In the light of recent legislative changes, this article offers an exposition of key issues relating to the positioning of education for young people under 18 years in secure institutions in England. It argues that interpretations of education have become overly narrow in criminal justice policy and practice and that, while the new legislation offers potential for improvement, further consideration needs to be given to the impact of existing penal and reform agendas which currently limit the conceptual reach and delivery of education in secure institutions.