New 'secure schools' to be launched for young offenders

Justice Secretary Liz Truss has announced plans to launch two new 'secure schools' to offer education and training for young offenders.

Truss has said that education and training will be ‘at the heart of youth justice’, with the secure schools delivering core subjects such as English and Maths.

Additionally, a range of work training and apprenticeship schemes will also be made available to help offenders find work, with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) aiming to ensure that all young people are earning or learning on release.

Truss said: “Prisons rightly punish people who break the law, but they should also be a place where offenders are reformed. While young people are in custody we need to make sure they get the right education and training so they can lead law abiding lives – and in turn make our streets and communities safer too.

“The measures I have set out today are the beginning of a series of reforms which will help us cut reoffending, make our communities safer and create a justice system that works for everyone.”