Run the Royal Parks Half Marathon for PET
Run for Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) in London this October to give people in prison the chance to transform their lives with education.
Run for Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) in London this October to give people in prison the chance to transform their lives with education.
PET is looking for an exceptional administrator and communicator who will be an integral member of the Access to Learning Team (A2L).
The new Prisoners’ Education Trust Course Prospectus features over 130 distance learning courses for people in prison.
PET is looking for a part-time, permanent Fundraising Officer to contribute to the work of our Fundraising team.
Prisoners’ Education Trust has been awarded a three-year grant by The National Lottery Community Fund, the UK’s largest community funder.
Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) is recruiting a new Chair to lead our Board of Trustees at a pivotal time in our development.
Take a look at our infographic to see how we supported people in prison in 2022.
Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) has published its annual report for 2022, the first year of our new five-year strategy.
PET's 2022 Annual Report and Accounts.
Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) is recruiting a new Chair to lead our Board of Trustees at a pivotal time in our development.
Prisoners’ Education Trust is opening recruitment for a new Chair, with Elisabeth Davies stepping down after nearly five years in the role.
In 2022, PET’s Delivery team gave information, advice and guidance over 3,500 times to current and potential learners. It’s time to meet them!
PET want to ensure that the content of our next prospectus is helpful to people in prison. Your views will help us make sure we get it right!
Run for Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) in London this October to give people in prison the chance to transform their lives with education.
We are delighted to announce the five winners of PET’s Creative Competition, whose entries shine a light on how education has helped them in prison.
Five of PET’s former learners spoke about the impact of studying in prison at our supporters event in London. Here, we find out their stories.
Our new Course Prospectus includes courses from proofreading to wildlife, a step-by-step guide to making a course application and more!
This PET Delivery Team infographic covers the 2021-2022 period, using the information gathered from the feedback forms returned to us by PET funded learners.
The annual report paints a grim picture of prisons struggling to manage and failing to provide much needed education and activities.
Find out why Jon started working for PET, what we’re doing to ensure we reach everyone in prison, and what he hopes we can achieve by 2026.
Prisoners’ Education Trust is calling for investment in digital technology for learners in response to the Education Select Committee report.
Join our CEO Jon Collins to hear about his first year at PET and our plans for 2022.
2021 saw over 1,300 people start courses in prison with PET. Discover our most popular courses since we launched our 2021–2022 prospectus.
Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) is calling for urgent funding for education in response to the Prisons Strategy White Paper.
Prisoners’ Education Trust has launched its new strategy, setting out plans to make sure everyone in prison has access to education.
Prisoners’ Education Trust has submitted written evidence to the Justice Select Committee inquiry on women in prison, as it explores how well women’s needs are met in prison.
If you wish to become a transport manager or an owner/operator in the commercial transport industry, this qualification is essential. The course covers the civil, commercial, social and fiscal law associated with haulage, as well as providing information on business and financial management, access to the market, technical standards and road safety.
The course covers the following subjects:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: None – self-assessed workbook
Exams: One external exam. This can only be done at a regional exam centre after release, or on ROTL if prison support.
Prison Support Requirements: Support arranging exam at local centre
Tutor Support: None
Find Out More: You can read more about the course provider, EP Training, here.
Based on feedback from learners, prison and education staff, and the expert advice team here at PET, we’ve improved and refreshed our prospectus and now offer over 120 courses to people in prison.
Jon Collins talks the challenges prison education is facing, digital learning, and how people in prison can help shape the charity’s future.
After eight years as CEO, Rod Clark reflects on leaving Prisoners’ Education Trust and the positive future he foresees for the organisation.
Working with learners, PET’s Welsh Prison Project have made an animation about the successes and achievements of people studying in prison.
Seven changes that would make a real difference to prison learners and help to unlock their potential. Our suggestions to the Education Select Committee’s inquiry.
John Samuels QC reflects on a difficult year for people in prison – as restricted conditions continue, even over Christmas.
If you are thinking about making a start with distance learning and looking for useful tips to help you on the way, PET's short courses are a great place to start. With our short courses, there’s no pressure: you won’t need to submit assignments or sit an exam. Instead it’s an opportunity for you get a taste of distance learning, working at your own pace. By giving you the chance to experience studying with PET, you can prepare to embark on a full distance learning course and be confident you’ll hit the ground running.
This course aims to give you a taste of what it is like to study courses related to sport and nutrition at Level 2 or above. It will improve your knowledge of anatomy and health, and may help with obtaining work or volunteering opportunities as a fitness instructor.
This is a FREE course which is printable via the Prison Staff Log-in page of our website. There is no need to apply for funding to PET.
The course contains five units:
Entry Requirements: Level 1 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based (available for download)
Assignments: None – instead, the course contains a series of self-assessed exercises. (Answer sheets are also included).
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Print the course and distribute to learner.
Tutor Support: No
What’s Next? Once you have achieved Level 2 English, you can apply for any PET course related to fitness or nutrition
Find Out More: On the Prison Staff log-in page of our website.
If you are thinking about making a start with distance learning and looking for useful tips to help you on the way, PET's short courses are a great place to start. With our short courses, there’s no pressure: you won’t need to submit assignments or sit an exam. Instead it’s an opportunity for you get a taste of distance learning, working at your own pace. By giving you the chance to experience studying with PET, you can prepare to embark on a full distance learning course and be confident you’ll hit the ground running.
This course aims to give you a taste of what it is like to study courses related to counselling or mental health at Level 2 and above. Increased knowledge of these areas are useful for everyday life, and can open the door to further study, as well as potentially finding volunteering or employment in this sector.
This is a FREE course which is printable via the Prison Staff Log-in page of our website. There is no need to apply for funding to PET.
The course contains five units:
Entry Requirements: Level 1 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based (available for download)
Assignments: None – instead, the course contains a series of self-assessed exercises. (Answer sheets are also included).
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Print the course and distribute to learner.
Tutor Support: No
What’s Next? Once you have achieved Level 2 English, you can apply for any PET course related to health and social care, or counselling.
Find Out More: On the Prison Staff log-in page of our website.
If you are thinking about making a start with distance learning and looking for useful tips to help you on the way, PET's short courses are a great place to start. With our short courses, there’s no pressure: you won’t need to submit assignments or sit an exam. Instead it’s an opportunity for you get a taste of distance learning, working at your own pace. By giving you the chance to experience studying with PET, you can prepare to embark on a full distance learning course and be confident you’ll hit the ground running.
This course aims to give you a taste of what it is like to study courses related to construction, or health and safety at Level 2 and above. Courses in these three areas are very popular amongst prisoner learners, and can increase employment prospects in the construction industry upon release.
This is a FREE course which is printable via the Prison Staff Log-in page of our website. There is no need to apply for funding to PET.
The course contains five units:
Entry Requirements: Level 1 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based (available for download)
Assignments: None – instead, the course contains a series of self-assessed exercises. (Answer sheets are also included).
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Print the course and distribute to learner.
Tutor Support: No
What’s Next? Once you have achieved Level 2 English, you can apply for one of PET’s Level 2 construction and health and safety courses.
Find Out More: On the Prison Staff log-in page of our website.
If you are thinking about making a start with distance learning and looking for useful tips to help you on the way, PET's short courses are a great place to start. With our short courses, there’s no pressure: you won’t need to submit assignments or sit an exam. Instead it’s an opportunity for you get a taste of distance learning, working at your own pace. By giving you the chance to experience studying with PET, you can prepare to embark on a full distance learning course and be confident you’ll hit the ground running.
This course aims to give you a taste of what it is like to study courses related to business, accounting and bookkeeping at Level 2 and above. Courses in these three areas are very popular amongst prisoner learners. Increased knowledge of cashflow, planning and marketing can be of great benefit in day to day life.
