Prisoners Education Trust

Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) provides distance learning courses, arts and hobby materials, advice and support in subjects and levels not available in prisons. PET believes every prisoner should have the opportunity to benefit from education, and has helped over 28,000 prisoners since the organisation’s foundation in 1989. PET promotes and argues the case for prisoner education, and undertakes research informed by prisoner learners, to improve policies and practice in the long-term. The charity works across England and Wales and supports just under 2,000 men and women in prison each year.

“The first course I did with PET gave me confidence and helped me to get a job within 7 months of leaving prison and that was the first job I’ve ever had. It’s allowed me to join in society and to give something genuinely back.”

“Because PET supported me, I thought there’s things I can do. Art teaches you to work through your mistakes, get your own style, have confidence.” After receiving arts materials in prison, Marvin won awards and achieved a BA at Central St Martins. 

Kristen is back with her children and off drugs after studying a counselling course with PET’s help. “The course was life changing. It gave me a goal and a focus. It helped me to distance myself from the past and look forward."