People with lived experience enhance prison education
One of PET’s six new Lived Experience Consultants talks about his experience helping the charity reach more people in prison.
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.
APPG on Sport and Physical Activity in the Criminal Justice System – PET evidence submission
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sport and Physical Activity in the Criminal Justice System launched an independent inquiry in January 2024, examining the role of physical activity, physical education and sport within the children and young people secure estate (CYPSE) and adult prisons across England and Wales. They issued a call for evidence which closed in March 2024.
Run the Royal Parks Half Marathon
Run for Prisoners’ Education Trust to give people in prison the chance to transform their lives with education.
Principles of British Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation
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.
Feline Studies
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.
Canine Science
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.
Psychology, Social Science and Wellbeing Access Module (Y034)
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.
AAT Certificate in Accounting
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.
Format of course material: Paper-format
Structure of course:
1. Introduction to Bookkeeping
2. Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
3. Principles of Costing
4. The Business Environment
Course provider:
Open Study College (OSC)
1760 Solihull Parkway, Birmingham Business Park B37 7YD
0330 433 2876
www.openstudycollege.com
Accreditation: AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians); Ofqual 603/6338/1
Academic level: Level 2
Study hours: 340
Maximum course duration: This course needs to be completed within 12 months. If an extension is required, prison staff to contact the supplier directly
Entry requirements: Level 2 English and Maths
Course provider tutor support: There is supplier tutor support available. Tutors will mark assignments and provide feedback and queries which can be submitted by post or email via prison staff.
Tutors will respond directly to learners but can send responses into prison staff if preferred.
See “Contact provider” section for more details.
Assignments: There are nine assignments to complete and submit.
Assignments are to be submitted one at a time so the student can act on any feedback their tutor may give them.
Assignments will be marked within 10 working days (but often sooner).
Exams: Three exams (3 external exams and one synoptic assessment tests the learners’ understanding of connections between the different topics covered across the qualification).
Computer based exams that must be held at an approved AAT assessments venue under controlled exam conditions.
Exams are available upon demand at most centres apart from the synoptic assessment which is available 2/3 times per month. Each written exam has a 1hr 30 min time limit with the synoptic assessment having a 2 hour time limit.
Exam fees not included in the course cost. You can apply to PET to cover the exam cost by submitting an EEE application form. Speak to your distance learning coordinator for more information.
This can only be taken upon release or ROTL at an external AAT exam centre.
Refer to “Prison support requirements”.
Prison support requirements:
- Support assessment submission (ideally scan to the tutor or post). It is recommended to make copies in case assignments get lost
- Help facilitate exam
- Support arrangement of exams at local centre
- Contact supplier for more info on assignment submission and exam facilitation and exam extension. See contact details are above in the “Course provider” section
Certificate: Yes, students receive a Certificate upon completion
Progression route: Sage Computerised Accounting for Business Level 3. To discuss any progression routes, call our free Advice Line on 0800 048 7520 on Tuesdays (10-12pm and 2-4pm) and Thursdays (10am-12pm and 2-6pm).
Drug and Alcohol Counselling
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.
Creative Writing Part 2D – Writing Autobiography and Playwriting and Screenwriting
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
- Topic 1 What’s important? Finding ideas and theme
- Topic 2 Diaries and journaling
- Topic 3 Letter writing
Unit 2 Playwriting and Screenwriting
- Topic 1 Digging into dialogue and monologues
- Topic 2 Setting the stage (or screen)
- Topic 3 Acts and plots
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.
Creative Writing Part 2C – Writing Poetry and Writing for Younger Readers
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
- Topic 1 What is poetry?
- Topic 2 Miniature observations
- Topic 3 Rhythm, rhyming and contemporary poetry
Unit 2 Writing for Younger Readers
- Topic 1 Exploring the market
- Topic 2 Writing YA (Young Adult)
- Topic 3 Genre
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.
Creative Writing Part 2B – Writing for a Living and Writing Non-Fiction
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
- Topic 1 Planning and structure
- Topic 2 Show and tell
- Topic 3 Subtext and genre
- Topic 4 Bringing everything together
Unit 2 Writing Novels
- Topic 1 Planning, structure, and theme
- Topic 2 Character development
- Topic 3 Conflict, conflict, conflict
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.
Creative Writing Part 2A – Writing Novels and Writing Short Stories
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
- Topic 1 Planning and structure
- Topic 2 Show and tell
- Topic 3 Subtext and genre
- Topic 4 Bringing everything together
Unit 2 Writing Novels
- Topic 1 Planning, structure, and theme
- Topic 2 Character development
- Topic 3 Conflict, conflict, conflict
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.
Certificate in Event Planning
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
Prison education works: a review of the evidence
In a new Clinks Evidence Library review, PET CEO Jon Collins takes a look at the evidence on the impact of prison education.
Prisoners’ Education Trust appoints Paul Kelly as new Chair
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.
Apply to be PET’s Grants Administrator
PET is looking for an exceptional administrator and communicator who will be an integral member of the Access to Learning Team (A2L).
PET publishes new Course Prospectus for 2024-2025
The new Prisoners’ Education Trust Course Prospectus features over 130 distance learning courses for people in prison.
Prisoners’ Education Trust – Course Prospectus 2024-2025
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.
Apply to be PET’s new Fundraising Officer
PET is looking for a part-time, permanent Fundraising Officer to contribute to the work of our Fundraising team.
Prisons in Wales – PET evidence submission
With only very limited Wales-specific data on prisons published by the Ministry of Justice, this Welsh Affairs Committee's inquiry seeks to shine a light on the true picture of the challenges facing prisons in Wales, and what can be done to tackle those challenges.
Big Give appeal raises over £46,000
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.
Christmas and New Year opening hours
The PET office will be closed from Monday 25 December and will reopen on Tuesday 2 January.
Christmas Challenge 2023: double your donation
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 recommended by Good Giving List
Prisoners’ Education Trust has been recommended by the Good Giving List, the UK’s first thoroughly-vetted list of effective UK charities.
Future prison population and estate capacity – PET evidence submission
This Justice Committee inquiry will examine the projected changes to the size and composition of the prison population. It will explore the implications on the capacity of the prison estate and the deliverability of the Government’s current prison expansion programme. The inquiry will also examine the efficacy of the Government’s strategy to safely and effectively manage the prison population.
Prisoners’ Education Trust wins national award
Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) has won the Voluntary Contribution to Community Safety and Justice Award at the Inspire Justice Awards.
The National Lottery Community Fund supports PET to reach more learners
Prisoners’ Education Trust has been awarded a three-year grant by The National Lottery Community Fund, the UK’s largest community funder.
Apply to be PET’s new Chair
Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) is recruiting a new Chair to lead our Board of Trustees at a pivotal time in our development.
2022: PET’s Year in Numbers infographic
Take a look at our infographic to see how we supported people in prison in 2022.
Reflecting on the first year of PET’s five-year strategy
Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) has published its annual report for 2022, the first year of our new five-year strategy.
Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) 2022 Annual Report and Accounts
PET's 2022 Annual Report and Accounts.
PCC’s Giving Back scheme supports South Yorkshire learners
People from South Yorkshire are studying courses with PET thanks to support from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Giving Back scheme.
Apply to be PET’s new Chair
Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) is recruiting a new Chair to lead our Board of Trustees at a pivotal time in our development.
Elisabeth Davies steps down as PET Chair
Prisoners’ Education Trust is opening recruitment for a new Chair, with Elisabeth Davies stepping down after nearly five years in the role.
