Novus

28/09/2026

Creative learning can give learners new ways to explore their interests, develop skills and think about their future.

Novus recently held a day of creative and cultural learning at HMYOI Wetherby, with learners taking part in activities focused on art, music and different perspectives.

The event included work from the We Youth project, led by artist Faye Claridge, which explores experiences, identities and aspirations through art with young people in custody in the UK and Brazil.

Learners also took part in a music workshop with award-winning rap and grime artist and creative practitioner Nick Shahlavi. Nick shared his own journey into music and explored opportunities within the creative industries, while using music to develop literacy, communication and self-expression.

It was a great example of the different ways creative education can engage learners and support their development.

Read more about the event:

Novus learners at HMYOI Wetherby explored creative learning, culture and self-expression through the international We Youth project and a music workshop with Nick Shahlavi.

24/09/2026

Looking for a role where you can help change lives?

We're currently recruiting for two rewarding opportunities at HMP Hindley, an English Teacher and Library Support Officer.

Whether you're inspiring a love of reading and learning through library services or helping learners develop essential English and communication skills, you'll play a vital role in supporting rehabilitation through education.

Every interaction and every lesson have the potential to shape a brighter future. You'll help learners build confidence, develop new skills, achieve qualifications, and take positive steps towards further education, training, and employment opportunities.

✅ Brilliant holiday allowance that doesn’t need to be taken during school holidays.
✅ Fantastic pension
✅ Time dedicated each week to wellbeing and personal development
✅ Employee Assistance Programme
✅ Retail discounts and Cycle to Work scheme
✅ The opportunity to make a lasting impact through education and rehabilitation



If you're passionate about education, learning, and empowering people to achieve their potential, we'd love to hear from you.

Passionate about helping learners unlock their potential? Discover the English Teacher role here: https://www.novus.ac.uk/careers/careers-search/?sector=20®ion=5&salary= -search

Ready to make a difference through education? Explore the Library Support Officer role here: https://www.novus.ac.uk/careers/careers-search/?sector=10®ion=5&salary= -search

23/09/2026

Helping people build a future beyond prison is an important part of reducing reoffending.

At HMP Rye Hill, our Novus Education and Careers, Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) teams are working together to help learners make the most of their time in custody and prepare for what comes next.

The results show the strength of that approach.

More than 90% of learners are allocated to CIAG support, 95% have a Personal Learning Plan in place, and around 280 of 300 learners engage in education each day.

Behind those figures are learners developing skills, identifying their goals and getting support to understand their options for education, training and employment.

Our teams have also created more accessible ways for learners to engage. A multi-purpose space within Education provides a flexible environment for CIAG, Outreach, Shannon Trust, BKSBs and CV workshops, as well as independent learning and peer support.

This joined-up approach means careers guidance isn't something that happens separately from education. It's part of helping learners understand how the skills and qualifications they gain can support their next steps.

For Novus, this is what good prison education looks like: creating opportunities to learn, helping people prepare for employment and supporting them to build a positive future beyond custody.

Ultimately, that work can play an important role in reducing reoffending and helping people move towards more positive outcomes when they return to the community.

A great example of the impact our Novus teams are making every day at HMP Rye Hill.

22/09/2026

One of the most rewarding parts of what we do is seeing learners achieve things they never thought possible.

Recently, a Novus learner at HMP Hindley graduated with an Open University degree in Sport, Fitness and Coaching, achieving a 2:2 after six years of study.

A degree is always an impressive achievement, but the story behind it is even more powerful.

Having left school with no qualifications and experienced significant disruption throughout childhood and adulthood, education was something this learner once believed was out of reach. Over the years in prison, he gained qualifications in maths, English, IT and sport, became an education mentor, received support to overcome barriers to learning, and ultimately progressed to degree-level study.

Reflecting on his journey, he described education as the one constant he could always rely on. He also spoke about the confidence, stability and sense of purpose learning has given him, helping him to see a different future for himself.

Today, the learner is back in the community and encouraging others to take that same first step into education.

Stories like this remind us why prison education matters. It changes lives, builds confidence, creates opportunities and helps people develop the skills they need to move forward.

When learners are empowered to build positive futures through education, the impact extends far beyond the individual, helping to reduce reoffending, strengthen communities and create safer societies for all.

21/09/2026

What could virtual reality bring to prison education?

Our recent VR Demo Day gave colleagues from Novus and LTE Group the chance to get hands-on with a VR learning module developed as part of our project at HMP Berwyn.

Colleagues experienced the module using four VR headsets, while the headset view was cast onto an interactive whiteboard so everyone could see what the participant was experiencing. It sparked plenty of discussion about how immersive technology could support learning and enrichment.

The day was also about learning what it takes to deliver VR in practice, from setting up devices and managing connectivity to making sure equipment is charged and ready to use.

