On Tuesday 30 June 2026, the Psychology and Sociology department conducted an educational visit to Shrewsbury Prison for Year 12 students. The trip connected directly to the AQA specifications, specifically linking to the Crime and Deviance topic in Sociology, as well as Forensic Psychology, Issues and Debates, and Clinical Psychology.

Inside the Gates of HM Prison Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury Prison, also known as The Dana, is a former Category B/C men's prison in Shropshire, England. The facility closed in 2013 after centuries of operation, with the original structure dating back to 1793. It is famous for its Victorian architecture, grim execution room, and traditional wing design, which now serves as a heritage site to educate the public on the history of the British penal system.

The students spent 4.5 hours on-site, participating in a packed itinerary: a one-hour walk starting at prisoner reception, moving through the wings, cells, exercise yards, healthcare facility, and the execution room; a tailored session designed to deepen understanding of institutional life and prisoner rehabilitation; an independent exploration period where students examined the site and ate lunch; and a team-building activity that required problem-solving under pressure.

Academic Impact

The visit allowed students to apply classroom theory to a real-world environment. Witnessing the physical structure of a panopticon-style Victorian prison helped contextualise theories of surveillance, social control, and institutionalisation.

"This experience enhanced and consolidated the work that students studied in lessons, helping them to apply psychology and sociology to real life," said Mrs Abotorabi.