Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what proportion of the prison population left school without any formal qualifications.

The information requested is not held by the Department.

The Department for Education publishes data on English & maths assessments undertaken when someone is received into prison. This can be found via the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/fe-data-library-education-and-training

Previous MoJ studies have shown as many as 47% of those entering prison reporting as having no formal qualifications. As stated in our Education and Employment Strategy, published in May 2018, we recognise the importance of providing opportunities for learning for all. Such opportunities are irrespective of previous educational attainment, and are an important part of helping to change lives and reduce the risks of reoffending.