No Learner Left Behind Appeal: help us meet the rising demand for education in prison
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.
Veterans’ Foundation grant helps 34 people in prison to study
PET has been able to provide courses to 34 veterans in prison thanks to a three-year grant from the Veterans’ Foundation.
Over 40 army veterans start courses thanks to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity
Thanks to ongoing support from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, 41 army veterans in prison have started distance learning courses since July 2022.
Meet the Delivery team at PET
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!
Getting the new prison education contracts right
The Ministry of Justice will soon begin the bidding process for prison education provision. Here is what we know about the contracts so far.
PET Course Prospectus: share your views
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!
David’s story: “A chance to completely change my life”
One of our learners, David, wrote a letter to PET to explain how studying a course in prison has made all the difference.
Making education work for Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers in prison
The new Available but not Accessible report looks at the barriers to purposeful activities in prison for Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers.
2022’s top distance learning courses in prison
1,375 learners started a course with PET in prison last year. Find out which courses were a hit with our learners.
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.
Understaffed and underfunded: the impact of staff shortages on prison education
The new HM Inspectorate of Prisons inspection report reveals how staff shortages are affecting education in prison.
PET Creative Competition winners announced
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.
PET Brighter Futures event: “Your future’s not written because of where you’re from”
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.
The prison operational workforce – PET evidence submission
This Justice Committee inquiry will examine the current state of the prison operational workforce. It will seek to understand why high volumes of prison officers are leaving the prison service and the implications of staff turnover against the backdrop of existing pressures. The inquiry will also explore what measures are underway to recruit and retain staff and will examine whether the prison service will be adequately resourced to manage the projected prison population increase.
E-Commerce – How to Build a Successful Online Business
Written by someone with lived experience of prison, and also of running his own successful online business, this course equips you with the knowledge needed to succeed. Whether you’re looking to supplement an income or to sell items around the world, this course is for you. You will cover all aspects of selling products on eBay – one of the world’s largest platforms – and other similar online marketplaces and learn how to manage and grow your own business.
The course covers the following subjects:
- An introduction to e-commerce
- An introduction to reselling
- Products sourcing and selling
- Search engine optimisation and algorithms
- Let’s master eBay!
- Starting your own enterprise
- Accounting basics
- Implications of running your own online business
- Risks in setting up your own business
- Becoming a successful entrepreneur
- Developing your skills and knowledge
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Materials: Paper
Assignments: 8 assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Facilitate tutor support
Tutor Support: Yes
Boosting your Business Potential
This course explores the many influences on a business, how to maximise your marketing, how to improve team performance and how quality and standards can make or break a business. The perfect next step after our Business Start-up course or for those who want to learn how to enhance a business that’s up and running, this course will provide a solid grounding in business theory for you to apply to your business or idea.
The course covers the following subjects:
- Section 1: Understanding the influences on your business
- Section 2: Marketing
- Section 3: Quality and standards
- Section 4: Improving team performance
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English. It is recommended that you complete the Business Start-up Level 2 course first, but it is not an entry requirement.
Format of Materials: Paper
Assignments: 4 self-assessed progress checks and 4 assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Facilitate tutor support
Tutor Support: Yes
Creative Writing Part 1
This course gives you the skills to improve your writing ability and boost your confidence. You will cover the basics of writing for all genres and discover the power of using creative writing to improve your mental health and sense of wellbeing.
The course covers the following subjects:
Unit 1 Introduction to Writing
- Topic 1 Finding ideas
- Topic 2 Character creation
- Topic 3 Plot and conflict
- Topic 4 Setting and world-building
- Topic 5 Writing is editing
Unit 2 Writing for Wellbeing
- Topic 1 Warming up – Flex your writing muscle
- Topic 2 Writing from objects
- Topic 3 Writing from poetry
- Topic 4 Writing from places
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Materials: Paper
Assignments: 8 to 9 self-assessed progress checks
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Facilitate tutor support
Tutor Support: Yes
Proofreading and Copy Editing
Many organisations rely on the services of proofreaders and copy editors to ensure that their written material is professionally presented and error free. This course will help you master the techniques of proofreading and copy editing by providing a comprehensive introduction to the skills and knowledge required in these professions, including spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
The course covers the following subjects:
- Skills and abilities required by a professional proof-reader
- Ways to improve your spelling
- Consistent punctuation
- Proofreading on paper
- Grammar know-how
- Copy-editing
- Working electronically
- Setting up in business
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Material: Paper
Assignments: 4 assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Facilitate tutor support
Tutor Support: Yes
Christmas Challenge 2022: Brighter futures through 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.
Commission on young lives – PET evidence submission
We responded to the call for evidence from the Commission on Young Lives, highlighting the poor treatment of children in prisons (YOIs) and secure training centres (STCs) and outlining the problem of high numbers of school exclusions.
Welcoming two new trustees
Our two new trustees include a trained counsellor and a corporate director with experience in the housing, care and support sector.
Learners in prison supported by Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire
A grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire is supporting PET learners from South Yorkshire.
PET launches new Course Prospectus for 2022-23
Our new Course Prospectus includes courses from proofreading to wildlife, a step-by-step guide to making a course application and more!
Prisoners’ Education Trust – Course Prospectus 2022-2023
Download PET’s Course Prospectus - exploring all the subject areas we offer and helping people in prison choose from over 125 distance learning courses.
PET Feedback = Insight Infographic
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.
Erika’s story: “My mission is to brighten up the criminal justice sector”
After leaving prison, Erika joined our Alumni Advisory Group and started creating artwork to make an impact in the criminal justice sector.
Prison education: undervalued and under-resourced
Our Head of Policy, Francesca Cooney examines the findings of the recent report on prison education from the Education Select Committee.
“Blank inactivity”: annual report from the Chief Inspector of Prisons paints a grim picture
The report paints a grim picture of prisons struggling to manage, and failing to provide much needed education during lockdown and beyond.
PET’s response to the Chief Inspector of Prisons’ Annual Report
The annual report paints a grim picture of prisons struggling to manage and failing to provide much needed education and activities.
Women in prison – PET evidence submission
This Justice Committee inquiry seeks to understand the progress made over the past 10 years to address female offending and reduce the number of women in custody. It also seeks to understand how well women’s needs are met in custody.
Jon Collins on his first year as PET’s CEO
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.
PET’s response to the Education Select Committee report
Prisoners’ Education Trust is calling for investment in digital technology for learners in response to the Education Select Committee report.
Online event: a conversation with PET CEO Jon Collins
Join our CEO Jon Collins to hear about his first year at PET and our plans for 2022.
Revealed: PET’s most popular courses of 2021
2021 saw over 1,300 people start courses in prison with PET. Discover our most popular courses since we launched our 2021–2022 prospectus.
Stopping the neglect of children caught up in the criminal justice system
In our submission to the Commission on Young Lives, we highlight the poor treatment of children in prisons and secure training centres.
Prisoners’ Education Trust appoints three new trustees
The new trustees include a former prison governor, a further education college vice principal, and the founder of a fundraising challenge.
NEBOSH HSE Award in Managing Risks and Risk Assessment
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
- An introduction to health and safety and basic definitions
- An introduction to the steps in managing risk
- Health and safety competency
Element 2: Managing risk
- Steps needed to manage risk
- What ensures a risk assessment is suitable and sufficient
- Distinction between prevention and mitigation
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:
George’s story: from struggling with dyslexia to gaining a degree
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.
