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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

This Sunday, our brilliant trustee Vicki Mulligan – who has served on our board for 7 years – is running the Royal Parks Half. She's just £173 away from her £1,000 target. Could you give her (and us!) a helping hand to hit the target? Donate here: www.justgiving.com/page/vicki-mulli…

Quote from Vicki that reads: "I've seen up close just how much difference PET makes to people's lives. I worked as a teacher in prison education, and I saw first-hand, from the learners themselves, what access to education through PET can mean – the confidence it builds, the futures it opens up."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Today we're launching our new strategy, setting out how we will help more people in prison to discover the life-changing power of education. Hear from our Chief Executive @jonbcollins.bsky.social about our plans and read the strategy here: prisonerseducation.org.uk/2026/10/our-...

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

There are only 20 of us in the PET team, but we've helped nearly 1,500 people start courses in prison this year. That's only possible because we have the incredible support of prison staff who help learners get started with their studies every day. Thank you to them this #HiddenHeroesDay

A screenshot of part of our application form that reads "Have you received any advice or guidance from PET, peer mentors, prison staff, the course provider, or another organisation to help you choose this course?" and shows ticks next to "PET" and "Prison staff"

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

A gift in your will can make a huge difference to learners like Joe, who’s studying our Understanding Mentoring and Coaching course. This #RememberACharityWeek, we have two offers for supporters if you would like to write or refresh your will. Find out more here: bit.ly/PET-legacy

Quote card image that reads, "It is allowing me to support others but also allowing myself to know I am making use of my time in prison in a positive way which shows me I'm growing as a person and I can do positive things with my life."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Ant has lived experience of the justice system and has seen first-hand the benefits education can bring to people in prison. Here's why he's running the Royal Parks Half for PET this October - for a second time! Help him hit his £500 target here: www.justgiving.com/page/runningpeta…

Quote card that reads: "£500 will fund a distance learning course for a person in prison. Not just any course, but one that will contribute to turning their life around - and once released, not ending up back inside.

"My personal focus for this run is to think about the additional benefits of education, such as helping people improve mental and physical wellbeing."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

We’re so grateful that Lucy is running the Oysho Royal Parks Half Marathon for PET, to help people in prison gain the skills and confidence to create a better future. You can help her reach her £1,000 target here: www.justgiving.com/page/lucyontherun

Quote from Lucy that reads: "Supporting a loved one in prison has given me a real insight into the challenges people face while in custody.

"I’ve come to realise just how many talented, skilled and capable individuals are in prison, many of whom simply need the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

"Every donation helps provide education to people in prison, giving them the opportunity for a fresh start on release - with the confidence and skills to contribute positively to society."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Best of luck to everyone getting their A-level results today, whether in prison or out. At PET, we offer 13 different A-levels to people in prison - from Business to History and Maths to Psychology. We've helped 62 people start the qualification this year. Find out what studying means to them 👇

Rob, studying A-Level English Language: "I would like to say a massive thank you to the PET team for funding my course and believing in me. I think what you guys do at PET is critical in helping lads like myself have a second chance in life to make up for what we have missed out on."

Francesca, studying A-Level Sociology: "I'm enjoying the course, it's mentally challenging me and I hope this level of study will help prepare me for a degree."

Simon, studying A-Level Classical Civilisation: "Thank you for funding me to do this course. The education I have accessed due to PET is the only worth while things I have done since coming to prison in 2018. Thanks to you I am doing something constructive with my time."

Olufemi, studying A-Level Mathematics: "Getting the opportunity to study A- Level Maths is a great way to serve my sentence and developing the problem-solving skills that will become useful and valuable post-release."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Thank you so much to everyone who supported our Summer Appeal. We raised £14,333 – £10,000 of which has been matched by a generous trust. That's a total of £24,333! Your kindness will help us to meet the rise in demand for distance learning and impact the lives of so many people in prison.

Handwritten quote by learner: “I am studying Understanding Substance Misuse Level 3. This benefits my Mental Health as I love learning and I have learnt a lot. It is helping me confirm I want to go into that line of work.”

