Teaching in prisons a unique path to making a difference

Prison education plays a key role in reducing reoffending and equipping learners with the qualifications needed to find employment upon release. Research suggests that learners who had participated in education whilst in prison were significantly less likely to reoffend within 12 months of release. 

A review into prison education found that on entering custody, 47% of prisoners have no formal qualifications. If learners don't have relevant qualifications and skills, then they can't find employment which can then lead to reoffending. 

The overall proven reoffending rate is 25% meaning that as an education provider, we are dedicated to reducing reoffending and to help more prison leavers into employment upon release. We have positioned ourselves directly to contribute to the sustainable rehabilitation, resettlement, and meaningful employment of people in England and Wales. 

However, the importance of prison education goes beyond improving the employability of a learner. Education allows a learner to gain self-confidence and provides mental health benefits as well as improving their behaviour.

By entering a career in prison education, you could help us make a direct and measurable change that can change lives.

What it's like to work in prison education

Working in prison education provides a unique opportunity to help vulnerable people empower and upskill themselves. 

Our end goal is to equip learners with the skills and qualifications necessary to find employment immediately after release. To achieve this, we need to provide learners the best opportunities possible. 

Develop flexibility and adaptability in your teaching style

Teaching in prisons is a rewarding career with opportunities for fulfilment and growth. No two days in prison education are the same, you will need to be flexible with the ability to work well and communicate with others. 

Help learners secure employment

As a prison educator, you will help learners across the country complete accredited training programmes which will help them secure employment upon release. Doing this provides financial and mental security to our learners, in turn reducing the reoffending rate. 

Embrace daily challenges and foster engaged learning

Every day in prison is different and provides a new challenge for our education team. Many learners have a limited or negative experience with education and have a limited belief in the potential of learning. Which means as a tutor, it is your job to engage learners in education and enrichment programmes so that they are better equipped for life outside of prison. 

At Novus, our education provision is specifically designed and tailored to meet the needs of our learners so that all learners can benefit from the education and enrichment provisions we provide. 

Join a supportive and expertly equipped education team

Working in prison education is a unifying experience. Our education teams are supportive, and you will be working with like-minded individuals in a positive working environment. You will be working together with other teachers and prison education staff to support learner outcomes. 

The role of a prison educator

As a prison educator, you will play a key role in helping learners access vital education and employment opportunties that reduce their risk of reoffending. 

Roles that are available in prison education 

Jobs in prison education are exciting and varied. Colleagues are needed in every area of our education provision to deliver world-class teaching to our learners.

Below is a list of some of the jobs that we advertise:

• English, maths and digital tutors
• Music and art tutors
• Vocational course tutors and trainers
• Functional skills tutor
• Student support practitioner 
• Careers, employability, and guidance roles
• ESOL tutors
• Administration roles

What education provision do we offer to learners?

The education offered in each prison is different, and while we aim to host a few core classes at every location, like English and maths, the rest of our provision depends largely on the needs of our learners and the community that the establishment is based in. 

English, maths and digital 

We work with learners in functional skills English, maths and digital training. Helping those who have never engaged with education before build a positive relationship with education and gain qualifications. Research conducted by the Justice Inspectorates shows that 57% of adult learners had literacy levels below those of an 11-year-old. Not being able to read and write negatively impacts learners, which is why equipping them with functional skills is a necessity. 

English and maths are essential skills needed to function in society, and learners need to be confident in their functional skills abilities in order to find employment upon release which will benefit both the learner and the community. 

With the technological world constantly evolving, one of the main challenges for prison education is making sure learners aren't left behind during their time in prison. A 2019 UK Government report indicates that at least 82% of job vacancies consider digital literacy an essential requirement for candidates, stressing the importance of digital skills in the workplace. Building foundations in essential digital skills allows learners to gain the skills necessary to find employment upon release. 

By improving their confidence and ability in English, maths and essential digital skills, we help learners close their skills gaps so they can find and retain work that keep them from re-offending post release. 

Arts and creative enrichment 

Learners taking part in creative enrichment enables them to engage in education in a non-traditional way.

By providing innovative and engaging ways to participate in education means that all learners are able to take part in our education provision and gain their qualifications. 

Arts and creative enrichment can also provide support for learners mental health and well-being. Taking part in enrichment projects allows learners to find a positive outlet for their feelings improving their behaviour whilst in prison and providing them with the necessary coping mechanisms to be able to vent their feelings in a healthy way.

Working with creative partners such as Tate and the NJM also gives us the flexibility that we need to provide dynamic and exciting enrichment opportunities for our learners. We collaborate with a number of partners across a variety of fields such as drama, music, art, museums and writing to provide diverse and creative opportunities for learning. 

Vocational training

Many learners can find employment in trade if they have the right skills and knowledge. Learners work towards nationally recognised qualifications, with embedded English, maths and employability skills available for those learners who need extra support, so they can develop a holistic skill set required by employers. 

By participating in vocational training, learners are equipped with the vocational and employability skills they need to quickly move into sustainable employment when they are released. 

When designing our vocational courses, we work with local employers to make sure that our learners are gaining industry standard training that leads them directly to employment, saving money for our employer partners in training and recruitment fees. 

This means that at some locations you can expect to see classes like woodwork and plastering, while others will have a heavier focus on horticulture and painting. 

Youth education in prisons

Young offenders are required to complete their education however, with many young offenders having had a negative experience with education it can be a challenge to engage them in education. 

The education services that Novus offer are tailored to meet each child's diverse needs and interests. The education model includes high quality education, enrichment, vocational training, career routeways and support that provides learners with the skills that they will need upon release. 

The rewards of teaching in prisons 

Teaching in prisons can be challenging but equally as rewarding! There are many benefits to working in prison education.

Enjoy a healthy work/life balance

As you can't take work home with you, our colleagues are able to enjoy a better work/life balance through a focus on flexible, mobile and agile working, and support for your mental health and well-being. 

Salary, pension and annual leave

As an employer we offer our colleagues a competitive salary, generous pension and annual leave allowance.

Great discounts and offers through our partners

We're proud to offer much more than just a competitive salary, generous pension, and annual leave allowance. We help our colleagues make their money go further with great offers and discounts through our industry partners. 

Making a difference 

As a prison educator, you are helping to shape the lives of learners and making sure that they're equipped with all the vital skills that they need to be successful upon release. Being able to make a difference in your job is a huge driving factor to why many of our colleagues work in prison education. 

If you are interested in working in prison education, head over to our careers page to find the perfect role for you!