This is a FREE course which is printable via the Prison Staff Log-in page of our website. There is no need to apply for funding to PET.
The course contains five units:
Entry Requirements: Level 1 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based (available for download)
Assignments: None – instead, the course contains a series of self-assessed exercises. (Answer sheets are also included).
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Print the course and distribute to learner.
Tutor Support: No
What’s Next? Once you have achieved Level 2 English and Maths, you can apply for any PET course related to business, accounting or book-keeping
Find Out More: On the Prison Staff log-in page of our website.
Without immediate action to reinstate education in prisons, people will return to their communities “deskilled, disillusioned and discouraged”.
Rod Clark is stepping down as Chief Executive of Prisoners’ Education Trust after seven and a half years in the role.
A new report from Pro Bono Economics provides further evidence that PET’s work has a positive economic impact for society.
This study from Pro Bono Economics draws on evidence from the Justice Data Lab to estimate the economic benefits to society of getting a learner funded by PET into employment after prison.
PET Volunteer and Doctoral Researcher Xander Ryan explains how he created short courses to improve learners’ study skills and help them progress.
Just over two months after launching the PET Advice Line, we have already taken over 300 calls from 60 prisons. PET’s Advice Manager reflects on its impact.
PET’s Chief Executive responds to the new report on the issue of separation of children in Young Offenders’ Institutions.
Creative Arts students at HMP Pentonville have created a commemorative book marking the prison’s 20-year partnership with PET.
Creative Arts and Design students at HMP Pentonville have created a commemorative booklet marking 30 years of distance learning with Prisoners' Education Trust.
You can read an interactive version of the book at bit.ly/pet-pentonville
PET has launched a new accredited Peer Mentor course, co-written by prison peer mentors and the people they support.
Bullied at school and disillusioned with the education system, Dalton fell in with the wrong crowd and ended up in prison. But in amongst the chaos, he discovered the courses offered by PET and a world of new possibilities.
Prisoners’ Education Trust’s BBC Radio 4 Appeal airs this Sunday 15 December, presented by columnist, broadcaster and novelist Grace Dent.
Prisoners’ Education Trust is delighted to announce the presenter of our BBC Radio 4 Appeal, which is set to air this December.
After a successful trial in six prisons, PET has launched its new application form for distance learning across England and Wales.
Pictures, postcards and inspiration from our 30th birthday party, as staff, trustees, former prisons learners, supporters and founders gathered to help us celebrate.
Since 2010, The Taylor Family Foundation has supported PET with £85,000 of funding, giving nearly 200 young prisoners in the South of England the chance to transform their lives through education.
Our 2018 - 2020 strategy sets out PET's vision and plans for the future - putting the learner in the centre of everything we do; increasing support for prison staff and our transformation into a digital organisation.
Elisabeth Davies, a specialist in public policy, has been named as the new Chair of Prisoners’ Education Trust, taking over the position from Alexandra Marks CBE.
Elisabeth Davies has been named as the new Chair of Prisoners’ Education Trust, taking over the position from Alexandra Marks CBE. In this interview, the new and outgoing Chairs discuss the successes of the last six years and what the future holds for the charity.
Francesca Cooney joined PET as Head of Policy in September. Here she tells us about the challenges facing prison education and her priorities over the coming months.
Prisons Minister Rory Stewart has welcomed new research published by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) today showing people in prison who have accessed distance learning through Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) are more likely to find work after release.
This analysis investigates the employment and benefits outcomes of prisoners who received grants for distance learning through PET, compared with a group of similar prisoners who did not receive these grants.
Prison leaders from around the globe tell us a little more about what they will be speaking about at the PET Annual Lecture on 4 June.
Writer and education specialist Dr Lewis Owens took on an epic ten-day run to raise much-needed funds for Prisoners’ Education Trust.
PET’s Chief Executive draws on evidence to document the many ways education offers prisoners a new and positive identity. He outlines the four main categories of desistance theory and how education is a successful way of reducing re-offending rates.
Prisoners Education Trust (PET) and the Prisoner Learning Alliance (PLA) response to The Department for Business Innovation and Skills proposals to expand the loans system by age and level of qualification.
A briefing document outlining PET's concerns, questions and recommendations about the Ministry of Justice's plans for secure colleges, with a particular focus on education and learning.
Written evidence presented to the Education Select Committe inquiry on Ofsted's Further Education and Skills report, with a focus on prison education.
Consultation response document on the management of young adults in custody, with particular focus on proposals to move all 18-20 year olds into the adult estate, high rates of reoffending among young adults and educational needs.
PLA's response to the Justice Select Committee's inquiry 'Crime reduction policies - A coordinated response' with a particular focus on the relationship between education and rehabilitation.
Consultation response document on 'Transforming youth custody: Putting education at the heart of detention', re-emphasising points raised in the Standing Committe for Youth Justice response and adding several additional comments.
A policy response document re-emphasising several points made by the Criminal Justice Alliance and drawing on our expertise and prisoner feedback, raising further issues relating to the valuable role of learning in prison and after release towards rehabilitation and reducing re-offending.
This course will introduce you to the basic principles and ethics of wildlife care including rehabilitation and release, and develop your knowledge in the care and management of birds, small mammals, larger mammals, and marine mammals.
1. Basic principles and ethics of wildlife care including rehabilitation and release
2. Care and management of birds
3. Care and management of small mammals
4. Care and management of larger mammals
5. Care and management of marine mammals
6. Rehabilitation considerations and release methods
PET entry requirements: Level 2 English
Format of course material: Paper-based
Assignments: Six assignments
Exam: No
Prison support requirements: Support assessment submission and contact supplier for tutor support
Tutor support: Tutors give support by providing feedback and answering queries.
This course will allow you to develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of this popular domestic animal, including opportunities to study cat behaviour and health care. Although not a regulated qualification, this knowledge-based course can give learners an advantage when applying for entry-level employment in catteries and other animal care opportunities. It will also help you to be a better cat owner.
1. Understand the evolution and domestication of the feline.
2. Analyse the basic anatomy of the cat.
3. Examine breeds of cats and common breed specific problems.
4. Examine common feline behaviours.
5. Evaluate the value of correct nutrition.
6. Summarise infectious and non-infectious disease of the cat.
PET entry requirements: Level 2 English
Format of course material: Paper-based
Assignments: Six assignments
Exam: No
Prison support requirements: Support assessment submission and contact supplier for tutor support
Tutor support: Tutors give support by providing feedback and answering queries.
This course is designed to meet the needs of dog owners and those wishing to work in an environment with canine animals, such as boarding kennels, rescue homes and training schools. The course allows you to study the history and evolution of the canine. You will also have the chance to learn about the psychology of canine learning and behaviour, anatomy and physiology, as well as how to provide the correct nutrition for dogs of a variety of breeds and ages.
1. History and evolution of the canine
2. Differences between dogs and their wolf ancestors
3. Psychology of canine learning and behaviour
4. Dogs in society
5. Nutrition for dogs of a variety of breeds and age
6. Canine anatomy and physiology
PET entry requirements: Level 2 English
Format of course material: Paper-based
Assignments: Six assignments
Exam: No
Prison support requirements: Support assessment submission and contact supplier for tutor support
Tutor support: Tutors give support by providing feedback and answering queries.
This Access module gives you the chance to dip into some of our most popular subjects, such as psychology, childhood and youth, early years, health and social wellbeing, sport, education, and social sciences. You'll be introduced to discussions of theory and engage with real-world events to build up your knowledge and understanding of these wide-ranging topics. The areas you'll cover are introduced and explained at a gentle pace, which is perfect if you want to discover something new or brush-up on your study skills.
There are three blocks:
Block 1: Who am I?
