Prisoners' Education Trust

@prisonersed

Prisoners' Education Trust (PET) offers distance learning courses and advice and guidance to people in prison. We use our policy and advocacy work to improve prison education. Support us here: prisonerseducation.org.uk/donate

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Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· 3d

Best of luck to everyone getting their A-level results today, whether in prison or out. At PET, we offer 13 different A-levels to people in prison - from Business to History and Maths to Psychology. We've helped 62 people start the qualification this year. Find out what studying means to them 👇

Rob, studying A-Level English Language: "I would like to say a massive thank you to the PET team for funding my course and believing in me. I think what you guys do at PET is critical in helping lads like myself have a second chance in life to make up for what we have missed out on."

Francesca, studying A-Level Sociology: "I'm enjoying the course, it's mentally challenging me and I hope this level of study will help prepare me for a degree."

Simon, studying A-Level Classical Civilisation: "Thank you for funding me to do this course. The education I have accessed due to PET is the only worth while things I have done since coming to prison in 2018. Thanks to you I am doing something constructive with my time."

Olufemi, studying A-Level Mathematics: "Getting the opportunity to study A- Level Maths is a great way to serve my sentence and developing the problem-solving skills that will become useful and valuable post-release."

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· 12d

Thank you so much to everyone who supported our Summer Appeal. We raised £14,333 – £10,000 of which has been matched by a generous trust. That's a total of £24,333! Your kindness will help us to meet the rise in demand for distance learning and impact the lives of so many people in prison.

Handwritten quote by learner: “I am studying Understanding Substance Misuse Level 3. This benefits my Mental Health as I love learning and I have learnt a lot. It is helping me confirm I want to go into that line of work.”

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· 26d

We've raised £11,308 so far in our Summer Appeal! The first £10,000 of donations has been doubled thanks to matched funding - but we still need your support. Help more people in prison bridge the gap between their past and their future through learning. Give today: https://bit.ly/BTGBluesky5

Illustration by Erika Flowers showing a learner celebration event

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Jul 14

With prison education cut by a quarter and an increased demand for PET’s distance learning courses, we need your support to ensure that people in prison can continue to study. Have your donation doubled today in our Summer Appeal – Bridging the Gap: https://bit.ly/BTGBluesky4

Illustration by Erika Flowers showing a learner filling out a PET application form

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Jul 11

For learners like Lucy, studying with PET helps bridge the gap between their past and their future. You can ensure that more people in prison have the opportunity to work towards their goals - double your impact today by donating to our Summer Appeal: https://bit.ly/BTGBluesky3

Handwritten quote from learner that reads: “My distance learning is helping me gain a qualification to use in the community, helping me with skills. And I appreciate the PET for enabling me to do this!”

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Jul 10

Brilliant to be at the @unlockedgrads.bsky.social ChangeMakers event last week. Suzan and Ant met custodial managers from prisons across England and Wales to talk about the courses PET offers, plus our CEO @jonbcollins.bsky.social spoke about how to support people in prison to achieve their goals.

Suzan and Ant, from PET's Service Delivery team, at our Unlocked ChangeMakers Marketplace stand

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Jul 8

We have seen an 18% increase in the number of course applications so far this year. Richard is studying A-level Maths, focusing on his long-term goal of attending university. Help make sure learners don’t miss out – have your donation doubled today: https://bit.ly/BTGBluesky2

Handwritten quote from learner that reads: “It gives me confidence in achieving my goals of learning and using the time wisely. It’s been a challenge to get into a routine. But the challenge of progressing, keeps the flame alive.”

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· May 7

We've answered 89 calls in two weeks on our Advice Line - our busiest fortnight ever! A huge thank you to our inspiring team of advisers who have been giving people advice and guidance on studying in prison since the free service launched in 2020.

Handwritten quote that reads: "I have used PET Advice Line twice recently and found the advisors really helpful and friendly, thank you. I feel PET courses have given me hope and have transformed my prison journey. Thank you!"

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Apr 15

There’s still time to sign up to run the Royal Parks Half with PET in October! The money you raise will help people in prison to build brighter futures through education. Sign up today to make a difference: https://ow.ly/AQIm50YINK1

Handwritten quote by PET learner: "I am really enjoying my access course and learning a lot about myself and others. This is going to really support my future and is helping me to cope with prison life."

