HMP Addiewell becomes first Scottish prison to launch secure digital learning for prisoners 

HMP Addiewell in West Lothian is the first Scottish prison to appoint digital learning company Coracle to provide prisoners with its secure educational laptops.

An initial consignment of Coracle’s secure laptops was introduced into HMP Addiewell, which is managed by Sodexo Justice, on 1 September. The move marks the first introduction of Coracle’s technology into a Scottish prison.

Coracle, which is based at Chesterton Mill in Cambridge, already supplies laptops and digital training to prisoners across England and Wales.

A recent report revealed that for every £1 spent on Coracle’s services, £16 is saved through boosting post-custody employment as well as reducing prison violence and self-harm.

Why prisoners will be better prepared for life following their release

James Tweed, CEO of Coracle, said the laptops have been well received by prisoners and staff and education programmes have already begun: “Myself and the Coracle team have been keen to provide our services to Scottish prisons for some time now. So we are very grateful to the staff at HMP Addiewell and Sodexo for their support and progressive outlook.

“Coracle is on a mission to give prisoners access to digital learning and help prepare them for life beyond the prison gate and expanding into Scotland is an important moment for us.

“Digital exclusion doesn’t stop at the border and neither should the opportunity to learn. We’ve seen the impact these devices can have in prisons across England and Wales and we’re delighted to now be bringing that opportunity to prisoners in Scotland.”

Director of HMP Addiewell, Jonathan French, said: “We are pleased to welcome Coracle’s digital learning initiative to HMP Addiewell.

“Providing prisoners with the tools to succeed is a priority and being the first facility in Scotland to pilot this programme demonstrates our commitment to modern, effective rehabilitation pathways.”

Increasing access to digital education in secure environments

Coracle has around 3,000 laptops operating across more than 100 prisons and secure environments in England and Wales. Coracle’s software is designed specifically for the secure environment, allowing prisoners to access educational materials while maintaining strict separation from the internet and other networks.

In 2023, Coracle was awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity, recognising its work increasing access to digital education for prisoners.

James Tweed is an EdTech expert who founded Coracle in 2006, which operates in challenging environments including the maritime industry, prisons and police custody suites. James advises the government on digital inclusion as a member of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) ‘s Digital Inclusion Action Committee (DIAC).