This block, which you will study in print, considers identity and the overarching question of “Who am I?”
Block 2: Is it fair?
Block 2 moves to online study and addresses the topic of fairness in several different ways and an exploration of difference and inequality.
Block 3: What can be done?
Block 3 identifies some key issues you studied in the previous two blocks and considers them in practical terms.
PET entry requirements: Level 2 English and Maths
Format of course material: Paper-based and on the VC2. Paper-based and a CD-ROM for the audio-video content. All content is also available on the VC2.
Assignments: There are four tutor-marked assignments (TMAs).
There are five interactive computer -marked assignments (iCMAs). No computer access needed.
Exam: No
Prison support requirements: Register and reserve learner on the course before start date (February, May and October each year) by contacting the OU and Student Finance England/ Wales.
Support assessment submission (ideally scan to the tutor or post) and contact supplier for tutor support.
Tutor support: Tutors give support by providing feedback answering queries.
By gaining this Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) certification, you will demonstrate you have the practical, real-world accounting knowledge sought by employers, not just in the UK but also internationally. The course will provide you with a solid foundation for working in finance by introducing you to a wide range of accountancy principles, techniques and skills, including bookkeeping transactions and controls, and understanding cost recording systems.
1. Introduction to Bookkeeping
2. Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
3. Principles of Costing
4. The Business Environment
PET entry requirements: Level 2 English and Maths
Format of course material: Paper-based
Assignments: Nine assignments
Exam: Three exams which can only be taken upon release or ROTL at an external AAT exam centre.
Prison support requirements: Support assessment submission and contact supplier for tutor support.
Tutor support: Tutors give support by providing feedback answering queries.
Drug and alcohol misuse is a serious and widespread problem, affecting not just those with substance abuse problems, but the people around them and society as a whole. Drug and alcohol counsellors work with people who are struggling with addiction, helping them to overcome their problems and lead healthier, more productive lives. This course will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful substance misuse counsellor.
1. Introduction to Addictions
2. Addictive Substances
3. Models and Perspectives Surrounding Substance Misuse
4. Classification of Substances
5. Treatment and Preventions
6. Stages of Change
7. Navigating Recovery
8. Reflexivity and Diversity
PET entry requirements: Level 2 English
Format of course material: Paper-based
Assignments: Eight assignments
Exam: No
Prison support requirements: Support assessment submission and contact supplier for tutor support
Tutor support: Tutors give support by providing feedback answering queries.
This course is a follow-up to Part 1. Writing Autobiography puts you at centre stage, focusing on how you can use diaries, journals, letters and more to tell your story. Playwriting and screenwriting give you an introduction to writing scripts, concentrating on dialogue, acts and plots, and the unique considerations of writing for stage and screen.
Unit 1 Writing About Your Life
Unit 2 Playwriting and Screenwriting
PET entry requirements: Level 2 English
Format of course material: Paper-based
Assignments: Seven Progress Checks and Two assignments
Exam: No
Prison support requirements: Support assessment submission and contact supplier for tutor support
Tutor support: Tutors give support by providing feedback answering queries.
This course is a follow-up to Part 1, and it explores writing poetry and writing for younger readers. In both units, you will practise how to write in a vivid, exciting, and immediate way by considering your use of imagery, words, and rhythm. You will study poetic forms, genre, and romance among many other things!
Unit 1 Writing Poetry
Unit 2 Writing for Younger Readers
PET entry requirements: Level 2 English
Format of course material: Paper-based
Assignments: Seven Progress Checks and Two assignments
Exam: No
Prison support requirements: Support assessment submission and contact supplier for tutor support
Tutor support: Tutors give support by providing feedback answering queries.
This course is a follow-up to Part 1, and it provides you with the introductory guidance you need to start turning your creativity into cash, whether through traditional or non-traditional publishing paths. Non-Fiction gets you practising different types of non-fiction writing, including reviews, articles, travel writing and biography.
Unit 1 Writing Short Stories
Unit 2 Writing Novels
PET entry requirements: Level 2 English
Format of course material: Paper-based
Assignments Seven Progress: Checks and Two assignments
Exam: No
Prison support requirements: Support assessment submission and contact supplier for tutor support
Tutor support: Tutors give support by providing feedback answering queries.
This course is a follow-up to Part 1, and it focuses on the key skills needed to write stories. You will explore how to structure a short story and how to structure a novel, including beginnings and endings. You will practise different ways of approaching conflict and character, and ultimately hone your narrative-writing craft.
Unit 1 Writing Short Stories
Unit 2 Writing Novels
PET entry requirements: Level 2 English
Format of course material: Paper-based
Assignments: Seven Progress Checks and Two assignments
Exam: No
Prison support requirements: Support assessment submission and contact supplier for tutor support
Tutor support: Tutors give support by providing feedback answering queries.
This qualification will introduce learners to the skills required to plan, organise, and evaluate events – including weddings, live music, charity runs and corporate events such as conferences. This course covers marketing methods, market research, human resources, communication, health and safety, and customer service. Event planning is an important part of many jobs, including charity fundraising, but it can also be a specialist profession in itself, for example as a wedding planner, club promoter or conference organiser.
Unit 1: Planning an event.
Unit 2: Reviewing and evaluating an event.
Unit 3: Marketing and market research for event planning.
Unit 4: Planning human resources for events.
Unit 5: Communication and customer service for events.
PET entry requirements: Level 2 English
Format of course material: Paper-based (or file transfer on request)
Assignments: 5 written assignments
Exam: No
Prison support requirements: Support submission of assignments
Tutor support: Yes
In a new Clinks Evidence Library review, PET CEO Jon Collins takes a look at the evidence on the impact of prison education.
New PET Chair Paul Kelly has experience in the private sector and as a trustee and chair, as well as experience of the justice system.
Download PET's Course Prospectus - our comprehensive guide to the distance learning courses we offer, with information on how to apply and how to prepare to study.
PET’s Head of Fundraising and External Affairs takes a look back at the impact you’ve helped us make for people in prison this year.
The PET office will be closed from Monday 25 December and will reopen on Tuesday 2 January.
Our Big Give Christmas Challenge is now live, where you can double your donation! Your support can be a lifeline for learners.
Prisoners’ Education Trust has been recommended by the Good Giving List, the UK’s first thoroughly-vetted list of effective UK charities.
Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) has won the Voluntary Contribution to Community Safety and Justice Award at the Inspire Justice Awards.
People from South Yorkshire are studying courses with PET thanks to support from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Giving Back scheme.
Demand for our support is continuing to increase but at a pace we cannot match. Please support us to ensure that no learner gets left behind.
PET has been able to provide courses to 34 veterans in prison thanks to a three-year grant from the Veterans’ Foundation.
Thanks to ongoing support from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, 41 army veterans in prison have started distance learning courses since July 2022.
One of our learners, David, wrote a letter to PET to explain how studying a course in prison has made all the difference.
The new Available but not Accessible report looks at the barriers to purposeful activities in prison for Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers.
1,375 learners started a course with PET in prison last year. Find out which courses were a hit with our learners.
The new HM Inspectorate of Prisons inspection report reveals how staff shortages are affecting education in prison.
Our Big Give Christmas Challenge, “Brighter futures through education in prison”, is now live! Find out how your donation can be doubled.
Our two new trustees include a trained counsellor and a corporate director with experience in the housing, care and support sector.
A grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire is supporting PET learners from South Yorkshire.
Download PET’s Course Prospectus - exploring all the subject areas we offer and helping people in prison choose from over 125 distance learning courses.
After leaving prison, Erika joined our Alumni Advisory Group and started creating artwork to make an impact in the criminal justice sector.
Our Head of Policy, Francesca Cooney examines the findings of the recent report on prison education from the Education Select Committee.
