Prisoners in the UK may soon benefit from an artificial intelligence system designed to transform how they access and engage with education.
EdTech company Coracle has received funding from Innovate UK to work alongside the University of Hertfordshire in developing a system dubbed the “AI cellmate.” This platform would tailor learning content to inmates’ individual needs, adapting in real time to guide them on their educational journeys.
Coracle, led by CEO James Tweed, already provides offline Chromebooks pre-loaded with educational resources to inmates in 91 prisons, offering secure access to courses from The Open University, Prisoners’ Education Trust and various vocational programmes. Tweed notes that while prisoners often have complex educational backgrounds—many having struggled or been excluded in school—they represent a vital opportunity to improve wider access to tailored learning.
According to Tweed, the AI cellmate will personalise its approach by recognising an individual’s strengths, weaknesses and learning style. It will adapt content dynamically, monitoring user engagement and performance even without an internet connection. The aim is for the AI to behave like a responsive digital mentor, bridging education gaps and potentially lowering reoffending rates.
The system is being developed through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University of Hertfordshire, where a PhD student will focus on integrating and refining the AI technologies required. While the initial launch will take place in prisons, Tweed believes the platform could have broader applications once proven effective in the challenging environment of the criminal justice system.
By highlighting the potential benefits of advanced, personalised education technology, Tweed emphasises the need to “use AI for good,” particularly for vulnerable or underserved communities. He hopes the introduction of this AI system into prisons will reduce the technological gap between incarcerated individuals and the wider world, ultimately offering them a better chance to reintegrate successfully into society.
