Prisoners' Education Trust
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prisonersed.bsky.social
Prisoners' Education Trust
@prisonersed.bsky.social
1.3K followers 370 following 140 posts
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
Posts Replies Media Videos
prisonersed.bsky.social
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."
January 24, 2026 at 8:30 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
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."
January 23, 2026 at 8:35 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
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! 😊”
December 8, 2025 at 11:45 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
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.”
December 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
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."
December 4, 2025 at 8:30 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
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.
December 3, 2025 at 3:57 PM
prisonersed.bsky.social
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
December 2, 2025 at 9:39 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
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.”
October 13, 2025 at 7:30 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
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.”
October 12, 2025 at 7:00 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
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.”
October 10, 2025 at 7:30 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
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."
October 8, 2025 at 7:30 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
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"
September 13, 2025 at 8:00 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
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.”
September 12, 2025 at 7:15 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
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'."
August 6, 2025 at 7:30 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
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."
July 10, 2025 at 7:29 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
Today we are launching our Summer Appeal - Hope, drive and recovery through education – to support more people in prison with distance learning courses.

All donations will be doubled while matched funding lasts! Double your impact today: bit.ly/PETSummerApp...
Quote graphic 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'."
July 7, 2025 at 11:30 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
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
June 20, 2025 at 10:54 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
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
June 2, 2025 at 7:30 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
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."
March 1, 2025 at 9:00 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
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
Postcard from learner that reads: "PET has helped enable me to create a positive future for myself and my daughter. I now have more employment opportunities and personal goals to look forward to and strive for. A big BIG thank you."
February 27, 2025 at 8:30 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
"The work I'm doing will allow me to have that better life I think about"

Christopher, who's completing his Maths A-level in prison, sums up the impact of studying on the #InternationalDayofEducation.
Postcard from learner that reads: "A-level Maths Part 2 continues to develop ideas in geometry, algebra, graphs and calculus and I love it. I am occupied on a daily basis and I'm reminded constantly that the work I'm doing will allow me to have that better life I think about. Thanks."
January 24, 2025 at 12:45 PM
prisonersed.bsky.social
An important report from @thinknpc.bsky.social looks at how climate change and nature loss will impact people in prison: https://buff.ly/4g86A2p

There is no national strategy to support people in prison to access green jobs and training but the positive work at these prisons offers a path forward.
HMP and YOI Parc in Wales: The prison site incorporates allotments and beehives. People are paid £28/week to work in the garden and study a horticulture qualification. HMP Hewell: The first prison to offer a training programme using ‘vertical farming’. This may be more accessible to other urban prisons than the traditional prison farm model and claims to offer environmental benefits by reducing food miles and waste. HMP Rye Hill: Delivered a gardening project through Garden Organic’s Master Gardener programme team to support offenders with a history of substance misuse. HMP and YOI Deerbolt, HMP Haverigg and HMP Kirkham: These prisons are part of the Greener on the Outside for Prisons (GOOP) project. GOOP offers gardening, growing, and cooking activities to improve people’s health and develop their skills to increase employability. Various prisons work with The Clink Charity, which provides training and qualification opportunities in activities including horticulture.
January 15, 2025 at 8:30 AM
prisonersed.bsky.social
Thank you so much to everyone who supported and shared our @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge!

With your wonderful support, we hit our target and raised an incredible £43,765 to help people in prison find hope through learning 📚
Postcard from PET learner that reads: "The courses available have the potential to change lifes and allow prisoners to dream of and work towards a better future."
December 10, 2024 at 12:30 PM
prisonersed.bsky.social
There's 24 hours to go, and we're 81% of the way to our @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge target. Can you help us reach it?

Any donation between now and noon tomorrow will be DOUBLED: https://buff.ly/4eR0UIs
Screenshot showing that we are 81% of the way to our Big Give target.
December 9, 2024 at 12:00 PM
prisonersed.bsky.social
Joanna was funded through donations from people like you during our 2019 @biggive.bsky.social Christmas Challenge and now works full time in a job she is passionate about.

Help more people find hope through learning by donating to our #ChristmasChallenge today: https://buff.ly/4eR0UIs
Graphic that reads: "I’ll be eternally grateful to PET. I’ve still got my health and safety folder and books here, sitting on the TV stand. To all PET’s sponsors, the people that donate – it's priceless what you do. None of what I've done would have been possible without PET. I've gone from rock bottom to being on top of the world."
December 8, 2024 at 9:00 AM