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

We've raised £11,308 so far in our Summer Appeal! The first £10,000 of donations has been doubled thanks to matched funding - but we still need your support. Help more people in prison bridge the gap between their past and their future through learning. Give today: bit.ly/BTGBluesky5

Illustration by Erika Flowers showing a learner celebration event

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

With prison education cut by a quarter and an increased demand for PET’s distance learning courses, we need your support to ensure that people in prison can continue to study. Have your donation doubled today in our Summer Appeal – Bridging the Gap: bit.ly/BTGBluesky4

Illustration by Erika Flowers showing a learner filling out a PET application form

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

For learners like Lucy, studying with PET helps bridge the gap between their past and their future. You can ensure that more people in prison have the opportunity to work towards their goals - double your impact today by donating to our Summer Appeal: bit.ly/BTGBluesky3

Handwritten quote from learner that reads: “My distance learning is helping me gain a qualification to use in the community, helping me with skills. And I appreciate the PET for enabling me to do this!”

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Brilliant to be at the @unlockedgrads.bsky.social ChangeMakers event last week. Suzan and Ant met custodial managers from prisons across England and Wales to talk about the courses PET offers, plus our CEO @jonbcollins.bsky.social spoke about how to support people in prison to achieve their goals.

Suzan and Ant, from PET's Service Delivery team, at our Unlocked ChangeMakers Marketplace stand

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

We have seen an 18% increase in the number of course applications so far this year. Richard is studying A-level Maths, focusing on his long-term goal of attending university. Help make sure learners don’t miss out – have your donation doubled today: bit.ly/BTGBluesky2

Handwritten quote from learner that reads: “It gives me confidence in achieving my goals of learning and using the time wisely. It’s been a challenge to get into a routine. But the challenge of progressing, keeps the flame alive.”

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

We've answered 89 calls in two weeks on our Advice Line - our busiest fortnight ever! A huge thank you to our inspiring team of advisers who have been giving people advice and guidance on studying in prison since the free service launched in 2020.

Handwritten quote that reads: "I have used PET Advice Line twice recently and found the advisors really helpful and friendly, thank you. I feel PET courses have given me hope and have transformed my prison journey. Thank you!"

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

There’s still time to sign up to run the Royal Parks Half with PET in October! The money you raise will help people in prison to build brighter futures through education. Sign up today to make a difference: ow.ly/AQIm50YINK1

Handwritten quote by PET learner: "I am really enjoying my access course and learning a lot about myself and others. This is going to really support my future and is helping me to cope with prison life."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

New figures from the Ministry of Justice show that the number of planned education hours in public sector prisons in England has been cut by 25%. We unpack what this alarming new data tells us in this explainer: ow.ly/WeP150YCetI

A graph showing the change in education hours

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

We’re looking for passionate people with lived experience of prison education to join our Alumni Advisory Group - to help shape our strategy, strengthen our policy work, and keep learners at the centre of everything we do. Find out how to join here: ow.ly/UkbN50YibZa

Graphic that reads: Join our Alumni Advisory Group - We're looking for passionate people with recent lived experience of prison education to help shape the future of PET. Find out more: prisonerseducation.org.uk/volunteer

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 24/01/2026

It's the UNESCO International Day of Education. In just a few words, Vanessa - who started a counselling course with PET last year - shows why education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility.

Handwritten postcard that reads: "My distance learning course has been helping me to grow what I need knowledge wise to be able to gain the future I want. It has also been teaching me why I have had addiction in the past. Even though moving prisons recently has been stressful I feel my studying has helped me to keep a level head and reminded me of why my future will be better than my past."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

We always love getting postcards from learners letting us know how they're getting on with their course. Barry is taking his Bookkeeping Certificate with PET - the start of his journey to becoming a freelance accountant.