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Apr 2

New figures from the Ministry of Justice show that the number of planned education hours in public sector prisons in England has been cut by 25%. We unpack what this alarming new data tells us in this explainer: https://ow.ly/WeP150YCetI

A graph showing the change in education hours

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Feb 20

We’re looking for passionate people with lived experience of prison education to join our Alumni Advisory Group - to help shape our strategy, strengthen our policy work, and keep learners at the centre of everything we do. Find out how to join here: https://ow.ly/UkbN50YibZa

Graphic that reads: Join our Alumni Advisory Group - We're looking for passionate people with recent lived experience of prison education to help shape the future of PET. Find out more: prisonerseducation.org.uk/volunteer

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Jan 24

It's the UNESCO International Day of Education. In just a few words, Vanessa - who started a counselling course with PET last year - shows why education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility.

Handwritten postcard that reads: "My distance learning course has been helping me to grow what I need knowledge wise to be able to gain the future I want. It has also been teaching me why I have had addiction in the past. Even though moving prisons recently has been stressful I feel my studying has helped me to keep a level head and reminded me of why my future will be better than my past."

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Jan 23

We always love getting postcards from learners letting us know how they're getting on with their course. Barry is taking his Bookkeeping Certificate with PET - the start of his journey to becoming a freelance accountant.

Handwritten postcard that reads: "This course has helped me a lot in prison, it has helped with my purpose, focus, and helped me develop my confidence in my own ability. I now have the confidence I can move to my next goal of completing AAT Accounting and know I will succeed."

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Dec 8

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported our Big Give #ChristmasChallenge - we've raised a record £46,819 so far! The appeal is open until midday tomorrow - every donation means more people in prison can gain qualifications and build towards a brighter future: https://bit.ly/PET-BigGive-2

Handwritten quote that reads “PET has laid the foundations for my future aspirations and given me the confidence to dream and succeed. Thank you! 😊”

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Dec 7

We have just launched our 2026–27 prospectus, including 12 new courses for people in prison to study. A donation to our Big Give #ChristmasChallenge means people like Andrew can find hope through learning. Donations will be DOUBLED, while matched funding lasts: https://bit.ly/PET-BigGive-2

Handwritten quote that reads “I think it is fantastic having the opportunity to further my education whilst prison can be a bad experience this provides hope and sense of purpose for the near future when released knowing I have the chance to earn a good living and be a good role model to my kids. I take my education seriously and I very much appreciate this more than I can express. I think what yous do is so valuable and is vital to rehabilitation. Thank you.”

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Dec 4

Education can be the key to unlocking a brighter future for someone in prison. Your support means more learners like Robin can lay the foundations for a new career. Support our Big Give #ChristmasChallenge to have your donation doubled today: https://bit.ly/PET-BigGive-2

Handwritten quote that reads: "I cannot thank PET enough for giving me a great opportunity. I’m super grateful and await to see what the future will present to me in the teaching field in prisons. You are changing lives and I am definitely one of them."

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Dec 3

Thanks to everyone who joined our supporter event last night! Inspiring stories from alumnus Andy, trustee Seun, our Head of Service Delivery Clare, and Esther Chesterman - CEO at National Extension College - perfectly summed up the impact education can have for people in prison.

Photo of the panel at the PET supporter event.

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Dec 2

Introducing our 2026–2027 Course Prospectus – PET's most forward-looking and accessible edition yet! The prospectus includes cutting-edge courses on AI and environmental sustainability, as well as new digital learning opportunities. Read it here: prisonerseducation.org.uk/2025/12/new-...

Prospectus front cover and contents page

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Oct 13

Congratulations and thank you to all the amazing runners who ran the Royal Parks Half for PET - we are so grateful for your support! Every donation, big or small, helps people prepare for release, improve their mental health and find hope for a brighter future: https://ow.ly/iQUX50X9g5j

Quote from David: “I'm very pleased to be running for PET. It supports prisoners who want to change their lives for the better. That has to be good for us all. There are not many charities that work in this sector so even small donations help.”

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Oct 12

Good luck to everyone running the Royal Parks Half today! We have six wonderful runners fundraising for PET. Here’s why Liv is choosing to run for us today. You can support her efforts here: https://ow.ly/2gaw50X9egO

Quote from Liv that reads: “I have been following PET and supporting them for some years now as I think what they do is such essential work to help those in prison (often forgotten by society) to become not only valued members of society again, but also, and perhaps more importantly, to have self-worth and self-belief again.”

