Have a question?
033 3772 0409

Crime Solicitors

Justice Secretary welcomes recommendations of review into prison education (20 May 2016)

Date: 20/05/2016
Duncan Lewis, Crime Solicitors, Justice Secretary welcomes recommendations of review into prison education

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has published a comprehensive plan to transform the standard of education in prisons, after the publication of a report by Dame Sally Coates.

The report Unlocking potential: a review of education in prison was published on Wednesday (18/05/16) to coincide with the major prison reforms the government has proposed.

It was announced in the Queen’s Speech that prison governors are to be given complete control of the education budget – and freedom to tailor the prison curriculum, giving offenders the skills they need to find work on release.

The MoJ says this will “close the door” on destructive behaviour among prisoners and ex-offenders.

Under the reforms, every single prisoner will receive a personalised learning plan, to improve the life chances of thousands of prisoners and reduce the likelihood they return to crime.

A new fast-track training scheme to attract top-quality graduates to the prison system will be introduced, helping inspire learners and supporting prisons to deliver high-quality education.

Dame Sally Coates is an acclaimed former head teacher, with more than 30 years’ experience of taking decisive action to improve schools’ performance.

The MoJ says that evidence shows education and employment are critical in reducing re-offending and therefore cutting crime – yet just one in four prisoners enters employment on release from prison, compared with the current UK employment rate of 74.1%.

In addition, just one in six (16%) offenders leave prison with an education or training placement.

Dame Sally Coates said:

“Education should be at the heart of the prison system – and I am reassured that so many people share my belief in the power of education to unlock potential and transform lives.

“If education is the engine of social mobility, it is also the engineer of prisoner rehabilitation.

“Prisoners are in prison because they have done wrong – but once they have served their time, it is just to them and in the interests of their communities that they have the same decent chance to re-enter society successfully, to reject crime, to find work, to live fulfilling lives.”

In principle, the MoJ has accepted all of Dame Sally’s recommendations –
and implementation plans will now be drawn up.

The recommendations include giving governors complete control of their education budgets and the freedom to tailor a curriculum according to the needs of their prisoners – ensuring that prisoners are provided with the education opportunities and qualifications that will actually help them secure a “meaningful and worthwhile” job on release.

The Secretary of State for Justice, Michael Gove, said:

“Dame Sally’s superb review makes a compelling case for change – the current standard of education in prisons is not good enough: quality is patchy, prisoners are not being given the skills and knowledge they need to find jobs, and governors are hampered by an overly bureaucratic system.

“The review sets out a comprehensive plan – prison governors will be given control over their education budgets and will have the freedom to change providers.

“At the same time, we will hold prisons to account for educational outcomes.
Through better prison education and rehabilitation, we will reduce re-offending, cut crime and improve public safety.”

Mr Gove added that, at present, 46% of prisoners commit another crime within 12 months’ of release – and this rate of re-offending “causes misery for victims and costs taxpayers an estimated £13 billion a year”.

Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can advise at any stage of a criminal charge – and our criminal defence lawyer regularly visit police stations, courts and prisons to advise on criminal law.

Duncan Lewis can also advise on prisoners’ rights in custody, including access to healthcare and mental health services in prison, access to rehabilitation services, disciplinary hearings before the governor, Parole Board applications and licence conditions.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can also advise on civil liberties issues and miscarriages of justice (wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, unsafe convictions) – and claims against the police or prison service for use of unnecessary force.

For expert legal advice on all criminal charges and prisoners’ rights in custody, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.


For all Crime related matter contact us now.Contact Us

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
Duncan Lewis is the trading name of Duncan Lewis (Solicitors) Limited. Registered Office is 143-149 Fenchurch St, London, EC3M 6BL. Company Reg. No. 3718422. VAT Reg. No. 718729013. A list of the company's Directors is displayed at the registered offices address. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . Offices all across London and in major cities in the UK. ©Duncan Lewis >>Legal Disclaimer, Copyright & Privacy Policy. Duncan Lewis do not accept service by email.