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.
Russell was expelled from school at 13 and sent to a pupil referral unit. Now he’s studying for an Arts degree with the Open University.
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.
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.
As millions of people around the country find out their GCSE results, we share the stories of three students behind bars, all of whom were funded by PET.
Piers, a prisoner at HMP Pentonville, also works as a distance learning mentor, supporting other men to access education that he sees as life-changing.
‘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.
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.
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.
Stephen Rogers teaches Functional Skills English teacher at high-security prison HMP Whitemoor. In March, he received the first Outstanding Prison Educator award from the Worshipful Company of Educators, having been named the ‘winner of winners’ out of last years’ Prisoner Learning Alliance award recipients.
© Prisoners' Education Trust 2021