Over the past 12 months, our work in prison education at Complete Skills Solutions has been a genuine source of pride and inspiration for me and for our whole team. Together with our partners and learners, we’ve achieved some outstanding results that reflect both the dedication of our staff and the determination of those taking part.
Our figures highlight this success: a 93% retention rate and a 93% achievement rate, which together led to 1,448 completed qualifications spanning 31 different courses. From practical skills like welding, barbering, and hospitality, to broader employability training in areas like sustainability and logistics, these qualifications offer real pathways to new opportunities after release.
Being selected to deliver an additional year of the Ministry of Justice’s Future Skills pilot has enabled us to measure our success beyond the gate. To date, we are very proud to have supported over 45 of our learners into employment post release since the project began at the end of 2023-including one learner who had not worked since 1973!
But beyond the numbers, it’s the personal journeys that truly stand out. We’ve heard from learners who’ve told us, “I learned a lot and have knowledge that I can now put forward into the real world. I’m glad I did this course.” Simple words, but with a powerful impact. This kind of feedback confirms the difference education can make, not just in developing skills but in building real confidence and hope for the future.
Our partners inside the prisons have also recognised the team’s commitment, noting, “It’s a pleasure to work with a company and its employees who see every aspect of delivery through to the very end with no cutting corners.”
One of the aspects I feel proudest of is the wider social value our education programmes deliver. Independent analysis has shown that for every £1 invested in our courses, over £5 is generated in wider community benefits. This year, that totalled more than £5 million—making a genuine contribution to safer, stronger communities and better futures for our learners.
None of this would be possible without the hard work and optimism of everyone involved—from learners and tutors to staff and our partners across the prison system. The past year has shown just how much can be achieved when people are given the chance and the right support, and as we look ahead, I’m confident we’ll continue building on these successes.
