The mental health and wellbeing of prison educators working in the UK (2026)

Teachers working in prisons have some of the most challenging jobs in education. Prison educators see the difference they make and feel a real sense of achievement. 

But this report finds many prison educators feel their working lives are scarred by high stress levels and heavy workloads. And it finds disturbing differences in the working experiences of Black prison educators, with racism at work a common occurrence for many.

This report can make for uncomfortable reading but provides evidence to inform policy and our campaign for meaningful reform of the prison education system.