Handwritten postcard that reads: "This course has helped me a lot in prison, it has helped with my purpose, focus, and helped me develop my confidence in my own ability. I now have the confidence I can move to my next goal of completing AAT Accounting and know I will succeed."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported our Big Give #ChristmasChallenge - we've raised a record £46,819 so far! The appeal is open until midday tomorrow - every donation means more people in prison can gain qualifications and build towards a brighter future: bit.ly/PET-BigGive-2

Handwritten quote that reads “PET has laid the foundations for my future aspirations and given me the confidence to dream and succeed. Thank you! 😊”

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 07/12/2025

We have just launched our 2026–27 prospectus, including 12 new courses for people in prison to study. A donation to our Big Give #ChristmasChallenge means people like Andrew can find hope through learning. Donations will be DOUBLED, while matched funding lasts: bit.ly/PET-BigGive-2

Handwritten quote that reads “I think it is fantastic having the opportunity to further my education whilst prison can be a bad experience this provides hope and sense of purpose for the near future when released knowing I have the chance to earn a good living and be a good role model to my kids. I take my education seriously and I very much appreciate this more than I can express. I think what yous do is so valuable and is vital to rehabilitation. Thank you.”

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Education can be the key to unlocking a brighter future for someone in prison. Your support means more learners like Robin can lay the foundations for a new career. Support our Big Give #ChristmasChallenge to have your donation doubled today: bit.ly/PET-BigGive-2

Handwritten quote that reads: "I cannot thank PET enough for giving me a great opportunity. I’m super grateful and await to see what the future will present to me in the teaching field in prisons. You are changing lives and I am definitely one of them."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Thanks to everyone who joined our supporter event last night! Inspiring stories from alumnus Andy, trustee Seun, our Head of Service Delivery Clare, and Esther Chesterman - CEO at National Extension College - perfectly summed up the impact education can have for people in prison.

Photo of the panel at the PET supporter event.

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Introducing our 2026–2027 Course Prospectus – PET's most forward-looking and accessible edition yet! The prospectus includes cutting-edge courses on AI and environmental sustainability, as well as new digital learning opportunities. Read it here: prisonerseducation.org.uk/2025/12/new-...

Prospectus front cover and contents page

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

Congratulations and thank you to all the amazing runners who ran the Royal Parks Half for PET - we are so grateful for your support! Every donation, big or small, helps people prepare for release, improve their mental health and find hope for a brighter future: ow.ly/iQUX50X9g5j

Quote from David: “I'm very pleased to be running for PET. It supports prisoners who want to change their lives for the better. That has to be good for us all. There are not many charities that work in this sector so even small donations help.”

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 12/10/2025

Good luck to everyone running the Royal Parks Half today! We have six wonderful runners fundraising for PET. Here’s why Liv is choosing to run for us today. You can support her efforts here: ow.ly/2gaw50X9egO

Quote from Liv that reads: “I have been following PET and supporting them for some years now as I think what they do is such essential work to help those in prison (often forgotten by society) to become not only valued members of society again, but also, and perhaps more importantly, to have self-worth and self-belief again.”

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

So far this year, we have funded 1,210 distance learning courses for learners in prison. Jonan is running the Royal Parks Half on Sunday so that more people in prison can access transformative education: ow.ly/Cbxu50X9clG

Quote from Jonan that reads: “The reason I am running for PET is because my immediate family and friends have all been through the prison system. Running for PET helps bring more awareness to a great cause.”

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Thank you so much to all our amazing runners who will be running the Royal Parks Half this Sunday to fundraise for PET. We can't wait to cheer from the sidelines! You can help Ashton reach her target here: www.justgiving.com/page/ashton-...

Quote from Ashton, PET RPHM runner: "I am running because I worked with prisoners education in the past in America and I worked with GCSE resits in the UK, and in both cases saw how education can improve self efficacy, changing people's deep beliefs about what they are capable of and what purpose their life can have. This is very meaningful to people's mental health and providing education which gives people the tools to enter the work and volunteer force allows us as a society to discover the great contributions everyone can make."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

Last month, we reached a new milestone: we have given 50,000 educational awards to people in prison since we were founded in 1989! There's no better way to mark the moment than to share good news about one of the learners we've supported this year: Jacob passed his A-level Maths, achieving an A* 👏

Graphic that reads: "We have given 50,000 educational awards to people in prison since we were founded in 1989"

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

This #RememberACharityWeek, find out how leaving a gift to PET in your will can support learners like David, who’s studying for his Health and Safety qualifications: bit.ly/PET-legacy #GiftsinWills

Quote from learner that reads: "My family are happy and proud I’m using my time in prison constructively. The courses are improving my chances of employment on my release. Got my D-CAT [open prison] as I have taken steps to better myself. Confidence has improved, I have proved to myself I can achieve.”

