Half of prisoners may be neurodivergent and that reality should shape what “effective” education in custody looks like.
Coracle founder James Tweed argues that many people in prison have unmet needs such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia, often alongside negative experiences of school that make traditional classroom approaches less effective. He points to structured, confidence-building activities like chess as a practical way to support focus, emotional regulation and problem-solving, while also helping learners re-engage with education.
Neurodiversity-aware learning leads to better rehabilitation outcomes, and reinforces the case for prison education that adapts to different ways people think and learn.
Check inmate! Half of prisoners may be neurodivergent but chess helps, says EdTech founder
Chess can help neurodivergent prisoners, says Cambridge edtech pioneer Coracle
Half of prisoners may be neurodivergent but chess helps, says EdTech founder
Meet the man transforming prison education with chess
From prison cells to new lives: the man using chess to transform inmate education
