The prison population is estimated to pass 100,000 by 2030. With re-offending rates starting to increase and new prison education contracts out to tender, Jessica Hill and Sophie Carlin explore this hidden world – and find out what needs to change
After prisoners at HMP Warren Hill in Suffolk have been unlocked from their cells, got showered and had breakfast, they wander over to a building with a sign above the door that reads ‘college’.
Mike Hallatt, a teacher there for PeoplePlus (one of four core education providers operating in prisons) smirks at this.
“Don’t be fooled. It’s all smoke and mirrors,” he says.
