November 9, 2026
On Wednesday 4th November, 30 students from our Year 13 cohort went to Shrewsbury Prison to experience what life can be like in prisons, as well as how what it can be like for guards. Students got to learn how inmates are treated, the harsh conditions within the prisons, as well as some of the contraband involved.
They started off with a chance of roleplaying as officers and prisoners, where the prisoners had to hide contraband in their cell, and the officers had to find this. Students quickly fell into their roles, and were interviewing the prisoners, and questioning them on things found in their room. At the end of this, students gave a summary of why the contraband is harmful in prison life.
Students then set off on a tour learning about the history of the prison, looking at how prisons reforms have changed, how conditions have improved, and how modern prisons function. This included in depth information on the execution room in Shrewsbury Prison, how the room functioned and why the death penalty was abolished in the UK.
Finally, students were able have some time looking around on their own, focusing on their own interests and able to learn more about the prison, including its hauntings!
This was a really informative trip for the students studying Psychology, Sociology & Criminology.
Thanks to Miss L Smith for organising and Miss Guest for accompanying on the day.
Interested in learning more about our Sixth Form? Register for your place at our Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday 10th December 2026.