Can anyone tell me what Imp (or similar) means under 'Education' on prison records? some prisoners have illiterate, some have educated, but some have what I think is Imp.

I believe it means "imperfect". Come across this a lot in the Police Charge Books.

Thanks Kevin, I guess that’s something in between illiterate and really well educated.

Hi Jenny,

Maybe he could write his own name but nothing much else?

Elaine in Ottawa.

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Yes Elaine, that sound reasonable. I know his younger brother was only educated to age 12, then became a scissor maker, although he wrote well later in life.

Just had a look at the Police Charge Books, and the printed heading on the appropriate column reads:
Degree of Education; none, imperfect, well, superior

Not come across a "superior" yet!

Well done Kevin, that solves the mystery. I did not see such headings on what I was looking at. Jenny