Education in prisons is not just a remedial strategy; it is a force that helps to reshape the futures of individuals and, by extension, our society.
Education at Ranby Prison
At HMP Ranby, a medium-security male prison in Retford, Nottinghamshire, the prison’s use of qualifications is turning custody into careers’ opportunities focusing on rehabilitation and skills development. We meet Kate Gibson, who is the Education Manager at Ranby Prison, employed by PeoplePlus who work with 22 prisons across the East Midlands and East of England.
Transforming lives through education
HMP Ranby accommodates over 1100 prisoners, it is a prime example of the transformative power of learning and qualifications within the UK’s prison system. “We refer to prisoners as our learners, to emphasise their journey towards rehabilitation and reintegration into society,” explained Kate.
During her leadership, the prison has expanded its educational offering. She said: “We provide a breadth of courses, from basic literacy and numeracy to vocational training and employability courses, as well as personal development opportunities, and we support higher education too. Every day, approximately 300 learners attend classes, 150 attend morning and afternoon sessions.”
Each prisoner’s journey starts with an induction session where they learn about the opportunities available to them and how this can be tailored to meet their long term aims and aspirations. Prison learners can choose from subjects ranging from digital skills, horticulture, catering, construction, and lots more.
In prison, the curriculum isn’t static; it has to change based on the needs of learners and the demands of the prison environment. This flexibility is critical in a setting where the population is transient, and where individuals’ circumstances can change with little notice.
Kate Gibson, Education Manager, Ranby PrisonWe provide a breadth of courses, from basic literacy and numeracy to vocational training and employability courses, as well as personal development opportunities.
Partnership with Gateway Qualifications
The successful implementation of the learning and accredited offer at Ranby Prison is closely supported by the work with Gateway Qualifications, known nationally for its flexible approach to education. “Gateway has been instrumental in helping to design and support the delivery of courses tailored for the unique needs and constraints of the prison environment,” Kate emphasised.
Gateway Qualifications enables a range of accredited qualifications to be delivered at HMP Ranby, from vocational training to personal development programs. “Our partnership focuses on offering qualifications that not only provide skills but also enhance the personal growth of our learners. This includes supporting popular courses in subjects like conflict resolution, neurodiversity and drugs and alcohol awareness, which are crucial for personal rehabilitation”.
Challenges and innovations
Despite the successes, Kate acknowledges the challenges of providing education in a prison setting. “One of the biggest challenges is the transient nature of our population. We need to offer courses that can be completed within the short time frame that prisoners are here,” she said. “This challenge is compounded by the digital divide, limited internet access, and the priority towards high security over educational content delivery.
However, Ranby is pioneering solutions to meet these challenges. “We are exploring digital education more and more. Though our access in a prison to the internet is restricted, we utilise a controlled and simulated ‘virtual campus’ where learners can access educational resources online within the prison,” Kate explained.
Impact on inmates
The impact of education in prison is important. “Engaging in education significantly changes the outlook of our learners. It provides them with skills and qualifications but, more importantly, with hope and confidence for their future,” Kate said.
Anecdotal evidence suggests significant behavioural changes and reduced recidivism among participants. “We have seen former learners gain employment and stability post-release, crediting their success to the skills and qualifications gained here at Ranby,” Kate added, highlighting education’s role in reducing the cycle of reoffending.
Kate Gibson, Education Manager, Ranby PrisonWe have seen former learners gain employment and stability post-release, crediting their success to the skills and qualifications gained here at Ranby.
The future of education at Ranby
Looking forward, Kate is optimistic about the expansion of the educational provision at Ranby. She said: “We hope to integrate more advanced technology and perhaps increase our digital offering. The goal is to make education as accessible as possible to all our learners.”
Kate’s vision extends to broader impacts on society. “Education in prisons should be viewed not just as a form of rehabilitation but as a vital component of social health. By educating inmates, we’re transforming individual lives, and these benefits extend beyond the prison walls, positively impacting on their families and communities, and reducing future criminal behaviour and reducing reoffending” she said.
The initiatives at HMP Ranby, working with Gateway Qualifications demonstrate a progressive approach to prison education, highlighting the essential role of learning within rehabilitation, it’s a second chance and a new beginning for many.