Inmates get less pay for lessons than work

Half of prisoners have the reading age of a child under 11 years old - and numeracy rates are even worse.

But their access to education is limited and patchy, according to the Prison Reform Trust.

A study commissioned by the charity found many barriers preventing prisoners from getting an education.

The report says that despite the efforts of some education staff, prisoners often could not get on courses and that bad time-tabling meant they might have to sacrifice showers or calls home to take a class.

It also says some prisoners chose to do work in prison instead of an educational course, because the rates of pay were better.

This was an issue highlighted by Lord Archer after he was released from jail last month.

He argued that more than 90% of inmates do not take up further education while locked up because they are only likely to be paid �5 a week for this, compared with �12 a week if they work as a gardener, cleaner or potato peeler.

Lord Archer: a compulsory literacy course for inmates

He said prisoners should have to complete a 12-week intensive reading and writing course before they are considered for a job or early release.

While half of prisoners have the reading age of a child under 11 years old, two-thirds are at this level for numeracy.

About 80% have the writing skills of a child aged 11 or under.

The director of the Prison Reform Trust, Juliet Lyon, said: "Education, education, education matters in prison too".

"This unique study from the prisoner's perspective shows just how vital education and skills training could be to prevent re-offending and promote resettlement, and just how far policy and practice still have to shift within the prison system for education and skills to be taken seriously."

Researchers spoke to 153 inmates in 12 prisons.

One prisoner told them: "If you are in here for a time, you go out the same mental age as you came in, if you're not careful."

Another said: "If I hadn't come to the education department I think I would have hung myself.

"And going to the chapel for a cup of tea and a biscuit. I look forward to the small things."

Life outside

The Prison Reform Trust says improvements in education have been made but more are needed.

It says education provision in jails should be as good as outside.

In particular, it wants prisoners to be given the same rates of pay for attending courses as they get for working in jail.

And it says prisoners who take courses should not have to miss other mainstream activities.

A spokesman for the Home Office said the report acknowledged the work the government was doing to improve prisoner education.

"We are in the process of developing the curriculum to improve its relevance to the resettlement needs of prisoners.

"In 2002 - 3 prisoners gained 41, 518 basic skills achievements against a target of 28, 000.