Prisoners’ Education Trust Response to the Prisons White Strategy Paper
In December 2021, the government published the Prisons Strategy White Paper, setting out their plans for prisons for the next ten years. This is our response to their consultation.
Thank you to John Samuels
PET thanks His Honour John Samuels QC for his significant contribution to our work, as he retires from the role as President.
Thanks for your support this year
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.
Christmas holiday opening hours
The PET Advice Line will close on Thursday 23rd December until Tuesday 4th January. Our office will close on 24th December until 4th January.
PET’s response to the Prisons Strategy White Paper
Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) is calling for urgent funding for education in response to the Prisons Strategy White Paper.
Big Give 2021: give people in prison a fresh start
Prisoners’ Education Trust is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge again this year – when you can have your donation doubled!
Garry’s story: studying for a degree in prison
Garry went into prison with just one O Level to his name. He left with a BSc (Honours) in Environmental Science.
Online event: meeting the needs of prison learners
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.
Dalton’s story: “I felt like someone believed in me”
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.
PET puts inclusion at heart of new strategy
Prisoners’ Education Trust has launched its new strategy, setting out plans to make sure everyone in prison has access to education.
Our strategy 2022-2026 – a summary
This one-page document summarises PET’s aims for 2022-2026, as set out in our new strategy.
Prisoners’ Education Trust – Our strategy 2022-2026
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.
Award in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities
This course will provide you excellent knowledge in how to support individuals with learning disabilities. You will develop skills in key areas, including adolescent and young adult issues, self-directed support, development of sexuality and maturity into adulthood.
The course consists of 4 units:
- Understand the context of supporting individuals with learning difficulties
- Principles of self-directed support
- Principles of supporting individuals with a learning disability regarding sexuality and sexual health
- Principles of supporting young people with a learning disability to make the transition into adulthood
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus previous experience or a level 2 qualification in a relevant subject area (e.g. counselling, social care, etc.).
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: A series of written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
Find Out More: You can read about from course provider here
Learning to Draw
This course is for anyone who wants to learn to draw. Using basic art materials provided with the course, you will learn key techniques, such as contour drawing, using negative space, drawing different tones, conveying light and shade, using a vanishing point and drawing in perspective. The course encourages you to practice sketching, whenever and wherever you can. You will improve your practical skills at a fast pace, so you can explore your own creativity.
The course consists of five units:
- Getting Started – Getting to know your materials, drawing with line, tonal drawing, negative space
- Still Life – Still-life subjects and groupings, associations and symbols
- Perspective – Linear perspective, landscape and aerial perspective
- The Human Figure – Portraits, the standing figure, drawing seated or reclining figures
- Imaginative Drawing – Expressive letter and word forms, drawing from creative doodling
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English. Confirmation also required that the prison will permit use of materials listed below
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based. The course also contains the following materials:
- HB, 2B and 4B pencils (2 each)
- Charcoal sticks (1 pack of shorts)
- 1 graphite pen
- 1 fineliner pen
- Ruler
- Eraser
- 2 A4 Sketchbooks (210 x 297 mm)
Assignments: Six assessments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Ensure access to materials provided.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Drawing 1: Drawing Skills (OCA)
Introduction to Warehousing and Logistics
Logistics, warehousing and supply chain management are rapidly growing sectors. Logistical skills are essential in retail and commerce, but also in many other fields - from the humanitarian sector to the military. This introductory course – developed in collaboration with the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) – covers the key skills and understanding needed to start a career in warehousing and the broader world of logistics.
The courses has two units that cover the following subjects:
Unit 1: Warehousing
The Warehouse function, layout and flow
Warehousing Core Principles
Inventory Management and Assisting Technology
Fiscal Law
Storage and Materials Handling
Warehouse Processes
The role and functions of mechanical handling equipment
The main cost areas and risks for warehouse operations
The Warehousing Business
Unit 2: Logistics
The Logistics Working Environment
Elements of a Total Cost Model
Aims of Staff Training and Staff Development
Employers and Employees Relating to Health and Safety
ICT Applications used in Logistics Operations
Sustainable Logistics Practice
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Twenty short written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? NEBOSH Level 2 Award in Health and Safety
Find Out More: From the LLA here
Women in prison: PET submits written evidence to parliament
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.
Prisons after lockdown: creating a positive environment for studying
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.
Prisons after lockdown: changing the core day
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.
Prisons after lockdown: restrictions, regimes and recovery
The first of three blogs about how prisons are recovering from the pandemic and what this means for prison learners.
Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)
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:
- Civil law
- Commercial law
- Social law
- Fiscal law
- Business and financial management of the undertaking
- Access to the market
- Technical standards and technical aspects of operation
- Road safety
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.
Understanding Mentoring and Coaching
This nationally-recognised qualification will help you understand what mentoring and coaching involves, and consider how you could take on such a role. The course helps you to explore your own beliefs and values, alongside key mentoring and coaching skills. You will develop your skills in empathy, listening, non-verbal communication and questioning, building trust and giving effective feedback.
The course covers four topics:
- Concepts of Coaching and Mentoring
- Key Skills and Attributes
- Communication Skills
- The Mechanics of Coaching and Mentoring
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: A series of written assignments, then three formal written assessments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
Find Out More: From NEC here
Safe Handling of Medicines
This course is designed for those who wish to develop their understanding of the safe handling of medicines in order to find work or further learning opportunities in health and social care settings. You will develop a general understanding of different types of medication and their use and gain knowledge of the procedures for obtaining, storing, administering and disposing of medicines. You will also learn about the legislation and the audit process related to medication and issues of responsibility and accountability.
The course consists of four units:
- Understand Medication and Prescriptions
- Supply, Storage and Disposal of Medication
- Understand the Requirements for the Safe Administration of Medicine
- Record-Keeping and Audit Processes for Medication, Administration and Storage
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Four written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
Find Out More: From the OSC here
Prevention and Control of Infection
Infection control has never been more important, making this course very useful for those hoping to work in any health or social care settings. The course helps you to understand the meaning and importance of infection control, the causes of infections, the conditions in which they thrive, and the ways that they can be spread. You will also learn about the methods used to prevent and control the spread of infection.
The course contains three units:
- The Principles of Infection Prevention and Control
- Causes and Spread of Infection
- Cleaning, Decontamination and Waste Management
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Three written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
Find Out More: From the OSC here
Award in Health and Social Care
Whether you wish to find work in a health and social care setting or you are looking to go onto higher education, this course leads to a widely-recognised qualification that can help you to achieve your goals. Entirely theory-based, with this course you will expand your knowledge of the key subject areas of health and social care.
The course has three units:
- Equality, Diversity and Rights in Health and Social Care
- Human Growth and Development
- Safeguarding and Protection in Health and Social Care
The level 3 Award is more in-depth and covers a larger amount of information than the Level 2 Certificate. The questions given for the written assignments will be more in-depth as well, and you having to show more understanding in your answers.
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Three written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments.
Tutor Support: Yes
Find Out More: From the OSC here
Certificate in Health and Social Care
Providing a strong foundation for those who aspire to work in the health and social care sector, this course leads to a nationally-recognised qualification. You’ll explore equality, diversity and rights, human development and safeguarding practices – building yourself the perfect platform for higher levels of study.
The course has three units:
- Equality, Diversity and Rights in Health and Social Care
- Human Growth and Development
- Safeguarding and Protection in Health and Social Care
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Three written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Health and Social Care Level 3 Award
Find Out More: From the OSC here
APM Risk Management
This course is the next step on from APM Project Fundamentals. Relevant to both the construction and engineering sectors, you’ll develop your knowledge of risk management when planning or monitoring progress on any project. This qualification works well as a follow on from our PRINCE2, Agile or Scrum courses, as you’ll be learning to manage risks for any method or approach.