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

Thank you so much to everyone who supported our appeal. We raised £10,127 which will be matched thanks to a generous trust to total £20,127! Your generosity impacts the lives of so many people in prison, supporting them on their journey of finding hope, drive and recovery through education.

Graphic of a quote from PET alumnus Andy that reads: "That's what PET is giving people in prison today: the hope, the drive and just a day where they can feel that little bit normal and that: 'I'm OK'."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

Andy was at one of the lowest points in his life when he discovered PET. Studying helped him on his journey of recovery, giving him the skills to help himself and others. Help support more learners like Andy through our Summer Appeal and have your donation doubled: bit.ly/PETSummerApp...

Quote graphic that reads: "Prison put every one of my triggers in front of me: boredom, low self-worth, lack of purpose, lack of drive. But when those course books landed and I knew I had a purpose the next day - to be able to get up and get on with some work, to actually achieve something that I could be proud of - honestly, it changed the whole outlook."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

Today we are launching our Summer Appeal - Hope, drive and recovery through education – to support more people in prison with distance learning courses. All donations will be doubled while matched funding lasts! Double your impact today: bit.ly/PETSummerApp...

Quote graphic that reads: "That's what PET is giving people in prison today: the hope, the drive and just a day where they can feel that little bit normal and that: 'I'm OK'."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

The appalling findings from the Independent Monitoring Boards annual report show how important it is for the government to meet the Independent Sentencing Review's recommendations and tackle the prisons crisis. Read our article about the Review here: www.linkedin.com/pulse/senten...

Screenshot of key findings from adult prisons, found on page 7 of the IMB National Annual Report 2024

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

The charity Friends, Families and Travellers have put together a brilliant education pack for prisons filled with ideas to celebrate Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month. Download it here: www.gypsy-traveller.org/wp-content/u...

Front cover and contents page of the education pack

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 01/03/2025

A gift in your will to PET could be the bridge between someone’s present and their future. Leave a legacy and help us transform the lives of people in prison through learning - write your will for free with our partner Farewill here: buff.ly/3Xev6HD

In response to the question "How is your distance learning course benefitting you?", postcard from learner that reads: "It's the bridge between my present and future; crossing it opens up a world of education opportunities. It benefits me mentally and emotionally while providing skills I can take on to my release. Thank you."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

Rebecca's goal is to work in the beauty and wellbeing industry after prison. We supported her to study two of last year's most popular courses - Nutrition to Support Physical Activity and Business Start-up. Discover the rest of the top 10 here: buff.ly/4hQLFS1

Postcard from learner that reads: "PET has helped enable me to create a positive future for myself and my daughter. I now have more employment opportunities and personal goals to look forward to and strive for. A big BIG thank you."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

"The work I'm doing will allow me to have that better life I think about" Christopher, who's completing his Maths A-level in prison, sums up the impact of studying on the #InternationalDayofEducation.

Postcard from learner that reads: "A-level Maths Part 2 continues to develop ideas in geometry, algebra, graphs and calculus and I love it. I am occupied on a daily basis and I'm reminded constantly that the work I'm doing will allow me to have that better life I think about. Thanks."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 15/01/2025

An important report from @thinknpc.bsky.social looks at how climate change and nature loss will impact people in prison: buff.ly/4g86A2p There is no national strategy to support people in prison to access green jobs and training but the positive work at these prisons offers a path forward.

HMP and YOI Parc in Wales: The prison site incorporates allotments and beehives. People are paid £28/week to work in the garden and study a horticulture qualification.

HMP Hewell: The first prison to offer a training programme using ‘vertical farming’. This may be more accessible to other urban prisons than the traditional prison farm model and claims to offer environmental benefits by reducing food miles and waste.

HMP Rye Hill: Delivered a gardening project through Garden Organic’s Master Gardener programme team to support offenders with a history of substance misuse.

