley and HMP Hindley of reading being embedded into vocational classrooms.

Reading as a foundation for rehabilitation

The report is clear that reading is not an optional extra. It is a foundational skill that enables access to education, work and personal development. Where prisons prioritise reading, outcomes improve not only for learners, but for the wider prison environment.

At Novus, we are proud to embed reading into everything we do. Through our education delivery, partnerships and commitment to learner-centred practice, we support individuals to build literacy, confidence and the skills they need for life beyond custody. For more news and case studies, visit the news section of our website.