This is an introductory course roughly equivalent to RQF Level 3.
The course covers the following subjects:
- General Definitions
- Benefits
- Principles
- Process/Initiate/Identify/Assess/Plan Responses
- Organisation & Control
- Behaviour
- Application
- Risk identification techniques/ Qualitative risk assessment/ Quantitative risk assessment/ Risk response
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus a previous qualification in project management
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: None
Exams: One exam
Prison Support Requirements: Organize and invigilate exam
Tutor Support: Yes
Find Out More: From CUPE here
Agile Project Management
Agile PM is a project management method which takes a different approach to the more traditional PRINCE2, and has become more popular in some sectors in recent years due to its flexibility. This course will allow you to learn this practical approach that achieves an ideal balance between the standards, rigour and visibility required for good project management, and the fast-pace, change and empowerment provided by Agile.
The course covers the following subject areas:
- The Fundamentals and the Philosophy
- The Principles
- Preparation
- The Lifecycle and Products
- Team structures
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Communication
- MoSCoW and Timeboxing
- Lifecycle Configuration
- Estimation and Measurement
- Quality and Maintainability
- Planning, Control and Risk
- Tailoring Agile Project Management
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: None
Exams: One exam
Prison Support Requirements: Organize and invigilate exam
Tutor Support: Yes
Find Out More: via CUPE here
ABC Scrum Master
Scrum is another popular framework to manage product development. This is a useful qualification if you are looking for a job in management or IT, but you will learn all aspects of this flexible strategy that challenges assumptions of the traditional approach to product development, and enables teams to better communicate and support each other.
The course covers the following subjects:
- The Manifesto and the Principles
- Empirical Product Development
- Scrum Events
- Scrum Roles
- Scrum Teams
- Scrum Artefacts
- Scrum exercises
- Scrum Tailoring Agile Business Consortium Scrum Master
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: None
Exams: One exam
Prison Support Requirements: Organize and invigilate exam
Tutor Support: Yes
Find Out More: From CUPE here
PET launches new Course Prospectus for 2021-22
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.
Children’s education in prison: “Woefully lacking and poorly delivered”
Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) in England are taking too long to recover from the pandemic, according to the Independent Monitoring Boards (IMBs) Annual Report.
Classical Civilisation A-Level Part 2
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:
- Old Comedy – The Frogs
- The Greeks and their Gods
- Sanctuaries, Ritual and Philosophy
- Sanctuary Sites: Acropolis, Delphi and Olympia
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)
- 2 hours, 20 minutes (40% of marks)
- 1 hour, 45 minutes (30% of marks)
- 1 hour, 45 minutes (30% of marks)
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
Classical Civilisation A-Level Part 1
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.
You will not have the option to take the AS exam at the end of Part 1 of this course. After completing Part 1, you should apply for Part 2. Having completed both parts, you can then take the full A-Level exams which will cover everything learned in Part 1 and 2.
This course has six lessons:
- Homer’s world of the hero – The Odyssey (1)
- Homer’s world of the hero – The Odyssey (2)
- Virgil’s world of the hero – The Aeneid (1)
- Virgil’s world of the hero – The Aeneid (2)
- Greek Theatre – Oedipus the King
- The Theatre of Dionysus – Bacchae
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Seven written assignments. These do not count towards the final grade.
Exams: None – go straight to Part 2
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Classical Civilisation A-Level Part 2
Find Out More: From NEC here
Philosophy A-Level Part 1
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.
You will not have the option to take the AS exam at the end of Part 1 of this course. After completing Part 1, you should apply for Part 2. Having completed both parts, you can then take the full A-Level exams which will cover everything learned in Part 1 and 2.
The course consists of five lessons:
- Introduction to Epistemology (Philosophical terminology, what is knowledge? Responses to Gettier)
- Perception as a Source of Knowledge (Direct realism, indirect realism, Berkeley’s idealism)
- Reason as a Source of Knowledge (rationalism empiricism, innatism, intuition and deduction, empiricist responses, scepticism)
- Normative Ethical Theories (utilitarianism, Kantian deontological ethics, Aristotelian virtue ethics)
- Meta-Ethics and Applied Ethics (moral realism, moral anti-realism, applied ethics)
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Six written assignments. These do not count towards the final grade.
Exams: None – go straight to Part 2
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Philosophy A-Level Part 2
Find Out More: From NEC here
Law A-Level Part 1
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.
You will not have the option to take the AS exam at the end of Part 1 of this course. After completing Part 1, you should apply for Part 2. Having completed both parts, you can then take the full A-Level exams which will cover everything learned in Part 1 and 2.
The course consists of four lessons:
- Law-Making
- The English Legal System
- Criminal Law
- Tort
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Five written assignments. These do not count towards the final grade.
Exams: None – go straight to Part 2
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Law A-Level Part 2
Find Out More: From NEC here
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity help veterans in prison look to the future
In a challenging year, veterans studying in prison have been able to look to the future thanks to support from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
Prisoners’ Education Trust – Course Prospectus 2021-2022
Download PET’s Course Prospectus - exploring all the subject areas we offer and helping people in prison choose from over 120 distance learning courses.
Dominic’s story: “Education was my way forward”
Education was key to Dominic leading a life away from crime and helping the next generation of construction workers.
Life Beyond: bringing the thrill of space exploration to prisons
The University of Edinburgh’s Life Beyond project inspires learners in prison to explore and produce designs of settlements beyond Earth.
New PET CEO: “Education must be a priority in every prison”
Jon Collins talks the challenges prison education is facing, digital learning, and how people in prison can help shape the charity’s future.
Sage Computerised Accounting for Business Level 2
For those who already have a basic understanding of bookkeeping, this course shows you how to use Sage 50cloud Accounts software to manage daily processes as well as more advanced functions – such as producing invoices, credit control, reconciling accounts and management reports. You will also get an excellent grounding in double entry bookkeeping, giving you the knowledge to process, control and correct accounts to produce accurate information.
The course has 8 modules:
1.Banking procedures
2.Principles of recording and processing financial transactions
3.Principles of VAT
4.Professional values and basic business legislation
5.Setting up accounting software to manage accounting information
6.Process routine payments and receipts using a computerised system
7.Maintaining and recording the cash book
8. Maintaining the journal
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Level 2 Maths
Format of Course Materials: CD-ROMS plus workbooks
Assignments: A series of self-assessed tests, and a case study
Exams: Two summative tests
Prison Support Requirements: Ensure and facilitate PC use. Support completion and submission of assignments. Facilitate and invigilate exam.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Sage Level 3 Computerised Accounting for Business
Find Out More: You can read more about Sage Qualifications here
Sage Computerised Accounting for Business Level 1
Jointly developed by Sage UK in partnership with Skillsfirst, this accredited qualification could help you become a bookkeeper, or start your own business. Aimed at beginners, the course provides an introduction to Sage computerised accounting software. You will gain the knowledge of how the software works using double-entry bookkeeping, and explore the responsibilities of working within bookkeeping and the principles of banking procedures.
