Prison as a place of learning: A unique KMT training experience

At KMT, we believe that education has the power to transform lives. As one of the country’s largest and most-established Accredited Providers of Initial Teacher Training, we are committed to supporting our partnership schools to recruit, train, and retain high-quality teachers. We strive to deliver education for a better world, and this extends beyond the traditional classroom.

We are proud to partner with Milton Keynes College (MKC) on a groundbreaking initiative: Prison as a Place of Learning. MKC has a long and successful history of working with offenders across Kent & Medway and London, focusing on improving their personal skills and self-belief while equipping them with the skills to change their lives through education.

A unique opportunity for trainee teachers

This collaboration offers our trainee teachers a unique and invaluable experience. As part of our Intensive Training and Practice blocks across our curriculum, we provide trainees the opportunities to observe teaching within the education departments of prisons across our region.

These observations focus on key aspects of effective teaching:

• Setting high expectations: Witnessing how educators in challenging environments motivate and inspire learners.
• Building strong relationships: Observing how trust and rapport are built with diverse learners facing unique challenges.
• Inclusive practice: Understanding how to adapt teaching methods to meet the individual needs of all learners, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Overwhelmingly positive response

The response from our trainee teachers has been overwhelmingly positive. In the 2024-25 cohort, a remarkable 75% of trainees are due to participate in the project.

What Trainees are Saying:

“Following the visit to the prison, I wanted to say thank you for such a fantastic opportunity. The staff were incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, and it was fantastic to see an alternative education provision and how SEN assessments operate within this facility. It was an opportunity that I am very glad to have taken and one that I found very valuable.”
Primary Trainee Teacher

“I found the visit fascinating – such a unique experience. I now have so many questions about the role of education in society, having the opportunity to see such complex issues first-hand was powerful.”
Secondary Trainee Teacher

“The visit was amazing, it was so informative and I really enjoyed it! It was such a unique experience and I loved being able to get involved and help out for the day. I genuinely feel as though this is something I would like to do in the future.”
Secondary Maths Trainee Teacher

Join the KMT Community

The Prison as a Place of Learning project exemplifies our commitment to providing our trainees with a rich and diverse learning experience. It challenges perspectives, fosters empathy, and equips our future teachers with the skills and understanding to make a real difference in the lives of all learners.

If you are passionate about education and eager to embark on a rewarding teaching career, we encourage you to explore the KMT Teacher Training Programme.