This informal CPD article, ‘Empowering prisoners with digital learning’, was provided by OneAdvanced, who are providers of software and IT services to the public, private and not for profit sectors.
Introduction
Of the nearly 90,000 prisoners in England and Wales, nearly half enter custody without formal qualifications.¹ At the same time, over 50% of those who are assessed upon enrolling in an education course are found to have some form of learning difficulty or disability (LDD), including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD.²
However, a large number of prisoners actively seek out learning opportunities – not just to fill their time, but to give them the best possible chance of gaining meaningful employment upon release. The latest figures from the Ministry of Justice show that around 47,000 inmates completed initial assessments in English and/or maths in year 2023/24 – over half of the entire prison population.³
These assessments are invaluable, since they not only provide an accurate level of attainment, but can help uncover undiagnosed learning difficulties. Armed with the right information, assessors can then use digital assessment and learning tools to create individualised learning plans – giving each learner the tools they need to succeed.
Measuring prison learning
Objectively, success is measured in two ways – reoffending rates and employment rates. On these measures, there is little doubt that prison education works: research by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) cited by the UK Parliament Education Committee shows that prisoners who participate in some form of education are 7.5% less likely to reoffend within 12 months of release.⁴ The MoJ also states that prisoners who complete Functional Skills courses are more likely to secure employment post-release.⁵
Research shows that on a human level, education gives prisoners a better sense of purpose, higher self-esteem, an improved ability to cope with stress, higher confidence levels, and a way to reclaim their identity.⁶
Functional skills achievements
Encouragingly, then, Functional Skills achievements in prisons are on the rise: in 2023/24, full or partial achievements in English, maths or ICT numbered 17,126 compared to 14,200 in the previous year – an 18% increase when adjusted for prison population size.⁷ This suggests a stronger focus on educational achievement, as an increasing number of prisons look towards digital solutions to drive participation and engagement.
However, it is important that any digital platform must be carefully managed, since security controls mean that internet access is restricted. The optimal solution should offer a secure environment for the delivery of Functional Skills while meeting safety requirements.
Effective use of digital tools in prison
Within these constraints, modern digital tools are proving highly effective in prisoner education. The most advanced platforms use AI to tailor content to each learner’s ability, adjusting questions based on previous responses to ensure they are stretched and challenged. Multimedia formats keep learners engaged, while accessibility features such as adjustable fonts, screen readers, and simplified interfaces support those with learning difficulties.
Another feature of effective prison education software is that it must keep pace with technological change through consistent updates. This is especially important for long-term prisoners who face a world transformed by technology. Without exposure to the latest digital learning, everyday tasks such as shopping and paying bills will feel overwhelming.
Ultimately, digital education offers more than skills – it offers hope. With the right tools, prisoners can rebuild their lives, reduce their chances of reoffending, and rejoin society with greater purpose – creating positive outcomes that extend beyond the prison walls.
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References
¹ committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/9597/html
² https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/prison-education-and-accredited-programme-statistics-2023-to-2024/prison-education-and-accredited-programme-statistics-2023-to-2024
³ https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/prison-education-and-accredited-programme-statistics-2023-to-2024/prison-education-and-accredited-programme-statistics-2023-to-2024#initial-assessments-for-maths-and-english
⁴ https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5803/cmselect/cmeduc/56/summary.html
⁵ https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/offender-employment-outcomes-update-to-march-2024/offender-employment-outcomes-statistical-summary
⁶ https://prisonerseducation.org.uk/2024/09/prison-education-and-wellbeing-whats-the-impact/
⁷https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673df45fad6a5d7d2b1b08b8/Prison_Education_and_Accredited_Programmes_Statistics_2023_-_2024_revised_20241120.pdf
