During a debate on the second reading of the bill last week John Bercow, the Conservative MP for Buckingham, suggested bringing forward the amendment. The Home Secretary, John Reid, said he was open to that suggestion.
Bercow cited evidence from Polmont Young Offender Institution to back the idea, which he said helped young offenders access education and avoid reoffending on release.
The main purpose of the bill is to bring in legislation to support the development of the National Offender Management Service by opening up probation to the voluntary and private sector.
It also contains a number of clauses relating directly to juveniles and young offenders, including proposals to allow 18- to 20-year-olds to be sent to adult prisons rather than young offender institutions.
MPs voted in favour of a second reading of the bill, which now moves to committee stage.
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