The link between being NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and entering the criminal justice system is well documented. Young people who disengage from education often face significant barriers to employment, increasing their likelihood of involvement in crime. The high percentage of the UK’s prison population with low levels of educational attainment reinforces this troubling cycle of exclusion, which frequently begins in early childhood. However, education and skills training remain powerful tools in breaking this cycle, equipping young offenders with the means to reintegrate into society.
This is where ASDAN plays a vital role. By offering flexible, skills-based programmes and regulated qualifications, ASDAN provides pathways to education, employment, and personal development, giving those within the criminal justice system an opportunity.
Empowering rehabilitation through ASDAN courses
Education within the prison system can be transformative. Research shows that prisoners engaged in educational programmes are significantly less likely to reoffend. Yet barriers remain in providing accessible and meaningful qualifications. The 2023/24 Prison Education and Accredited Programmes Statistics report highlights that, while 49,965 prisoners participated in courses, the majority were at entry-level – indicating a critical need for structured, progressive learning.
ASDAN’s Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) is a particularly effective tool in rehabilitating young offenders. This qualification fosters key life skills such as problem solving, teamwork, communication and goal setting - essential competencies for successful reintegration into society. Many offenders have had negative experiences with formal education, making ASDAN’s practical, skills-focussed approach an ideal fit.
Delivered in prisons, youth offender institutions and community rehabilitation programmes, CoPE helps learners build confidence, develop self-discipline and set realistic employment goals. Its structured framework encourages young offenders to take ownership of their learning journey – ultimately improving their employability on release.
Addressing the root causes of offending
A significant proportion of young people in custody have experienced school exclusion - a factor strongly linked to later involvement in crime. The Timpson Review of School Exclusion found that excluded children are more likely to struggle with mental health issues, be placed in alternative provision and lack structured pathways to education or employment.
The ASDAN curriculum offers an opportunity to bridge these gaps. Through tailored interventions, young offenders can re-engage with learning in a supportive, structured environment. For those who left school without qualifications, ASDAN provides a second chance to gain accredited achievements – helping to break the cycle of reoffending.
A pathway to employment
One of the biggest challenges faced by ex-offenders is securing employment. Without qualifications or work experience, reintegration into the workforce is a significant hurdle. Studies show that prisoners who find stable employment upon release are much less likely to reoffend.
By focusing on vocational skills and employability, ASDAN courses provide learners with practical qualifications that increase their job prospects. Many ASDAN programmes align with industry needs, covering areas such as construction, retail and customer service. For example, some young offenders are supported to obtain their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card – opening doors to employment in the construction sector.
Working together to transform learner journeys
ASDAN welcomes the recent publication of a paper by Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England: The educational journeys of children in secure settings. Highlighting the deep inequalities faced by some of the most vulnerable young people in society, the report reveals that many children in secure settings have experienced fragmented educational pathways, multiple school exclusions, and undiagnosed or unsupported special educational needs – all of which contribute to poor outcomes.
This research reinforces what ASDAN has long recognised: that educational opportunity must be equitable, accessible, and tailored to support the most marginalised. We are pleased to be engaging with the Children’s Commissioner on this critical issue, exploring how ASDAN’s flexible, person-centred qualifications can support strong and impactful education across the criminal justice system.
The paper also notes the increasing number of care-experienced young people entering the criminal justice system. Many care-leavers face instability, trauma, and disrupted schooling. By addressing these systemic challenges through inclusive and meaningful education, ASDAN offers a positive route forward for all young people, regardless of their background.
A brighter future through education
The evidence is clear: education is one of the most effective interventions for reducing reoffending. With its flexible, skills-based courses, ASDAN is providing young offenders with a pathway out of crime and towards a brighter future. By addressing both educational and personal development needs, these courses empower young people to take control of their lives, build resilience and secure meaningful employment.
Breaking the cycle of reoffending starts with opportunity. Through ASDAN, young offenders can redefine their futures – proving that education is not just a privilege, but a powerful tool for change.