The new trustees include a former prison governor, a further education college vice principal, and the founder of a fundraising challenge.
This is an introductory course aimed at anyone involved in managing workplace health and safety risks including those who undertake risk assessments. You will develop straightforward, practical health and safety risk management skills so you can go beyond risk assessment, to effectively control the health and safety risks caused by hazards in your workplace. This is the perfect platform for taking further NEBOSH courses at a higher level.
The course consists of 3 elements:
Element 1: Why manage health and safety risks
Element 2: Managing risk
Element 3: Sources of information and the application of HSE’s risk management tools
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: A written risk assessment is completed at the end of the course. You will be asked to consider a realistic workplace scenario and complete a risk assessment to identify how you would manage and prioritise the risks present. This assessment needs to be submitted to RRC International for external examination.
Exams: No
Prison Support Requirements: Facilitate assessment
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Any NEBOSH Level 3 Certificate
Find Out More:
Dyslexia wasn’t recognised when George was at school and he missed out on getting qualifications. Now he’s on his way to a master’s degree.
PET thanks His Honour John Samuels QC for his significant contribution to our work, as he retires from the role as President.
PET’s Head of Fundraising and Communications takes a look back at everything we have achieved in 2021 thanks to the help of our supporters.
The PET Advice Line will close on Thursday 23rd December until Tuesday 4th January. Our office will close on 24th December until 4th January.
Prisoners’ Education Trust is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge again this year – when you can have your donation doubled!
Garry went into prison with just one O Level to his name. He left with a BSc (Honours) in Environmental Science.
Join us at this online event and get to know more about what Prisoners’ Education Trust does and how we are helping people in prison.
We’ve launched our new five year strategy for 2022-2026. Read the foreword by PET alumnus and member of our Alumni Advisory Group Dalton.
This one-page document summarises PET’s aims for 2022-2026, as set out in our new strategy.
Everyone in prison, wherever they are in the country and whatever their background, should have access to education. PET’s five-year strategy sets out our plans to make that happen.
In the last of three blogs on how prisons are recovering from the pandemic and what this means for prison learners, PET’s Head of Policy Francesca Cooney reflects on the changes to in-cell study and the support that learners need to succeed.
In PET’s second blog about how prisons are recovering from the pandemic, we look at the changes we would like to see to the core day.
The first of three blogs about how prisons are recovering from the pandemic and what this means for prison learners.
The ancient Greeks and Romans created a legacy that has shaped the literature, language, arts, politics and philosophy of the western world. This course allows you to develop a critical approach to the literature and culture of this fascinating period in history. You will study poetry and plays and analyse the issues and values that shaped classical civilisation.
The course contains four lessons that carry on from Part 1:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus Classical Civilisation Part 1
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Four written assignments. These do not count towards the final grade.
Exams: Three exams (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees)
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Facilitate and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University Access Modules YO31: Arts and Languages, or YO32: People, Work and Society
Find Out More: From NEC here
In a challenging year, veterans studying in prison have been able to look to the future thanks to support from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
Download PET’s Course Prospectus - exploring all the subject areas we offer and helping people in prison choose from over 120 distance learning courses.
Education was key to Dominic leading a life away from crime and helping the next generation of construction workers.
The University of Edinburgh’s Life Beyond project inspires learners in prison to explore and produce designs of settlements beyond Earth.
This course will provide you with the knowledge required to work in a customer service role in a range of different environments. Through a series of written assignments, you will develop an essential understanding of the principles and practices of providing effective customer service – including customer retention, resolving customer complaints and problems, monitoring feedback, and customer expectations.
The course contains seven units:
1. The customer service environment
2. Principles of Business
3. Resolving customers’ problems and complaints
4. Understanding customers and customer retention
5. Understanding how to monitor customer service interactions and feedback
6. Understanding equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace
7. Understanding how to manage incidents and collaborate with other departments in a contact centre
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Eight written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Any of PET’s other Level 3 Management courses
Find Out More: From NCC directly here
Education provided a turning point for Jonathan. Beginning with GCSEs funded by PET, he went on to complete a Masters degree and begin a PhD in prison, working as a graduate tutor whilst on day release.
PET’s Welsh Prisons Project has pioneered many of the changes we have made to improve our support for learners in recent times.
PET established the Welsh Prisons Project in December 2015 as a way to explore innovative new ways of delivering education in prisons. This report covers the main achievements of the Project's second phase.
PET funded over 1000 people to take courses in prison last year, helping them work towards their dream of a better life.
New government research shows the positive impact of education for people supported by Prisoners’ Education Trust goes beyond finding work.
Prisoners’ Education Trust has appointed Jon Collins as its new chief executive, as people in prison enter their tenth month in lockdown.
This course replaces the Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTTLS) qualification, and is the first step towards working in post-16 or adult level teaching or training. It is also useful if part of your role is to train others. You will find out how to plan, deliver and assess effective learning, and discover the roles, responsibilities and relationships involved in teaching.
The course consists of four sections:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Four tutor marked assignments
Exams: Yes – the “Microteach Element”. This involves a practical fifteen minute teaching session that will need to be recorded. Due to security issues, this is most often completed by learners upon release. (PET funding does not cover this element).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments, plus microteach element if possible. An additional enrolment form is also required by NEC before the learner can start on the course.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? A course in the subject you wish to teach (e.g. a vocational course like fitness). PET also offer TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) at Level 5.
Find Out More: From NEC here
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With this qualification, you’ll improve your understanding of human behaviour and interaction and explore issues around race, inequality and religion. You will get the opportunity to develop transferable skills like critical analysis, as well as independent thinking and research.
This course contains five lessons that follow on from Part 1:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths, plus Sociology A-Level Part 1
Assignments: Five written assignments. These do not contribute towards the final grade.
Exams: Three – each are 2 hours long, and contribute 33.3% of the final grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees)
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University Access Module Y032 People, Work and Society.
Find Out More: From NEC here
This course explores a variety of perspectives on religion and its impact on people’s behaviour, communities and cultures. Focusing on topics such as life after death and the existence of God, you’ll get the chance to reflect on your own values and attitude, as well as develop critical thinking and effective communication.
The course contains five lessons that follow on from Part 1:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus Religious Studies A-Level Part 1
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Five written assignments. These do not contribute towards the final grade.
Exams: Three – all are 2 hours long and count 33.3% towards the final grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University Access Module Y032 People, Work and Society
Find Out More: From NEC here
In this course, you’ll deepen your understanding of theories underpinning human behaviour – exploring memory, cognition and mental health. You’ll also develop your analytical and organisational skills, discovering which scientific research methods can be used to collect, process and analyse data.
The course contains four lessons that follow on from Part 1:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths, plus Psychology A-Level Part 1
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Four written assignments. These do not contribute towards the final grade.
Exams: Three – all are 2 hours long and count 33.3% towards the final grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees)
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University Access Module Y032 People, Work and Society
Find Out More: From NEC here
This course will expand your knowledge of elections, referendums and nationalism and help you develop an understanding of current political issues in the world. It will also improve your transferable skills, such as research, and build your analytical and critical thinking ability.
The course contains six lessons that follow on from Part 1:
5. Conservatism and Liberalism
6. Socialism and Nationalism
7. U.S. Constitution and Congress
8. The U.S. President and the Supreme Court
9. Democracy and Participation in the U.S.
10. Comparative Approaches
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus Politics A-Level Part 1
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Six written assignments. These do not contribute towards the final grade.
Exams: Three – all are 2 hours long and count 33.3% towards the final grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University Access Module Y032 People, Work and Society
Find Out More: From NEC here
This course delves into some of life’s fundamental questions – about existence, knowledge and ethics. You’ll deepen your understanding of human beings and free will, and consider questions about God’s existence and what knowledge is. This course also improves transferable skills, such as independent studies and the ability to explore and evaluate concepts.
