Interactive Workshop with HMP Service

On Thursday 24 October, students from the Criminology cohort in Year 12 and 13 were given an exciting and insightful opportunity as mentors from Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) service visited the Academy. The session, designed as an interactive workshop, introduced students to the diverse and dynamic role of a prison warden, while also shedding light on the various types of prisoners and prisons within the UK.

The visiting mentors provided an in-depth overview of the profession, detailing the everyday responsibilities and challenges faced by prison wardens. Students were taken through a real-world exploration of prison life and given practical advice on the next steps to start a career within the prison service after completing their sixth form education.

One of the highlights of the session was the chance for students to try on the equipment used by prison wardens. This hands-on experience allowed them to engage directly with the tools of the trade, from handcuffs to protective gear, giving them a tangible sense of what the role entails. Several students remarked that the experience had ignited an interest in pursuing a career within the prison service.

One Year 13 student said, "It was really inspiring to hear from people who work directly in the prison system. Trying on the equipment made me think seriously about becoming a prison warden – it feels like a challenging but rewarding career."

The workshop also offered valuable guidance on how students can progress from sixth form into the prison service, outlining pathways such as relevant degree programs and apprenticeship opportunities.

With some potential future prison wardens now in the making, the session proved both engaging and educational, further enriching the Criminology students’ understanding of the criminal justice system.