Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many prisoners are currently participating in higher education courses.

The latest available figures (October 2022) show that 1435 prisoners were studying with the Open University. In addition, 50 learners were enrolled on Access to Higher Education courses, with support from the Prisoners’ Education Trust.

We have recently changed the law to allow prisoners to begin apprenticeships whilst in custody, working in key industries such as hospitality and construction.

Information on the support available for prisoners wishing to undertake Higher Education is available in prison libraries.