The course contains five lessons that follow on from Part 1:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus Philosophy A-Level Part 1
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Five written assignments. These do not contribute towards the final grade.
Exams: Two exams – each are 3 hours long, and contribute 50% towards the final grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University Access Module Y032 People, Work and Society
Find Out More: From NEC here
This course will help you to develop excellent numeracy skills and gain a sound ability to interpret and process data sets. You’ll also learn to be resilient and to think creatively and strategically, developing the strong mathematical knowledge needed to write structured solutions and formulate reasoned arguments.
The course contains five lessons that follow on from Part 1:
6. Pure Mathematics 4 (Algebra 3, functions and graphs, trigonometry 3, sequences and series)
7. Pure Mathematics 5 (Trigonometry 4, sequences and series 2, differentiation 3, integration 2)
8. Pure Mathematics 6 (Numerical methods, differentiation 4, parameters, integration 3, differential equations)
9. Statistics 2 (Correlation and regression, probability, the normal distribution, approximations and testing)
10. Mechanics 2 (Moments, equilibrium 2, forces and motion, projectiles, further kinematics)
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths, plus Maths A-Level Part 1
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Five written assignments. These do not contribute towards the final grade.
Exams: Three exams – each are 2 hours long, and contribute 33.3% towards the final grade. Learners can use a calculator in all three exams. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University Access Module Y033 Science, Technology and Maths
Find Out More: From NEC here
This course explores the English legal system and substantive law, including criminal and civil law. You’ll consider different scenarios – applying legal rules, constructing arguments and evaluating key legal issues and concepts. The course will also develop your problem-solving and analytical thinking, as well as your essay writing, research and debating skills – preparing you for a diverse range of future career paths.
The course contains six lessons that follow on from Part 1:
5. Criminal law – offences against the person
6. Criminal law – property offences
7: Tort
8. Human rights 1
9. Human rights 2
10. Nature of law
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus Law A-Level Part 1
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Six written assignments. These do not contribute towards the final grade.
Exams: Three – each are 2 hours long, and contribute 33.3% of the final grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University Access Module Y032 People, Work and Society.
Find Out More: From NEC here
From the abolition of the slave trade to the history of Germany, studying this course will improve your knowledge of the past, whilst also developing valuable skills for your future. It will help you to become a more inquiring, critical and analytical thinker, and to develop reasoned arguments and draw logical conclusions. You’ll discover how critical thinking and evidence play a crucial role in decision making.
The course contains five lessons that follow on from Part 1:
6. Coursework – Non Exam Assessment
7. Prosperity and Social Change – Germany 1871-1990
8. Germany United 1871-1935
9. Germany Divided and Re-united 1945-1990
10. Revision
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus History A-Level Part 1
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Five written assignments. These do not contribute towards the final grade.
Exams: Three exams ((Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
1. 2 hours, 15 minutes (30% of overall grade)
2. 1 hour, 30 minutes (30% of overall grade)
3. 2 hours, 15 minutes (30% of overall grade)
One coursework task (20% of overall grade)
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University Access Module Y031 Arts and Languages, or Y032 People, Work and Society
Find Out More: From NEC here
This qualification will help you to develop an enjoyment and love of the written word. By reading widely, and critically, across centuries, gender and genre, you will develop as an independent reader and critic. Through analysing complex literary issues using theories and critical ideas, you can develop skills useful for higher education and highly-valued in a wide variety of job roles.
The course contains six units that follow on from Part 1:
5. Non-Exam Assessment
6. Modern Times: Spies
7. Modern Times: All My Sons
8. Modern Times: Skirrid Hill
9. Modern Times: Unseen Prose
10. Revision
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus English Literature A-Level Part 1
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Six written assignments. These do not contribute towards the final grade.
Exams: Two (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
One three hour exam (40% of marks)
One 2 hour 30 minute exam (40% of marks)
Non-Exam Assessment – coursework task (20% of marks)
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University Access Module Y031 Arts and Languages
Find Out More: From NEC here
This course deepens your knowledge of linguistic analysis and explores language use in a variety of situations and contexts. From political speeches and song lyrics, to cartoon strips and food labelling, the course will introduce you to a rich set of resources and styles of writing. You’ll learn about the terminology and grammar that underpins the English language, building your understanding of how language works in the way it does.
The course contains five lessons that follow on from Part 1:
6. Original Writing (Non-Exam Assessment)
7. Early Child Language Acquisition
8. Reading and Writing
9. Language Change and Diversity
10. The language Investigation (Non Exam Assessment)
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus English Language A-Level Part 1
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Five written assignments. These do not contribute towards the final grade.
Exams: Two – each are 2 hours 30 minutes, and contribute 40% of the marks. The Non-Exam Assessment makes up the remaining 20%. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University Access Module Y031 – Arts and Languages
Find Out More: From NEC here
Economics shapes how we allocate limited resources and measures the impact of our choices. You’ll study the UK and global economy, using economic theory to analyse issues and present your ideas and conclusions in a clear, logical way. Whether you’re pursuing a career in business, finance or politics, this course will build your problem-solving, analytical and decision-making skills, in readiness for a wide range of future career and university choices.
The course contains four units that follow on from Part 1
7. Markets
8. Government Intervention in Markets
9. International Economics
10. Macroeconomic Strategies and Policies
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths, plus Economics Part 1
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Four written assignments (These do not contribute towards the final grade).
Exams: Three exams. Each are two hours, and contribute 35%, 35% and 30% of the final grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Facilitate and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? OU Access Modules Y032:People, Work and Society, or YO33: Science, Technology and Maths
Find Out More: From NEC here
This is one of four Islamic Finance courses and it is recommended that this course should be studied third after Islamic Commercial Law and Islamic Banking and takaful. This course focuses on the differences between conventional and Islamic capital markets, the primary and secondary capital markets, and regulation within the Islamic capital market. After getting an overview of global developments, you will also learn about the screening processes used in accepting and rejecting Sharia compliant products, Islamic bonds, sukuk, securities and real estate trusts.
The course consists of 14 chapters:
1. Overview of global Islamic capital market developments
2. Islamic capital markets and instruments
3. Growth and development of Islamic capital markets
4. Essential Shari’ah principles governing the Islamic capital market (1)
5. Essential Shari’ah principles governing the Islamic capital market (2)
6. Islamic bonds
7. Islamic Sukuks
8. Islamic asset-backed securities
9. Islamic equity screening criteria
10. Islamic mutual funds/unit trusts: an overview
11. Islamic mutual funds /unit trusts: contracts and products
12. Islamic real estate investment trusts
13. Islamic structured products and derivatives
14. Principles and contracts underlying Islamic structured products
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: None, but the course contains a study guide, exemplars, and practice questions.
Exams: One exam – 40 multiple choice questions, one hour long. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Organize and invigilate exam
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? The fourth and final course in this series of Islamic Finance courses is the Certificate in Accounting for Islamic Financial Institutions.
Find Out More: You can read about the course provider here
This is one of four Islamic Finance courses and it is recommended that this course should be studied second after Islamic Commercial Law. By studying this course you will build your understanding of the developments which have taken place in Islamic financial institutions and systems. The course also focuses on the various products developed by Islamic banks for their customers, the products and services offered under takaful, and issues relating to underwriting.
The course contains 10 chapters:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: None, but the course contains a study guide, exemplars, and practice questions.
Exams: One exam – 40 multiple choice questions, one hour long. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Organize and invigilate exam
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Certificate in Islamic Capital Markets and Instruments, and then Certificate in Accounting for Islamic Financial Institutions.
