Classicists take ‘ancient philosophical wisdom’ into English jails

Inmates in several prisons given chance to study ethics and rhetoric to inform contemporary life' and skills

A classical education, once the preserve of Eton, Oxbridge and the likes of Boris Johnson, is being made available to inmates serving time in prisons.

In a break from the kind of curriculum usually on offer inside - lessons in literacy, numeracy, tiling and decorating - a small number of prisoners are being offered the opportunity to learn life skills from the ancient philosophers.