This course has four modules:
1.Using a computerised accounting application
2.Introduction to book-keeping
3.Working within book-keeping
4.Banking procedures
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Level 2 Maths
Format of Course Materials: CD-ROMS plus workbooks
Assignments: A series of self-assessed tests, and a case study
Exams: Two summative tests
Prison Support Requirements: Ensure and facilitate PC use. Support completion and submission of assignments. Facilitate and invigilate exam.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Sage Level 2 Computerised Accounting for Business
Find Out More: You can read more about Sage Qualifications here
Sage Computerised Accounting for Business Level 3
This level 3 qualification will give you the advanced skills required to be the bookkeeper for a small firm or within an accounts department. You will build your understanding of cash flow management, preparing VAT returns, final accounts for sole traders and the principles of partnership accounting.
The course consists of ten modules:
1.Principles of double entry bookkeeping
2. Principles of accounting for not for profit organisations
3.Fundamentals of incomplete records
4.Principles of preparing financial statements for sole traders
5.Fundamentals of bookkeeping and accounting for partnerships
6.Principles of cash management
7.Principles of VAT
8.Cash management
9.Preparing and completing VAT returns
10.Computerised Accounting Software
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths, plus a previous Sage qualification or experience.
Format of Course Materials: CD-ROMs plus workbooks
Assignments: A series of self-assessed tasks, and a case study
Exams: Two summative tests
Prison Support Requirements: Ensure and facilitate PC use. Support completion and submission of assignments. Facilitate and invigilate exam.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Sage Level 4 CIMA Certificate
Find Out More: You can read more about Sage Qualifications here
Certificate in Principles of Customer Service
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
Preparing to Set Up a Digital Business
Equipping you with the knowledge to succeed in the digital world, this course shows you how to take the first steps in digital business. You will cover various aspects of business, including challenges, business planning, relationship building, marketing, finance and negotiation. The course provider, Rocketeer, will also give you access to their resources after release, and offer bespoke support for your business through the gate.
The course contains seven units:
- The challenges and risks of starting a business
- Personal skills and abilities to start a business
- Understand how to plan for a new business
- Understand business relationships in new business
- Principles of marketing and selling a new business
- Understanding finance in a business context
- Understanding negotiation of deals in business
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: 7 written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Creating and Starting a Digital Business, also from Rocketeer (Level 3)
Find Out More: You can read more about the course provider, Rocketeer, on their website here
CMI Level 5 in Management and Leadership
This qualification, specifically adapted by NEC, is aimed at both practicing and aspiring managers and leaders who are accountable to senior managers or business owners. The course will teach learners how to be more effective at managing individuals and teams and to deliver aims and objectives in line with an organization’s strategy. Learners will focus on the principles of managing, and approaches for supporting, motivating and inspiring both teams and individuals to exceed expectations.
The course consists of two core units:
- Unit 501: Principles of Management in an Organizational Context
This unit includes: Evaluating the impact of an organization’s structure and governance, Exploring theoretical models, management and leadership styles, and Approaches designed to promote a culture of mutual trust and respect
- Unit 502: Developing, Managing and Leading Individuals and Teams to Achieve Success
This unit includes: Theoretical and practical approaches to developing, leading and managing teams, Techniques to assess current and future team capabilities, and the role of recruitment, selection and staff development
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus a Level 3 Management qualification
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Two practice assignments and two CMI formal assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
Find Out More: From NEC here
CMI Level 3 in Principles of Management and Leadership
This course will provide you with the broad knowledge and skills needed to improve your managerial ability. It focuses on the way organisations operate, as well as the application of management and leadership approaches. You will also study how to manage teams effectively, create cohesive workplaces, and overcome barriers to achievement.
The course consists of two core units:
- Unit 301: Principles of Management and Leadership
This unit includes: Ways Organisations Operate, Application of Management, Leadership Approaches
- Unit 302: Managing a Team to Achieve Results
This unit includes: Understanding the Nature of Teams in the Workplace, How to achieve results
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Two practice assignments and two CMI formal assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
Find Out More: From NEC’s website here
Seasons in the sun: CEO Rod Clark reflects on leaving PET
After eight years as CEO, Rod Clark reflects on leaving Prisoners’ Education Trust and the positive future he foresees for the organisation.
Evaluating the Personal, Interpersonal and Contextual dimensions of growth through Learning Together
Learning Together began in 2014 as an action research initiative. Through our research, we aimed to develop a valid questionnaire that could be reliably used to evaluate the experiences and growth of students – based both in prisons and at universities – as they participate in Learning Together.
Jonathan’s story: “I have education to thank for my family’s pride in me”
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.
Report on the achievements of Welsh Prisons Project published
PET’s Welsh Prisons Project has pioneered many of the changes we have made to improve our support for learners in recent times.
Celebrating learners’ successes: a new animation from PET
Working with learners, PET’s Welsh Prison Project have made an animation about the successes and achievements of people studying in prison.
Welsh Prisons Project 2017–2020
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.
Digital innovation catalyses learning – even amid Covid-19 restrictions
A collaboration between Learning Together, Coracle Inside and HMPPS is yielding exciting developments in the provision of digital learning.
Digital innovation catalyses learning – a case study
A new connected short course delivered at HMP Hull is supported by chromebooks through Learning Together’s partnership with Coracle Inside.
2020’s most popular distance learning courses in prison
PET funded over 1000 people to take courses in prison last year, helping them work towards their dream of a better life.
Making the case for prison education: PET responds to parliamentary inquiry
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.
A Day With History
Despite the suspension of face-to-face education during lockdown, HMP Pentonville has found ways of keeping educational partnerships running and creating learning opportunities for people in prison.
Prison Education – PET evidence submission
The Education Committee inquiry is examining how current arrangements support learners in custody and how well prison education delivers the skills needed by employers. The inquiry is considering education for adults, young people and children in custody.
Government research: impact of prison education goes beyond finding work
New government research shows the positive impact of education for people supported by Prisoners’ Education Trust goes beyond finding work.
Prisoners’ Education Trust appoints new chief executive
Prisoners’ Education Trust has appointed Jon Collins as its new chief executive, as people in prison enter their tenth month in lockdown.
A message from PET’s President: “a year like no other”
John Samuels QC reflects on a difficult year for people in prison – as restricted conditions continue, even over Christmas.
Education and Training Award
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:
- Roles, Responsibilities, and Relationships
- Assessment in Education and Training
- Inclusive Teaching and Learning
- Planning and preparation
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
Big Give 2020: give prisoners hope during the lockdown
Donate to our Big Give Christmas Challenge and help us support more people to study in prison during the lockdown.
Questions in the Sky
In this blog, Angus Jackson talks about his experience as a university student participating in Learning Together module ‘Writing Together’.
Have your say on our future
We are thinking about our plans for the future – how we can help more people and offer better support – and we need your help.
PET Short Course – Sports and Nutrition
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:
- Time Management
- Reading and Noting
- Academic Writing: Clear Communication
- Essays and Exams
- Making the Most of Distance Learning
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.
PET Short Course – Mental Health and Counselling
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:
- Time Management
- Reading and Noting
- Academic Writing: Clear Communication
- Essays and Exams
- Making the Most of Distance Learning
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.
PET Short Course – Construction, Trades, Health and Safety
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:
- Time Management
- Reading and Noting
- Academic Writing: Clear Communication
- Essays and Exams
- Making the Most of Distance Learning
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.
PET Short Course – Business, Accounting and Bookkeeping
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:
- Time Management
- Reading and Noting
- Academic Writing: Clear Communication
- Essays and Exams
- Making the Most of Distance Learning
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.