Find Out More: You can read about the course provider here
This is one of four Islamic Finance courses and it is recommended that this course should be studied first. With this course you will gain an introduction to Islamic commercial law as it relates to Islamic finance. You will study the sources of the Islamic commercial law, including the Qur'an and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, as well as the methodologies used to solve modern problems in Islamic Finance. You will also focus on Sharia compliance and the importance of Sharia standards.
The course contains 11 chapters:
1. An introduction to Islamic finance
2. Shari’ah compliance
3. Source of Islamic Commercial Law
4. Methodology of interpretation of Islamic commercial law
5. Formation of contracts
6. Classification of contracts
7. Comparison of classifications of contracts
8. Traditional Islamic contracts and Islamic finance
9. Overview of Islamic banking, Takaful and capital market products
10. Application of Islamic contracts in Islamic finance
11. Implementation of Shari’ah standards, policies and rulings in Islamic finance
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: None, but the course contains a study guide, exemplars, and practice questions.
Exams: One exam – 40 multiple choice questions, one hour long. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Organize and invigilate exam
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? The next three Islamic Finance courses should be taken in the following order: Certificate in banking and takaful; Certificate in Islamic capital markets and Instruments; Certificate in accounting for Islamic financial Institutions.
Find Out More: You can read about the course provider here
This is one of four Islamic Finance courses and it is recommended that this course should be the fourth and last to be studied. This course will help you gain understanding in a wide range of areas, starting with the reporting framework and standards of Islamic financial institutions, and the analysis and classification of Islamic funding and financing transactions. You will also learn how transactions adopting different contracts of financing are reported in Islamic financial statements, and find out about financial accountability and Sharia compliance of Islamic financial institutions.
The course consists of 12 chapters:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: None, but the course contains a study guide, exemplars, and practice questions.
Exams: One exam – 40 multiple choice questions, one hour long. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Organize and invigilate exam
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? There are a wide range of finance, business and management courses to consider.
Find Out More: You can read about the course provider here
This course helps to develop your knowledge of how business works, whether you are interested in setting up your own business or want to explore a wide variety of industries. It will also help you to develop sound reasoning and leadership skills, and an analytical approach.
The course contains four lessons that follow on from part 1:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths, plus Business Part 1
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Four written assignments (these do not count towards the final grade)
Exams: Three exams. Each are 2 hours and contribute 33.3% of the final grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Facilitate and invigilate exams
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University Access Module YO32: People, Work and Society
Find Out More: via NEC here
Watch the Shadow Justice Secretary join our expert panel for an online discussion on education, race and criminal justice.
The This Small Change project is asking museums and galleries to offer postcards to prisoners, to help alleviate the conditions they are facing during lockdown.
We have written to Dr Jo Farrar, seeking assurance that prisons are doing all they can to restore educational opportunities as they emerge from lockdown.
Charles Cockell, from Edinburgh University, discusses the successful Life Beyond project established through a partnership between Fife College and the Scottish Prison Service. Life Beyond challenges prisoners to think about science in a creative way.
PET’s Head of Policy outlines seven creative – and sometimes courageous – ways prisons can support education as they emerge from lockdown.
Developed by PET and co-written by prison peer mentors, this course will be useful for mentors in all roles – including healthcare, workshops and education. You will focus on developing transferable mentoring skills that will be valuable after release, particularly for those looking to work or volunteer in a social care setting. The course explores the concept and theory of mentoring, including communication, listening, boundaries and confidentiality, and reflection.
The course consists of 9 units:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Fifteen written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: None
What’s Next? Understanding Mental Health Care Level 3 (NCC)
Find Out More: The course was featured in a recent issue of Inside Time – read here.
As part of HMP Pentonville’s commemorative book marking their partnership with PET, residents have written a manifesto for improving prison education.
In this blog post, we hear about how the University of Southern Queensland in Australia brought has made its courses available to students in prison through in-cell digital technology.
We are doing all we can at Prisoners’ Education Trust to continue to provide courses and to offer support to learners in prison.
Right now the courses and support PET provides are more vital than ever. That’s why we need your help to launch our first ever freephone advice line.
This course – accredited by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) – is ideal for those looking to volunteer or work in horticulture and gardening. Providing you with a detailed introduction to the subject, you will learn about plant classification, nutrition and root environments, maintaining plant health, and understanding propagation.
This course is part of the Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture qualification. In order to achieve the full qualification and progress to Level 3, you will also need to take the Certificate in Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance Level 2 course.
The course consists of four lessons:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Four written assignments
Exams: Four exams (fees included)
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Facilitate and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? The second Level 2 Module is Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment, and Maintenance. Upon completion of this course as well, learners will have completed the Level 2 Principles of Horticulture Certificate. It is recommended, but not essential, that learners pass both Level 2 courses before progressing to the RHS Level 3 courses, which PET also fund.
Find Out More: From the Horticultural Correspondence College here
If you are supporting a family member or friend with their PET course, find out what coronavirus means for their studies and what help is available.
In this post, Professor Tom Schuller, Chair of PLA, talks about the importance of developing partnerships between prisons and further education colleges and of continued learning through adulthood.
In 2019 we helped people in prison start just over 1,700 courses. Discover last year’s movers and shakers as we reveal the ten most popular choices.
The Ofsted Annual Report paints a concerning picture of prison education, with many prisons still not showing enough signs of improvement. PET’s Head of Policy takes a look at what needs to change.
Earlier this month, PET alumnus Dalton spoke at the PLA conference about the impact of studying science in prison. Find out how the innovative Think Like a Scientist programme helped him find his freedom.
Prisoners’ Education Trust has appointed five new trustees, including a charity campaigner, a former Ministry of Justice senior official, and the 2019 FE Leader of the Year.
Prisoners’ Education Trust are excited to be celebrating our 30th birthday and we are delighted to launch an appeal to raise £130,000 to ensure more prisoners can benefit from our distance learning courses, advice and guidance. We have a number of ways you can get involved in our celebrations, including a range of new and exciting events taking place.
Space, coding and the science of sleep were all part of the equation at the PUPiL network’s latest event, as we heard from experimental projects that push the boundaries of what is usually possible in prisons.
The new Justice ministers have just taken on huge and urgent responsibilities. If they find time for some background reading around prisons, what might that be, and what messages could they draw from it?
Six talented artists from prisons across England have won PET’s Paint-a-Postcard competition, celebrating the charity’s 30th anniversary. The cards then carried messages from over 50 serving prisoners, explaining what education meant to them.
30 veterans in prison have been offered a fresh start through learning thanks to generous support from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
‘Emma’ started her life sentence with a history of domestic violence and addiction. She tells PET how studying for a degree in English Literature helped her towards recovery and a positive future.
This year the OU turns 50, and to celebrate we asked Ruth McFarlane to share just a snapshot of some of the brilliant opportunities that the OU offer across the secure estate.
For 30 years, we’ve been helping prisoners change their lives through education. In this blog, our Head of Fundraising Cassie outlines all the ways you can get involved and help us mark this significant birthday.
This course will help you to develop a better understanding of the challenges that deafness could bring and how you might be able to help. The course starts with an introduction to deafness and the problems deaf people encounter, and includes a breakdown of different hearing conditions, including tinnitus and deafblindness. The course also features information on assistive technology and the American, British, and Spanish Sign Languages, as well as other useful tools for communication.
The course consists of 4 lessons:
Lesson 1
Deafness and Personal Hearing Aids
Reactions to Deafness
Problems that Deaf People Cope With
What is a Hearing Aid?
