Overview

HMP Lowdham Grange, a Category B private prison in Nottinghamshire, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to rehabilitation and personal growth. Following a year-long pause in its education delivery, the prison took a major step forward by reopening its education department. To mark this milestone, Adz Khan was invited to deliver two motivational seminars that reignited the institution’s mission to change lives through learning.

Adz, who rebuilt his life through education while serving a prison sentence, shared a message of resilience, self-belief, and the power of mindset. His sessions inspired inmates to view education not as a requirement but as a life-altering opportunity.

The Event

Two back-to-back seminars were held, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. These sessions were carefully tailored to address real challenges faced by the men inside. The content focused on practical strategies for growth, emotional resilience, and the power of learning as a gateway to reform.

Key Themes Covered

• The Importance of Prison Education: Adz highlighted his own journey of earning 37 qualifications and seven diplomas while inside. He stressed that education can be the catalyst for a complete identity shift.
• Mindset as the Gateway to Change: A growth mindset enables individuals to see possibility where others see limitation. Adz explained how reframing adversity is the first step to unlocking personal potential.
• Motivation and Continuous Learning: Staying consistent and focused, even in difficult times, is essential. Adz shared tools for maintaining momentum and pushing through setbacks.
• Education as a Tool for Reintegration: By gaining skills and qualifications, inmates give themselves a foundation for stability and employability upon release.

Feedback from HMP Lowdham Grange

Wayne Peters, Head of Education, Skills and Work:

“Fantastic sessions and well received. Hopefully you will be back soon, Adz.”

Claire Hussey, Deputy Governor, HMPPS:

“Your work is so important in getting people engaged and motivating them to make the best use of their time in custody.”

Annick Platt, National Operations Director, Novus Foundation for Change:

“The feedback from the seminar was very positive, thank you.”

Impact and Outcomes

• Renewed engagement with the newly reopened education department
• Positive shift in inmate attitudes towards learning
• Greater interest in qualification programmes
• New dialogue among inmates and staff around resilience, opportunity and identity

Conclusion

The seminars at HMP Lowdham Grange were more than motivational talks. They acted as a reset button, inspiring inmates to invest in themselves through mindset and education. Adz Khan’s lived experience brought credibility and clarity to his message. His presence sparked change that is likely to ripple far beyond the prison walls.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to Novus – Foundations for Change, Wayne Peters, Claire Hussey, Annick Platt, Richard Wakelin, Heather Dagger, and all the education staff at HMP Lowdham Grange who made this initiative possible.

If your prison, education department or rehabilitation initiative is committed to reducing reoffending through mindset transformation and personal development, book Adz Khan for a live seminar. His sessions empower change from the inside out. Contact us today to bring his workshops to your facility.