Ministers consider proposal to turn young offenders institutes into secure schools

Prime Minister David Cameron has announced that the government will explore the possibility of utilising the free school process to set up secure academies for young offenders.

The secure academies would offer a ‘more therapeutic’ environment for criminals under the age of 18, teaching English and maths.

Cameron explained: “In short, this will mean turning existing young offender institutions into what will effectively be high-quality schools that will demand the highest standards.”

The new plans are being considered based on the findings of a review of youth justice by former head teacher Charlie Taylor, which found that the youngsters could be rehabilitated more effectively if education was put at the heart of the system.

The report, entitled ‘Improving alternative prison’, found that 40 per cent of young people detained in youth offender institutes had not been to school since they were 14 years old. Furthermore, they were only receiving 17 hours of education every week, much less than the expected 30.

Taylor said: “Education is important for all children, but for those involved in offending it is vital. We need a resolute focus on giving children in trouble with the law the skills, qualifications and aptitudes to lead successful, law-abiding lives.”

The proposal suggests that five youth offender institutions and three secure training centres in England and Wales should be replaced with the secure schools.