Transforming Lives Through Reading: The Role of Prison Education in 2026

As the UK marks the National Year of Reading 2026, there is renewed focus on the power of literacy to change lives. Nowhere is this more important than within prisons, where reading is not just a skill - it is a gateway to rehabilitation, employment, and reduced reoffending.

At Novus, education sits at the heart of rehabilitation. By supporting prisoners to develop essential literacy skills, we are helping individuals build confidence, access opportunities, and ultimately create better futures.

The Reality of Prisoner Reading Levels

Literacy challenges are widespread across the prison population. Research consistently shows that a significant proportion of prisoners have reading abilities below that expected of an 11-year-old. Many individuals enter custody with unmet educational needs, often linked to disrupted schooling, undiagnosed learning difficulties, or complex life experiences.

For some, reading is not just difficult - it can feel inaccessible. This creates barriers to engaging in education and training, accessing prison services and information, building employability skills, and maintaining family connections through written communication.

Without targeted support, these individuals risk being left behind.

Why Reading Matters in Prison Education

Improving reading skills has a profound impact on rehabilitation. Strong literacy enables prisoners to:

• Participate in education programmes
• Gain qualifications and vocational skills
• Improve mental wellbeing and self-esteem
• Increase their chances of employment on release
• Reduce the likelihood of reoffending

Reading is foundational. Without it, progress in other areas becomes significantly harder.

Specialist Reading Support at HMP Lancaster Farms

At HMP Lancaster Farms, Novus reading specialist teachers are making a measurable difference through tailored, learner-focused support.

Identifying and Supporting Learners

Qualified teachers trained in phonics identify prisoners who need one-to-one reading support and deliver this directly on wings and in workshops, ensuring accessibility for those unable or unwilling to attend classroom-based education. This includes older learners, those with physical or mental health challenges, and individuals reluctant to engage in traditional learning environments.

Many prisoners who struggle with reading do not actively seek help. Sensitive, targeted encouragement from specialist teachers is key to unlocking engagement.

At Lancaster Farms, learners who initially decline reading support are often successfully encouraged to engage at a later stage. Non-readers and emergent readers receive tailored guidance that enables them to make rapid progress, building the confidence needed to transition into mainstream English classes or pursue employment opportunities within the prison. This personalised approach ensures that every learner’s needs are recognised and that no one is overlooked.

A Whole-Prison Approach to Literacy

Reading support at Lancaster Farms extends far beyond one-to-one sessions. A coordinated, prison-wide strategy ensures literacy remains a priority across all departments.

This includes screening all new arrivals, receiving referrals from multiple departments, delivering staff training, and promoting awareness across the prison so that no learner slips through the net.

This joined-up approach helps prevent individuals from “slipping through the net” and ensures consistent support.

Peer Support and the Power of Mentoring

A vital element of the programme is partnership with the Shannon Trust, enabling peer-to-peer learning across the prison.

Through this initiative:

• Prisoners are trained as reading mentors
• Mentors support learners on wings and in workshops
• Regular mentor training and meetings maintain quality and engagement

Peer mentoring not only improves literacy but also builds confidence, responsibility, and community within the prison.

Promoting a Culture of Reading

A culture of reading is actively promoted through competitions, enrichment activities, reading surveys, and improved access to books across classrooms, workshops, and wing libraries. 

As part of the National Year of Reading 2026, the prison is launching a year-long reading challenge, encouraging both staff and prisoners to engage with reading in new and meaningful ways.

Measurable Impact

Since the introduction of the Reading Specialist Teacher role in May 2024:

• Over 500 prisoners have been assessed for reading and spelling needs
• Almost 100 learners have received targeted one-to-one support or peer mentoring
• Ongoing screening ensures continuous identification of new learners

Progress tracking demonstrates clear improvements in reading and spelling levels over time, highlighting the effectiveness of structured, specialist intervention.

Recognising Achievement

Achievements are recognised through education awards, celebrating both learners and mentors and helping to motivate continued engagement and build self-esteem.

The National Year of Reading provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of literacy across all communities, including those in custody. At Novus, this means championing inclusive education, expanding access to reading support, and embedding literacy across prison environments.

A Future Built on Literacy

The “Reading for Rehabilitation” review by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons reflects what is seen at HMP Lancaster Farms: prisoners without strong reading skills face significant barriers to engaging in prison education, developing essential literacy, and preparing for life after release. This underscores the importance of Novus’ targeted reading support in improving prison literacy and supporting rehabilitation outcomes.

Reading is more than a skill - it is a foundation for change. By investing in prison education and specialist literacy support, we are helping individuals overcome barriers, rebuild confidence, and take meaningful steps towards a brighter future.

As the National Year of Reading 2026 unfolds, the work at HMP Lancaster Farms stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when education is accessible, personalised, and embedded across the whole prison community. For more information on other initiatives, please visit our news section.