Prison Education in England and Wales. (2nd Revised Edition). Mendip Papers MP 022.

Overview & Synopsis

In response to prison disturbances in England and Wales in the late 1980s, the education program for prisoners was improved and more prisoners were given access to educational services. Although education is a relatively new phenomenon in the English and Welsh penal system, by the 20th century, education had become an integral part of prison life. It served partly as a control mechanism and partly for more altruistic needs. Until 1993 the management and delivery of education and training in prisons was carried out by local education authority staff. Since that time, the education responsibility has been contracted out to organizations such as the Staff College, other universities, and private training organizations. Various policy implications were resolved in order to allow these organizations to provide prison education. Today, prison education programs are probably the most comprehensive of any found in the country. They may range from literacy education to postgraduate study, with students ranging in age from 15 to over 65. The curriculum focuses on social and life skills. Vocational education is prevalent, and many types of teaching methods are tried. The future for prison education in England and Wales seems secure; prison education is likely to play an increasingly central role in prison reform efforts. This report includes a list of prison service establishments with addresses. (Contains eight references.) (KC)