HMP and YOI Deerbolt, HMP Haverigg and HMP Kirkham: These prisons are part of the Greener on the Outside for Prisons (GOOP) project. GOOP offers gardening, growing, and cooking activities to improve people’s health and develop their skills to increase employability.

Various prisons work with The Clink Charity, which provides training and qualification opportunities in activities including horticulture.

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 10/12/2024

Thank you so much to everyone who supported and shared our @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge! With your wonderful support, we hit our target and raised an incredible £43,765 to help people in prison find hope through learning 📚

Postcard from PET learner that reads: "The courses available have the potential to change lifes and allow prisoners to dream of and work towards a better future."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

There's 24 hours to go, and we're 81% of the way to our @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge target. Can you help us reach it? Any donation between now and noon tomorrow will be DOUBLED: buff.ly/4eR0UIs

Screenshot showing that we are 81% of the way to our Big Give target.

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 08/12/2024

Joanna was funded through donations from people like you during our 2019 @biggive.bsky.social Christmas Challenge and now works full time in a job she is passionate about. Help more people find hope through learning by donating to our #ChristmasChallenge today: buff.ly/4eR0UIs

Graphic that reads: "I’ll be eternally grateful to PET. I’ve still got my health and safety folder and books here, sitting on the TV stand. To all PET’s sponsors, the people that donate – it's priceless what you do. None of what I've done would have been possible without PET. I've gone from rock bottom to being on top of the world."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 05/12/2024

Here's what @ofstednews.bsky.social's Annual Report 2023/24, published today, has to say on prison education ⬇️ Read the full report here: buff.ly/41hzdW7

Screenshot from the report that reads: "There is intense pressure on places in prisons and YOIs, with policymakers facing unpalatable choices around how that pressure can be relieved in the short term. We know that reoffending rates are high. We know that education has a transformative effect. Now would be a very good time to improve prison and YOI education to help reduce reoffending, ease the pressure on prisons and help more convicted children and adults turn their lives around."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 05/12/2024

Education can have a positive impact on rehabilitation and wellbeing. Your support means more learners like Brian, who is studying a Management and Leadership course, can find hope for the future. Support our @BigGive #ChristmasChallenge to have your donation doubled: buff.ly/4eR0UIs

Postcard that reads: "PET has not only helped me plan for my future employment goals, but has given me hope for a brighter positive outcome for when I return back to the community. I only hope other prisoners can realise and unlock their potential only education can bring!"

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 03/12/2024

Our @biggive.bsky.social #ChristmasChallenge is now live! This Christmas, we hope to raise just over £43,000 to fund 60 distance learning courses for people in prison. From today, any donation made to our appeal via the Big Give website will be DOUBLED: buff.ly/4eR0UIs

Image showing the phrase "Finding hope through learning"

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 27/11/2024

A great blog from @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social on how one prison has been progressive and innovative in the face of the type of challenges seen across the estate. How high standards and visible leadership have created a truly rehabilitative culture at HMP Rye Hill: buff.ly/4eQukGN

HMP Rye Hill inspection report front cover

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Really pleasing to see HMP Hatfield assessed as "good" by Ofsted this summer for the overall effectiveness of its education, skills and work provision - with leaders creating a positive, supportive and collaborative culture across the prison. Read the report here: buff.ly/40TdTGq

HMP/YOI Hatfield HMIP report front cover

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

We need your help to give people in prison the chance to fall in love with learning. From 3 to 10 December, we're taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge. Donate during the week to have your gift doubled and support learners like Connie: buff.ly/40Q6Tu1

Postcard that reads: "It’s helped me to reflect on my own struggles, my own beliefs, values, which has made me more aware of how far I have come and the progress I have made in trying to become a better person. It’s helped me to understand and be more empathetic towards others feelings, as what some people may be okay with, others may find stressful and that we all deal with difficult situations differently. I’ve also managed to become a mentor for ESOL classes, and a welfare and induction rep."

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Prisoners' Education Trust @prisonersed.bsky.social · 17/11/2024

A big thank you to Cameron, Imogen, Ivo, John, Patrick and Tim who ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon for PET last month. Together they raised £2,745 to help people in prison make a fresh start 👏

Photo of PET Royal Parks Half runners and PET staff

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