Sociology A-Level Part 2
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:
- Beliefs in Society 1 (Religion, science, and ideology, religion as a force for social stability or change, religious organisations)
- Beliefs in Society 2 (New religious movements, gender feminism and religion, ethnicity, age and class, secularisation)
- Crime and Deviance 1 (Social control, deviance, crime, radical criminology, labelling theory, crime statistics)
- Crime and Deviance 2 (Ethnicity, gender and crime, social class and crime, crime in a global world, the criminal justice system)
- Revision – Theory and Methods
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
Religious Studies A-Level Part 2
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:
- Religious Language (Analogy and Symbol, Verification and Falsification, Language Game)
- Belief and Unbelief (Critiques of Religious Belief, Life after Death, Creation and Cosmology)
- Ethics (Kant’s Deontological Ethics, Aristotelian Virtue Ethics, Cognitivism and Non-Cognitivism, Religion and Morality, Medical Ethics – the beginning and end of life)
- Christianity and Society (The Challenge from Science, Secularisation, new movements in theology, pluralism and diversity, gender equality and discrimination)
- Atonement Theory and Scholars
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
Psychology A-Level Part 2
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:
- Approaches and Debates (psychodynamic approach, humanistic approach, gender and culture in psychology, free will and determinism, nature-nurture debate, holism and reductionism, idiopathic and nomothetic approaches, ethical implications of research, comparing approaches)
- Schizophrenia (Classifying, explanations, therapies, and the interactionist approach)
- Cognition and Development (Piaget’s theory, Vggotsky’s theory, development of social cognition)
- Aggression and Further Research Methods (Bio-psychological explanations, ethological and evolutionary explanations, social explanations, media influences, institutional aggression, psychology as a science, inferential testing, choosing a statistical test)
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
Politics A-Level Part 2
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
Philosophy A-Level Part 2
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:
- Metaphysics of God, 1: Arguments for the existence of God (the concept of God, the design argument, the cosmological argument)
- Metaphysics of God, 2 (the ontological argument, the problem of evil, religious language)
- Metaphysics of Mind 1 (substance dualism, philosophical behaviourism, mind-brain identity theory, eliminative materialism)
- Metaphysics of Mind 2 (functionality, property dualism)
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
Mathematics A-Level Part 2
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
Law A-Level Part 2
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
History A-Level Part 2
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
English Literature A-Level Part 2
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
PET calls for urgent action on education during prison lockdown
Without immediate action to reinstate education in prisons, people will return to their communities “deskilled, disillusioned and discouraged”.
English Language A-Level Part 2
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 A-Level Part 2
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
APM Project Fundamentals
APM project management qualifications are regarded by the industry as the best for construction and engineering. This qualification covers a wide range of management topics. You will develop your knowledge of management structures, project management planning, scheduling and resource management, risk management, communication, leadership and teamwork.
The course has 18 modules that cover the following 10 areas:
1. Project Management and the Operating Environment
2. Project Life Cycle
3. Management Structures by which Projects Operate
4. Project Management Planning
5. Scope Management
6. Scheduling and Resource Management
7. Risk Management and Issue Management
8.Project Quality Management
9. Communication
10. Leadership and Teamwork
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: None
Exams: One multiple choice exam
Prison Support Requirements: Organize and invigilate exam
Tutor Support: Yes
Find Out More: You can read more about the course provider, Cupe International, here
Islamic Finance – Certificate in Islamic Capital Markets and Instruments
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
Islamic Finance – Certificate in Islamic Banking and Takaful
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:
- Overview of the development of Islamic financial systems and institutions
- Islamic financial system: Islamic capital market, takaful and settlement system
- Financial regulation and market standards
- Deposits and investment accounts
- Islamic banking products and services
- Trade finance and treasury products
- Takaful – an overview
- Takaful products and services
- Takaful underwriting, deficit, surpluses and retakaful
- The financial and operational risks of Islamic financial institutions
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
Islamic Finance – Certificate in Islamic Commercial Law
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
Islamic Finance – Certificate in Accounting for Islamic Financial Institutions
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:
- Framework of financial reporting for Islamic financial institutions
- Financial reporting of Islamic financial institutions
- Financial statements I: balance sheet and statement of restricted investment
- Financial statements II: income statement and accounting policies on income determination
- Investment accounts and profit distribution policy
- Accounting and reporting: Mudarabah and Musharakah financing
- Accounting and reporting: Murabahah financing
- Accounting and reporting: Ijarah and Ijarah Muntahia Bi Tamleek
- Accounting and reporting: Salam and Istisna’ financing
- Corporate governance
- Auditing of Islamic financial institutions
- Shari’ah governance
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
Business A-Level Part 2
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:
- The Business Environment
- Choosing Strategic Direction
- Strategic Change
- Managing Strategic Change
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
NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety
This course is designed for people who have fire safety responsibilities at work. It provides the knowledge and understanding to carry out an effective fire risk assessment, as well as embed good practice in the workplace. Holders of this accredited qualification can help their organisation to meet its fire safety responsibilities. With the knowledge gained on this course, you can help create a safer environment for employees and visitors to premises and an improved fire safety culture for employers and building managers.
The course has two units (FSC1 and FSC2), that cover the following subject areas:
- Management of health and safety
- Managing fire safety
- Principles of fire and explosion
- Causes and prevention of fires and explosions
- Fire protection in buildings
- Safety of people in the event of fire
- Fire safety risk assessment
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus a level 2 NEBOSH or IOSH qualification
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: None, but coursework is recommended to send to RRC International for feedback before exams.
Exams: One open book exam and one risk assessment.
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and facilitate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Any other Level 3 NEBOSH Certificate
Find Out More: From the NEBOSH website here.
Breaking down barriers between prisoners and prison staff
Matteo Cassini from Justice Defenders talks about breaking down barriers between prisoners and prison staff through legal education in Kenya and Uganda.
PET CEO Rod Clark to step down after over seven years
Rod Clark is stepping down as Chief Executive of Prisoners’ Education Trust after seven and a half years in the role.
In conversation with Shadow Justice Secretary David Lammy
Watch the Shadow Justice Secretary join our expert panel for an online discussion on education, race and criminal justice.
Left behind white pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds – PET evidence submission
The Education Committee is to investigate the issues faced by disadvantaged groups, with an initial inquiry into the educational underachievement of white pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds including white working class pupils.
Prison-university partnerships in lockdown
Three prison university partnerships come together to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on their role in prisons, and what the future may hold for their work.
Postcards from prison: helping keep families connected
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.
Leeds Beckett University HMP Full Sutton
Model: Learning Together
A collaborative learning partnership between Leeds Beckett University, which began in 2017. The course is taken by Leeds Beckett students as part of a criminology degree and is run by Drs Alexandria Bradley and Bill Davies. The module has been praised by HMIP Inspectors and OFSTED in their report in 2020. You can read the report here. You can also read the independent evaluation of this partnership here.
Our letter to the CEO of HMPPS on the recovery from 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.
Reaching for the stars in prison
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.
Prison University Partnerships in Wales and Scotland
We have compiled this resource that lists the Prison University partnerships currently ongoing in Wales and Scotland. We hope this resource will inform and inspire those who are thinking about creating their own partnerships and those who are just looking to learn more.
Prison University Partnerships in the South of England
We have compiled this list of Prison University Partnerships operating in the South of England, we hope this will inform and inspire anyone thinking about establishing their own partnership or just looking to learn more.
Lessons from lockdown: how can prisons support education?
PET’s Head of Policy outlines seven creative – and sometimes courageous – ways prisons can support education as they emerge from lockdown.
PLAN research library
This library of resources put together by the Prisoner Learning Academic Network includes research on prison education and learning. Where possible, we have included links to resources which have been made available to everyone.
