Prisoners' Education Trust

Prisoners' Education Trust (PET) is a registered charity based in the United Kingdom that focuses on providing educational opportunities to people in prison. Established in 1989 at HMP Wandsworth, the charity has expanded its reach to support learners in every prison across England and Wales. PET believes that everyone in prison, regardless of location or background, should have access to education to help transform their lives and build brighter futures.

Activities and Services

PET supports approximately 1,500 learners each year by providing distance learning courses and related advice and guidance. Its course offerings are diverse, including around 125 different options such as GCSEs and A-levels, Open University Access modules, and a wide range of professional qualifications. Many of these subjects and levels are not otherwise available within prisons, addressing gaps in prison education provision.

The organization also engages in research and advocacy to improve prison education policies and practices, using evidence from its learners to influence policymakers and raise public awareness. It works collaboratively with prison staff, volunteers, trustees, and alumni to optimize educational delivery and foster learning communities inside and outside of prison.

Impact and Research

Independent research conducted by the Justice Data Lab within the Ministry of Justice examined the outcomes of over 9,000 individuals supported by PET in their first year after release. The findings revealed that prisoners who studied with PET are more likely to secure employment than those who did not receive such support. Furthermore, PET-supported learners demonstrated lower rates of reoffending, especially among those who found employment, highlighting the dual benefits of education on both employment and reducing recidivism.

Funding and Governance

The charity operates primarily through donations from individuals, charitable trusts, foundations, and an annual grant from the Ministry of Justice. PET is governed by a team of over 20 staff members, supported by volunteers, trustees, and patrons.

Vision and Strategy

With a history spanning over three decades, Prisoners' Education Trust remains committed to its mission of transforming prisoners' lives through learning. Its strategic plan for 2022–2026 emphasizes expanding access to education across the prison estate, continuing research to demonstrate impact, and advocating for sustained improvements in prison education policy.

Charity Number: 1084718
Country of Operation: England and Wales

Prisoners' Education Trust stands as a leading force in the field of prison education, working to ensure fair access to learning for all incarcerated individuals and contributing significantly to their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

[1] https://prisonerseducation.org.uk [2] https://prisonerseducation.org.uk/about-us/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=1084718&subId=0 [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prisoners'_Education_Trust [5] https://www.rememberacharity.org.uk/find-a-charity/prisoners-education-trust/