VR headsets have not yet been approved for use in prisons, so we're using this opportunity to test, learn and explore what might be possible in the future.

It's another example of how Novus is exploring innovative technology as part of LTE Group's Destination 2030 ambitions.

17/09/2026

Creative skills can open up new possibilities for prison learners.

At HMP Parc, Novus Gower learners have been exploring printmaking, textile design and entrepreneurship through a collaboration between QEST, HMP Parc and Novus Gower.

Through the Craft Entrepreneurship for Adult Learners programme, learners worked with designer-maker Justyna Medon to explore techniques including stencil work, block printing and screen printing.

They then took their ideas further, responding to a live design brief to develop commercially viable products including clothing, stationery and homeware.

Selected learner work was showcased at Craft Festival Wales 2026 this weekend, giving learners the opportunity to have their creativity represented at a professional craft event.

Alongside practical craft skills, the programme supported the development of communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking and entrepreneurial skills, while introducing learners to potential routes into employment and self-employment within the creative industries.

Read more about the project and how creativity is supporting learning and future opportunities at HMP Parc: https://www.novus.ac.uk/news/craft-creativity-enterprise-prison-education/

15/09/2026

Reading isn't just about developing literacy skills. It can also spark imagination, build confidence, support wellbeing and open up new worlds and experiences.

To celebrate Roald Dahl Day, learners at HMP Leeds took part in a range of activities designed to encourage reading for pleasure.

From Roald Dahl quizzes and family reading activities to a Big Watch, Big Read session comparing Lamb to the Slaughter with its screen adaptation, there were plenty of opportunities to enjoy books and share ideas.

Our Reading for Pleasure Groups also received copies of The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More, giving learners the chance to read, discuss and review the stories together.

With support from Shannon Trust, Gov's Reads and the prison library, the celebrations showed how reading can bring people together while supporting learning, confidence and positive reading habits.

Find out more about reading for pleasure in prison: https://www.novus.ac.uk/news/reading-for-pleasure-in-prison/

14/09/2026

This National Inclusion Week, we’re reflecting on what inclusion means in prison education.

Inclusion is more than a policy or a single initiative. It is about recognising the barriers that can affect a learner’s ability to engage and progress, and making sure education is accessible, supportive and responsive to individual needs.

In prison education, this really matters. Our learners come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, with many facing complex barriers to education. Creating an environment where people feel valued, supported and able to participate can make a real difference to their learning journey.

At Novus, our teams work every day to identify barriers, adapt their approach and create opportunities for learners to develop their skills, build confidence and work towards their goals.

We’re also continuing to support our colleagues to strengthen their inclusive practice, with practical resources and development opportunities focused on inclusion and neurodiversity.

Because when education works for everyone, more people have the opportunity to learn, progress and build a better future.

10/09/2026

What do you do when you want to find something out?

For most of us, the answer is simple: Google it (or more recently ask your preferred LLM).

For learners in prison, it isn't that straightforward. Access to the open internet isn't available, so finding information, exploring a subject or answering a question requires a different approach.
And that makes developing research, reasoning and digital literacy skills even more important.
That's where resources such as Britannica School can make a real difference in prison education.

On International Literacy Day this week, Novus colleagues took part in a Britannica training session focused on unlocking non-fiction and developing better readers. They explored practical ways to help learners build comprehension and vocabulary, navigate information, develop independence and engage more confidently with non-fiction.

It's not simply about finding an answer. It's about encouraging learners to ask questions, explore information they don't already know, think about what they're reading and develop the skills to find and use information for themselves.

This session was part of our wider CPD offer at Novus, supporting colleagues to develop their knowledge, explore new resources and share approaches that strengthen teaching and learning.

Because when our staff have the right tools, knowledge and confidence, they can create more opportunities for learners to develop the skills they need both inside prison and beyond it.

Thank you to Britannica for supporting our colleagues with this valuable session.

09/09/2026

Novus Transforming Lives is delivering a new employment support programme in Barnsley, helping people who have previously been in prison overcome barriers to work and build sustainable careers.

Through the Government's Connect to Work programme, our specialist team will provide tailored support to help people navigate the challenges they may face when looking for and staying in employment, while connecting them with local employers and opportunities.

For employers across Barnsley and South Yorkshire, the programme also offers an opportunity to access an often under-utilised talent pool and support people who are ready to build a positive future.

Novus has more than 30 years' experience of supporting people in prison, so Novus Transforming Lives understands the barriers they can face and the difference that meaningful employment can make.

Employment can provide stability, purpose and opportunity, while helping to reduce reoffending and build stronger communities.

Find out more about the new programme: https://www.novus.ac.uk/news/novus-support-prison-leavers-barnsley/