New evidence of the economic impact of PET’s work
A new report from Pro Bono Economics provides further evidence that PET’s work has a positive economic impact for society.
Assessing the economic benefits from improved employment outcomes for PET beneficiaries
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.
A taste of distance learning: writing short courses for PET
PET Volunteer and Doctoral Researcher Xander Ryan explains how he created short courses to improve learners’ study skills and help them progress.
300 calls from 60 prisons: a busy start for PET’s Advice Line
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.
Peer Mentoring Certificate
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:
- Mentoring – so what is it?
- Let’s Talk Communication
- More Personal Baggage Than a Coach Tour
- Listening – Er, What?
- Mentoring – So What’s It Good For?
- ‘Nuff Said! – Boundaries and Confidentiality
- Mentoring – Stages and Barriers, and Stages of a Mentoring Relationship
- Mirror, Mirror – Time for Reflection
- Information
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.
PET calls for education to be reinstated in children’s prisons
PET’s Chief Executive responds to the new report on the issue of separation of children in Young Offenders’ Institutions.
Pentonville students create book celebrating partnership with PET
Creative Arts students at HMP Pentonville have created a commemorative book marking the prison’s 20-year partnership with PET.
HMP Pentonville students draw up prison education manifesto
As part of HMP Pentonville’s commemorative book marking their partnership with PET, residents have written a manifesto for improving prison education.
The impact of COVID-19 on education and children’s services – PET evidence submission
This Education Committee inquiry will look at how the outbreak of COVID-19 is affecting all aspects of the education sector and children’s social care system and will scrutinise how the Department for Education is dealing with the situation.
PET 30th Anniversary Booklet
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 launches Peer Mentor course co-written by prisoners
PET has launched a new accredited Peer Mentor course, co-written by prison peer mentors and the people they support.
“The IT’s great but that’s not enough”: Prison university partnerships and digital technology
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.
Coronavirus: an update for prison and education staff
We are doing all we can at Prisoners’ Education Trust to continue to provide courses and to offer support to learners in prison.
Donate to our COVID-19 appeal
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.
“Keep well, keep hopeful, keep connected” – how universities can support prisons during Covid-19
In this blog, we hear from Learning Together and Rowan Mackenzie about how they have adapted their work to meet the challenges of the lockdown.
RHS Certificate in Principles of Plant Growth and Development
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:
- Plant Classification, Structure, and Function
- Plant Nutrition and Root Environment
- Maintaining Plant Health
- Understanding Plant Propagation
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
Coronavirus: support for family and friends of prison learners
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.
Making Links in Brazil and Argentina
In this blog post we hear from Sacha Darke, a senior lecturer at University of Westminster, who recently travelled to South America to visit existing and developing higher education prison initiatives.
Prison university partnerships in the North of England
Following the collection of articles about London-based prison university partnerships which we posted last month, we've created a similar list for the North of England. We hope this will be helpful for anyone hoping to set up a partnership, or for anyone looking for more information and inspiration.
Children’s education in custody: “Too many failed by the system”
At any one time, up to 1000 children can be in prisons or secure training centres. Francesca Cooney, our Head of Policy, reviews the recent report from HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) on children in custody and outlines what it tells us about access to education.
London-based prison university partnerships
We've created a collection of articles about London-based prison university partnerships. We hope this will helpful for anyone hoping to set up a partnership, or for anyone looking for more information and inspiration.
“Education can be an effective link to keeping families together”
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.
2019’s top ten distance learning courses revealed
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.
Ofsted Annual Report: a concerning picture of prison education
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.
Languages
Learning a language is a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture and can help break down barriers when you meet people from other countries. It can also give you an added advantage if you want to work for a company with international customers.
While our language courses do not result in a qualification, they are ideal if you are interested in speaking and understanding a new language to a high standard.
We offer the following languages via Linguaphone’s CD-and-workbook complete courses, which take you from beginner to advanced:
Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, and Turkish.
This course requires access to a C.D. Player - PET cannot provide this.
Entry Requirements: English Level 2
Format of Course Materials: CD-ROMs plus workbooks
Assignments: None – these is a self-assessed course.
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Ensure access to a CD Player
Tutor Support: No
What’s Next? Another Language!
Find Out More: Linguaphone offer further information here.
Prisoners’ Active Citizenship: Evaluation of the PAC-learning areas
As part of the ‘Prisoners’ Active Citizenship’ (PAC) project, nine active citizenship learning areas were set up in five European countries. This research report presents the results of the evaluation of these learning areas.
“For some patients, education may be one of the few therapies they engage with”
The John Howard Centre is a medium-secure forensic hospital for adults. In this post, Miles Mantle talks about the meaning patients find in education and its rehabilitative effects.
“PET shows you a world of new possibilities”: Dalton’s story
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.
PET’s Radio 4 Appeal airs on 15 December
Prisoners’ Education Trust’s BBC Radio 4 Appeal airs this Sunday 15 December, presented by columnist, broadcaster and novelist Grace Dent.
Putting Prison Pedagogy into Practice
On 6th November, we held our second PLAN seminar in the current series, bringing practitioners and researchers together, from a range of disciplines, to build and strengthen the knowledge base around prison education
Prisoners’ Active Citizenship: An insight in European prisons
As part of the PAC (Prisoners’ Active Citizenship) Erasmus + EU project, this research report provides insight into existing active citizenship practices in European prisons through an overview of the existing literature about active citizenship in prison, and the results of an online survey.
Presenter of PET’s Radio 4 Appeal revealed
Prisoners’ Education Trust is delighted to announce the presenter of our BBC Radio 4 Appeal, which is set to air this December.
Introducing a clearer way to apply to PET
After a successful trial in six prisons, PET has launched its new application form for distance learning across England and Wales.
NEBOSH Certificate in Health and Safety Management for Construction
This course is designed for supervisors and managers within the construction industry and provides underpinning knowledge of managing health and safety in construction activities. Learn about general health and safety issues within a construction context, as well as the specific construction issues that make the industry amongst the most dangerous in which to work.
This course covers the following subjects:
- The foundations of construction health and safety management
- Improving health and safety culture and assessing risk
- Managing change and procedures
- Excavation
- Demolition
- Mobile plant and vehicles
- Working at height
- Musculoskeletal health and load handling
- Work equipment
- Electricity
- Fire
- Chemical and biological agents
- Physical and psychological health
Entry requirements: Level 2 English, plus a Level 2 NEBOSH or IOSH qualification and a Level 3 or above qualification
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Activities are given for each element with solutions in the workbook for self-marking. Mock exam supplied for practice and subsequent marking by tutor.
Exams: One open book exam
Prison support requirements: Support to submit coursework; organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor support: Yes
Find Out More: From the NEBOSH website here.
Citizens Inside: A guide to creating active participation in prisons
This toolkit was created to help people working and living in prisons to build active citizenship. It is designed to be used by prisoners, prison management and staff, education staff, organisations and people working in the voluntary sector.
“I found my freedom”: studying science in prison
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 appoints five new trustees
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: Save the Date
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.
“I couldn’t imagine my life without it”
Rowan Mackenzie is a PhD Researcher at University of Birmingham and since early 2018 has been helping to bring Shakespeare behind bars at a number of prisons. Today we hear from Rowan and from the Gallowfield Players, a theatre company at HMP Gartree
Prison Educators: Professionalism Against the Odds
University of Birmingham HMP Gartree
Model: Various
Researcher Rowan MacKenzie from the Shakespeare Institute started volunteering in HMP Gartree in early 2018, facilitating drama workshops and working towards a performance of Macbeth. From this, the Gallow Field Players was formed – a theatre company who work with Rowan to put on performances of Shakespeare plays for their families, and prison and university staff – to rave reviews! You can read more about the partnership here.