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Oct 10

So far this year, we have funded 1,210 distance learning courses for learners in prison. Jonan is running the Royal Parks Half on Sunday so that more people in prison can access transformative education: https://ow.ly/Cbxu50X9clG

Quote from Jonan that reads: “The reason I am running for PET is because my immediate family and friends have all been through the prison system. Running for PET helps bring more awareness to a great cause.”

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Oct 8

Thank you so much to all our amazing runners who will be running the Royal Parks Half this Sunday to fundraise for PET. We can't wait to cheer from the sidelines! You can help Ashton reach her target here: www.justgiving.com/page/ashton-...

Quote from Ashton, PET RPHM runner: "I am running because I worked with prisoners education in the past in America and I worked with GCSE resits in the UK, and in both cases saw how education can improve self efficacy, changing people's deep beliefs about what they are capable of and what purpose their life can have. This is very meaningful to people's mental health and providing education which gives people the tools to enter the work and volunteer force allows us as a society to discover the great contributions everyone can make."

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Sep 13

Last month, we reached a new milestone: we have given 50,000 educational awards to people in prison since we were founded in 1989! There's no better way to mark the moment than to share good news about one of the learners we've supported this year: Jacob passed his A-level Maths, achieving an A* 👏

Graphic that reads: "We have given 50,000 educational awards to people in prison since we were founded in 1989"

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Sep 12

This #RememberACharityWeek, find out how leaving a gift to PET in your will can support learners like David, who’s studying for his Health and Safety qualifications: bit.ly/PET-legacy #GiftsinWills

Quote from learner that reads: "My family are happy and proud I’m using my time in prison constructively. The courses are improving my chances of employment on my release. Got my D-CAT [open prison] as I have taken steps to better myself. Confidence has improved, I have proved to myself I can achieve.”

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Aug 6

Thank you so much to everyone who supported our appeal. We raised £10,127 which will be matched thanks to a generous trust to total £20,127! Your generosity impacts the lives of so many people in prison, supporting them on their journey of finding hope, drive and recovery through education.

Graphic of a quote from PET alumnus Andy that reads: "That's what PET is giving people in prison today: the hope, the drive and just a day where they can feel that little bit normal and that: 'I'm OK'."

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Jul 10

Andy was at one of the lowest points in his life when he discovered PET. Studying helped him on his journey of recovery, giving him the skills to help himself and others. Help support more learners like Andy through our Summer Appeal and have your donation doubled: bit.ly/PETSummerApp...

Quote graphic that reads: "Prison put every one of my triggers in front of me: boredom, low self-worth, lack of purpose, lack of drive. But when those course books landed and I knew I had a purpose the next day - to be able to get up and get on with some work, to actually achieve something that I could be proud of - honestly, it changed the whole outlook."

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Jun 20

The appalling findings from the Independent Monitoring Boards annual report show how important it is for the government to meet the Independent Sentencing Review's recommendations and tackle the prisons crisis. Read our article about the Review here: www.linkedin.com/pulse/senten...

Screenshot of key findings from adult prisons, found on page 7 of the IMB National Annual Report 2024

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Jun 2

The charity Friends, Families and Travellers have put together a brilliant education pack for prisons filled with ideas to celebrate Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month. Download it here: www.gypsy-traveller.org/wp-content/u...

Front cover and contents page of the education pack

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Mar 1

A gift in your will to PET could be the bridge between someone’s present and their future. Leave a legacy and help us transform the lives of people in prison through learning - write your will for free with our partner Farewill here: buff.ly/3Xev6HD

In response to the question "How is your distance learning course benefitting you?", postcard from learner that reads: "It's the bridge between my present and future; crossing it opens up a world of education opportunities. It benefits me mentally and emotionally while providing skills I can take on to my release. Thank you."

Prisoners' Education Trust@prisonersed· Feb 27

Rebecca's goal is to work in the beauty and wellbeing industry after prison. We supported her to study two of last year's most popular courses - Nutrition to Support Physical Activity and Business Start-up. Discover the rest of the top 10 here: https://buff.ly/4hQLFS1