Disadvantages of a Hearing Aid
Lesson 2
Technology / How to Help a Hearing Aid User
Cochlear Implants
Expectations and Limitations
Developments
How to Help a Hearing Aid User
Lesson 3
Conditions / Communication Methods
Tinnitus
Deafblindness
Silent Communication
Spoken Communication
The History of Sign Language
British Sign Language (BSL)
Lesson 4
Sign Language Alphabets / Sense
American Sign Language
The Alphabet
Spanish Sign Language Alphabet
The Deafblind Manual Alphabet
Block Alphabet
‘Sense’ and Government Guidance on Deafblind Services
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Four self-assessed questions
Exams: One optional exam (funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees)
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University Access Module, People, Work and Society (YO32)
Find Out More: Directly from BSY here
If you’re looking to volunteer or work in stable management or just want to learn for leisure, this course is an ideal introduction to horse care. Covering a wide variety of useful topics, you will discover all the horse care essentials – including equine behaviour, caring for stabled and grass-kept horses, saddlery, shoeing, lameness, watering and feeding, and horse health.
The course contains nine modules, and an options study week:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Nine written assignments
Exams: There is an optional exam at the end of the course (funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Facilitate and invigilate exam.
Tutor Support: Yes
Find Out More: From the Open College of Equine Studies here
With this qualification, you’ll improve your understanding of human behaviour and interaction and explore issues around race, inequality and religion. You will get the opportunity to develop transferable skills like critical analysis, as well as independent thinking and research.
PET offers A-levels in two parts. Upon completing Part 1, you can choose either to take your AS exam (a qualification marking the first year of a full A-level) or continue on to Part 2 to build up to a full A-level.
The course consists of the following units:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths
Assignments: Six written assignments. These do not contribute toward the final grade.
Exams: Two, each are 1 hour 30 minutes, and contribute 50% of the overall grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and facilitate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Sociology A-Level Part 2
Find Out More: From NEC here
This course explores a variety of perspectives on religion and its impact on people’s behaviour, communities and cultures. Focusing on topics such as life after death and the existence of God, you’ll get the chance to reflect on your own values and attitude, as well as develop critical thinking and effective communication.
PET offers A-levels in two parts. Upon completing Part 1, you can choose either to take your AS exam (a qualification marking the first year of a full A-level) or continue on to Part 2 to build up to a full A-level.
The course consists of the following units:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Six written assignments. These do not contribute toward the final grade.
Exams: Three – each are 1 hour, and contribute 33.3% of the overall grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and facilitate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Religious Studies A-Level Part 2
Find Out More: From NEC here
In this course, you’ll deepen your understanding of theories underpinning human behaviour – exploring memory, cognition and mental health. You’ll also develop your analytical and organisational skills, discovering which scientific research methods can be used to collect, process and analyse data.
PET offers A-levels in two parts. Upon completing Part 1, you can choose either to take your AS exam (a qualification marking the first year of a full A-level) or continue on to Part 2 to build up to a full A-level.
The course consists of the following units:
Research Methods (scientific processes, data analysis and presentation, maths resources)
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Seven written assignments. These do not contribute toward the final grade.
Exams: Two, each are 1 hour 30 minutes, and contribute 50% of the overall grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees)
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and facilitate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Psychology A-Level Part 2
Find Out More: From NEC here
This course will help you to develop excellent numeracy skills and gain a sound ability to interpret and process data sets. You’ll also learn to be resilient and to think creatively and strategically, developing the strong mathematical knowledge needed to write structured solutions and formulate reasoned arguments.
PET offers A-levels in two parts. Upon completing Part 1, you can choose either to take your AS exam (a qualification marking the first year of a full A-level) or continue on to Part 2 to build up to a full A-level.
The course contains five lessons:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Six written assignments. These do not contribute toward the final grade.
Exams: Two exams (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and facilitate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Maths A-Level Part 2
Find Out More: From NEC here
From the abolition of the slave trade to the history of Germany, studying this course will improve your knowledge of the past, whilst also developing valuable skills for your future. It will help you to become a more inquiring, critical and analytical thinker, and to develop reasoned arguments and draw logical conclusions. You’ll discover how critical thinking and evidence play a crucial role in decision making.
PET offers A-levels in two parts. Upon completing Part 1, you can choose either to take your AS exam (a qualification marking the first year of a full A-level) or continue on to Part 2 to build up to a full A-level.
The course consists of the following five units:
1. The growth of parliamentary democracy c1785–c1870
2. Industrialisation, protest and trade unionism c1785–c1870
3. Poverty and pauperism; the abolition of the slave trade
4. The unification of Germany 1: c1840–51
5. The unification of Germany 1: c1852–71
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Six written assignments. These do not contribute toward the final grade.
Exams: Two exams (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and facilitate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? A-Level History Part 2
Find Out More: From NEC here
This course deepens your knowledge of linguistic analysis and explores language use in a variety of situations and contexts. From political speeches and song lyrics, to cartoon strips and food labelling, the course will introduce you to a rich set of resources and styles of writing. You’ll learn about the terminology and grammar that underpins the English language, building your understanding of how language works in the way it does.
PET offers A-levels in two parts. Upon completing Part 1, you can choose either to take your AS exam (a qualification marking the first year of a full A-level) or continue on to Part 2 to build up to a full A-level.
The course consists of the following units:
1. Methods of language analysis
2. Spoken English
3. Language and Power
4. Identity and non-standard English
5. Language and Gender
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Six written assignments. These do not contribute toward the final grade.
Exams: Two – each are 1 hour 30 minutes, and contribute 50% of the overall grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support submission and completion of assignments. Organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? English Language A-Level Part 2
Find Out More: From NEC here
Economics shapes how we allocate limited resources and measures the impact of our choices. You’ll study the UK and global economy, using economic theory to analyse issues and present your ideas and conclusions in a clear, logical way. Whether you’re pursuing a career in business, finance or politics, this course will build your problem-solving, analytical and decision-making skills, in readiness for a wide range of future career and university choices.
PET offers A-levels in two parts. Upon completing Part 1, you can choose either to take your AS exam (a qualification marking the first year of a full A-level) or continue on to Part 2 to build up to a full A-level.
The course consists of five units:
1. Introduction to economics
2. Supply and price
3. Market failure and government intervention
4. The UK economy – performance measures
5. The UK economy – income, growth, and policies
6. Business Behaviour
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Seven written assignments (corresponding to the above units, plus one introductory assignment). These do not contribute toward the final grade.
Exams: Two – each are 1 hour 30 minutes, and contribute 50% of the overall grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and facilitate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Economics A-Level Part 2
Find Out More: From NEC here
The course helps to develop your knowledge on how business works, whether you are interested in setting up your own business or want to explore a wide variety of applications and industries. It will also help you to develop sound reasoning and leadership skills, and an analytical approach.
PET offers A-levels in two parts. Upon completing Part 1, you can choose either to take your AS exam (a qualification marking the first year of a full A-level) or continue on to Part 2 to build up to a full A-level.
This course contains six lessons:
1. What is business?
2. Management
3. Marketing performance
4. Operational performance
5. Setting financial objectives
6. Human resource performance
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Seven written assignments (these do not contribute toward the final grade.)
Exams: Two exams. Each are 1 hour 30 minutes, and contribute 50% of the overall grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and facilitate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Business A-Level Part 2
Find Out More: From NEC directly here
This course will help you better observe and interpret human behaviour, analyse your own social interactions with people of different personality types, and understand the drivers behind decision-making and behaviour. It covers a wide selection of topics including memory, perception, social influence, the brain and neuropsychology.
The course consists of the following units:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Ten written assignments. These do not count towards the final grade.
Exams: Two, each are 1 hour 45 minutes and contribute 50% the overall grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and facilitate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? A-Level Psychology, or OU Access Module YO32: People, work and Society
Find Out More: From NEC’s website
This qualification will help you gain more confidence in basic mathematical skills, covering topics such as fractions, decimals and Pythagoras’ Theorem. By studying this course, you will become better-equipped in terms of critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills.
