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Liz Truss to unveil plans to bring back Borstal-style boarding schools for kids who go off the rails

The government shake-up aims to address fears that young offender institutions are becoming 'academies' for career villains

YOUNG offenders will serve sentences in a new breed of borstal-style boarding schools in an overhaul of youth justice.

Two secure schools will be opened under a drive to ensure kids who go off the rails get education and training towards a fresh start.

 New plans will be unveiled by Justice Secretary Liz Truss
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New plans will be unveiled by Justice Secretary Liz TrussCredit: PA:Press Association

Teenagers will be put on an apprenticeship pathway to a trade or career to continue after they leave, under plans unveiled tomorrow by Justice Secretary Liz Truss.

The secure schools will be monitored by inspectors for progress in English, maths, health and behaviour.

Each will house up to 70 youngsters beh­ind fences and focus on preparing them for life back outside.

 Back to Borstal... in a drive to ensure kids don't re-offend
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Back to Borstal... in a drive to ensure kids don't re-offendCredit: PA:Press Association

The shake-up aims to address fears that young offender institutions are becoming “academies” for career villains. An extra £15million will be spent hiring frontline staff to improve security.

Ms Truss is backing a review by child behaviour expert Charlie Taylor.

She said: “While young people are in custody we must ensure they get the right education and training so they can lead law-abiding lives.”

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