The course consists of the following units:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Eleven written assignments. These do not count towards the final grade.
Exams: Three Exams, each are 1 hour 30 minutes, and contribute 33.% to the final grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam-fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and facilitate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? A-Level Maths or Open University Access Module YO33: Science, Technology and Maths
Find Out More: Via NEC here
In History GCSE you will explore some of the key events, personalities and societies that shaped world history. Learners will also have the opportunity to develop a set of important skills such as communication, problem solving, analysis, research and independent thinking
The course consists of the following units:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Eleven written assignments (corresponding to the above units, plus one introductory assignment). These do not count towards the final grade.
Exams: Two – each are 1 hour 30 minutes, and contribute 50% of the overall grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and facilitate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? A-Level History
Find Out More: From NEC’s website
This course explores a variety of classic literary works, and will improve your reading, communication and analytical skills to deepen your experience of literature for life.
The course consists of the following units:
Section 1: Introductory Prose Skills
Section 2: Frankenstein
Section 3: Introductory Poetry Skills
Section 4: Anthology Poems, Part 1
Section 5: Introduction to Drama
Section 6: Twelfth Night
Section 7: Anthology Poems, Part 2
Section 8: An Inspector Calls
Section 9: Unseen Poetry
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Nine written assignments. These do not contribute toward the final grade.
Exams: 2 exams – both are 1 hour 45 minutes, and are 50% of the total grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? English Literature A-Level
Find Out More: From NEC here
This qualification can help with future job roles or further educational courses. You will learn how to develop your reading and writing, and improve your communication skills to express your ideas more effectively.
The course consists of nine units:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Ten written assignments. These do not count towards the final grade.
Exams: Two – both are 1 hour 45 minutes. There is also an optional non-exam assessment to demonstrate your skills in spoken language. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and facilitate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? A-Level English Language
Find Out More: From NEC directly here
On this course, you’ll explore the basic principles and applications of biology, chemistry and physics. You’ll learn key scientific concepts, as well as their application in the real world, including the impact on technology and the environment.
The course consists of the following lessons:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Ten written assignments (these do not count towards the final grade).
Exams: Three exams (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Paper 1 – 45 minutes (30% of marks)
Paper 2 or 3 – 1 hour 15 mins (50% of marks)
Paper 6 – 1 hour (20% of marks)
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and facilitate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University Access Module YO33: Science, Technology and Maths
Find Out More: via NEC’s website here
This course provides a thorough understanding of the principles, terminology, concepts and methods of business. You’ll cover topics such as business operations, marketing, and business finance and will develop your critical thinking and analytical skills.
The course consists of eight sections:
1. Business activity
2. Influences on business
3. People in business
4. Business finance
5. Marketing
6. Business operations
7. Small business revision
8. Large business revision
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Nine written assignments (these do not contribute toward the final grade).
Exams: Two exams. Each are 1 hour 30 minutes and contribute 50% towards the final grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Business A-level Part 1
Find Out More: From NEC here
Mark left prison in 2018 after serving a Discretionary Life Sentence. Now he’s heading back inside as part of PeoplePlus’ Wayout TV – delivering educational content through televisions in cells.
Thanks to your inspiring support, we raised over £30,000 for women in prison during the Big Give Christmas Challenge. Your support is already making a difference to women studying in prisons across England and Wales. Read about the steps they’re taking to build themselves brighter futures.
Read a rundown of 2018’s ten most popular courses and hear from some of our learners.
We want to learn from the men and women who we fund – to gain perspectives that are honest, personal and rooted in reality. So recently we held workshops in three prisons to find out their perspectives.
The PUPiL widening participation event in November 2018 highlighted the positive effects that university-prison partnerships can have, with speakers from Unlock and the University of Westminster.
In this blog, our Head of Fundraising Cassie rounds up a terrific year of fundraising challenges and campaigns and makes clear just how important your support is.
In a speech first delivered at the PET Carol Concert, the charity’s President John Samuels QC offers his personal reflections on an important but little-known figure in the history of prison reform.
Women make up about 5% of England and Wales’ prison population. Do they have different needs or wants in terms of education? And are we catering to these needs enough? Head of Policy Francesca Cooney takes a look.
When Erika went to prison she set herself the task of drawing a postcard a day for the whole of her sentence. Getting funding for a BA Hons in Visual Arts inside opened the door to working as an artist and tutor after release.
We talk to Linda Kennedy, the senior civil servant responsible for some of the most significant changes to come to prison learning in decades.
Some of the women we’ve funded have gone on to support others on a similar journey. Studying for a Diploma in counselling meant Ola could help other women in prison transform their lives through education.
Every year, PET funds nearly 200 women in prison to take distance learning courses. We travelled to Cheshire’s HMP Styal to meet some of them.
Find out why they’re running in support of PET and how you can donate.
Rod Clark responds to government research showing PET funding is helping people find work – showing education is both high-impact and good value for money.
The eight winners of the Inspirational Educators awards included three education staff nominated by PET.
UCAS will no longer require people to disclose a past conviction when applying for most university courses, in a decision that was called for by PET, Unlock and the Longford Trust.
On 24 May, Justice Secretary David Gauke announced a new strategy for education and employment in, and out, of prison. Much of it wasn’t new, there were positive statements of intent, and some disappointments. But is the financial investment going to be there to make it a reality?
Today the Ministry of Justice will be launching a new Education and Employment Strategy. This is Prisoners’ Education Trust’s response.
Egerton’s path to working in finance started in prison, when he saw a book about investing in the library. Getting funding from PET allowed him to take the next step towards realising his ambitions and still inspires today.
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Lady Elizabeth Andrew, founding member and patron of Prisoners’ Education Trust, who passed away on 13 January 2018, leaving an extraordinary legacy to for PET.
As of the end of March 2018, all careers advisers in England will lose their jobs. We explain why this matters and how we are responding.
People in prison now have the chance to turn their minds to Youth Justice, Human Resources and even Beginners Chinese thanks to a host of new subjects on offer in PET’s 2018 curriculum.
The Chair of the Prisoner Learning Alliance today wrote to the new Prisons Minister Rory Stewart OBE MP. He called for an explanation of why the contracts to provide careers advice for prisoners have been terminated without any apparent replacement service in place.
As the Prisoner Learning Alliance (PLA) moves into an exciting new phase, opening up membership to organisations and individuals and electing a new steering committee, we are proud to announce the appointment of a new Chair, Professor Tom Schuller (MA, PGCE, DrPhil).
PET joined children and their fathers at HMP Parc to produce an animated film showing the positive impact of education inside.
As the Prisoner Learning Alliance prepares to launch a new membership structure in 2018, we re-visit some of its key successes.
Prisoners' Education Trust approached Pro Bono Economics to undertake an impact assessment of their programme that funds educational resources for prisoners. Following on from research by the Ministry of Justice, economists estimated that PET would need to reduce reoffending by just one percentage point for the costs of the programme to outweigh the costs associated with reoffending (for example, costs to society, the victim and the criminal justice system).
Prisoners Education Trust and the PLA know that learning in prison works. This was recently evidenced in Justice Data Lab results, which showed a statistically significant (and sizeable) impact on reoffending levels from having received a PET grant for a distance learning course.
An analysis by the Ministry of Justice's Justice Data Lab evidencing that PET's distance learning provision reduces reoffending.
People over 60 are the fastest growing age group in the prison estate but their learning needs are often not met. This inquiry response was primarily informed by 31 responses from older prisoners to a PET survey. Respondents told us about their experience of learning in prison, how their learning needs might differ from the general population, and whether these needs were being met by the current provision.
© Prisoners' Education Trust 2024