Certificate in Understanding Substance Misuse
This course will help you to develop an increased understanding of substance misuse, equipping you with knowledge and skills that can be used whether you are personally or professionally involved in this field. The course covers the effects and symptoms of drug use, as well as responses including legislation, harm reduction and intervention. It also has a unit focused especially on substance misuse among young people.
This course is comprised of three units:
- Understanding Drug Use: Facts, Effects, Symptoms and Attitudes
- Understanding Responses to Substance Misuse: Legislation, Harm Reduction and Interventions
- Understanding Alcohol and Drug Use in Young People
Entry requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Three written assignments
Exams: None
Tutor support: Yes
Prison support requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
What’s next? Understanding Mental Healthcare QCF (Level 3)
Find Out More: From NCC here
Roots to STEM: bringing science education to prisons
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.
A summer reading list for our new Justice ministers
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?
Bringing Cell Block Science to HMP Leicester
The University of Leicester’s Dr Marie Nugent has worked with researchers and HMP Leicester to run an English pilot of Cell Block Science – a ground-breaking public engagement programme that brings STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) academics into prisons.
What does education mean to you? People in prison respond
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.
PET’s 30th celebration
Pictures, postcards and inspiration from our 30th birthday party, as staff, trustees, former prisons learners, supporters and founders gathered to help us celebrate.
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity gives veterans in prison a fresh start
30 veterans in prison have been offered a fresh start through learning thanks to generous support from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
Learning to break the habit – Emma’s story
‘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.
The Open University at 50: “We recognise the need to play to our strengths”
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.
The Taylor Family Foundation: helping PET transform young prisoners’ lives
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.
University of Oxford HMP Grendon
Model: Learning Together
University of Winchester HMP Winchester
Model: Learning Together
University of Cumbria HMP Haverigg
Model: Learning Together
University of York HMP Buckley Hall
Model: Learning Together
York St John University HMP Askham Grange, HMP New Hall
Model: Students from both institutions working together
The York St John (YSJ) University Prison Partnership Project started in 2013 and is a partnership between the university and HMPs New Hall – a closed female prison – and HMP Askham Grange – an open female prison. It was born out of the idea and desire to provide a unique creative arts partnership between education, the arts and the prison service facilitating a weekly drama and arts provision in prison.
Wakefield College HMP Risley
University of Westminster HMP Pentonville, HMP Grendon, HMP Coldingley, HMYOI Feltham
It has been very beneficial in me seeing myself as a true university student and not just a prison student.”
In January 2016 British Convict Criminology at University of Westminster started its first prison-university partnership at HMP Pentonville. The project, Making Links, involves level 6 BA Criminology students studying an Introduction to Prisons course with Pentonville learners studying at level 3 and above. It was cited as an example of good practice in the Ministry of Justice’s (2016) Coates Review on prison education. In October 2017 the University of Westminster stated a Convict Criminology reading group with social science degree students at HMP Grendon. In 2018 Drs Darke and Aresti in HMP Coldingley.
added another in HMP Coldingley.
Another partnership, between Westminster and HMYOI Feltham, brings together students from both institutions and from Royal Holloway University to study ‘Contemporary Social Issues’ in a Learning Together module.
University of Salford HMP Forest Bank
Model: Inside Out
This Inside Out partnership between the University of Salford and HMP Forest Bank teaches a Criminology module. It is running for the first time in Autumn 2018.This criminology based module asks key questions each week, such as ‘What are prisons for?’ The module has two assessments, a reflective essay and a group work project. All students, both inside and out, have the same readings and assessment and receive credits for the module.
University of Roehampton HMP Belmarsh
Model: Learning Together
We have brought together two enormous bureaucracies – and within those bureaucracies are scatterings of people who may never have thought about universities or prisons before in the course of their prison or university job.”
The University of Roehampton run a Criminology module called ‘Understanding Justice’ which is fully accredited for all 20 students (10 prison and 10 university students), who enrol. In the course they tackle two theoretical positions on the meaning of justice before applying these abstract notions to real world cases, for example by looking at the ‘Snoopers Charter’ through the lens of consequentialism.
University of Northampton HMP Onley
Model: Lecture series
Lecturers in Criminology from Northampton are giving a three-part lecture course in Social Justice to students from HMP Onley alongside a cohort of Northampton’s Year 2 Criminology students. Established to break down barriers and enable the Onley students to “engage outside the normal parameters”, there is a view to expand the partnership to include other subject areas.
University of Kent HMP Swaleside
Model: Inside Out
We’re in a culture where you keep emotions inside – the course gave me a chance to express myself.”
In 2017, an Inside Out partnership began between learners in HMP Swaleside and Criminology students from the University of Kent. The students studied ‘Issues in Criminal Justice’ over ten weeks, learning together in seminar groups in the prison. Participants were awarded credits from the University. In the second year, former inside students supported their peers in teaching assistant roles.
University of Hull HMP Hull
Model: Learning Together
University of Greenwich HMP Downview
Model: Inside Out
While challenging others can be deceivingly easy at times, challenging yourself is one of the toughest of tasks. But it is also hugely rewarding.”
Established in 2018 in partnership with University of Greenwich and HMP Downview, ‘Inside and Outside Perspectives on Criminology and Criminal Justice’ is a Level Five criminology undergraduate module that offers students the opportunity to engage with criminological issues. Module leaders have received extensive training at the Inside-Out Training Institute in Philadelphia.. With the intention of breaking down barriers and stereotypes on all sides, this course allows learning to move beyond physical and artificial separations, providing a space for an embodied and critical pedagogy.
University of Edinburgh HMP Schotts, HMP Low Moss, HMP Cornton Vale
Model: CoPI (Community of Philosophical Enquiry)
Low Moss and Cornton Vale prisons offered seven-week Introduction to Philosophy courses to prisoners, adapting a successful MOOC (Massively Online Open Course) offered by University of Edinburgh academics. The courses were designed by Philosophy researchers at Edinburgh, and is delivered through small-group tutorials by postgraduate students. Tutorials took the format of guided discussions using the Community of Philosophical Inquiry (CoPI) format, a pedagogical method which does not presuppose any particular knowledge or literacy level from students and which work to strip away prisoners’ previous assumptions about themselves and the world.
University of East London HMP Aylesbury, HMP & HMYOI Isis
Model: Various, including Teach Together
University of Central Lancashire HMP Kirkham
Model: Learning Together
This is an annual project that is available to 3rd year criminology/law students, and prisoners at HMP Kirkham. The module centres around debating current social issues. Debate topics last year included: banning tobacco in the UK, abolishing the British monarchy, the legalisation of euthanasia, and the dangers of the internet. The aim of these sessions is to break down boundaries and to create a positive learning environment where students and prisoners can develop debating techniques, discuss relevant topics and learn to create coherent arguments.
University of Manchester HMP Risley
Model: Learning Together
“Completing the course has given me a sense of achievement and the realisation that I can work outside of my comfort zone, and for that I will forever be grateful.”
In September 2017 the University of Manchester, led by Prof. Shadd Maruna and Dr Rose Broad, began working with HMP Risley to run a pilot of ‘Learning Criminology Inside’, largely based on the ethos of Learning Together. Level 3 students from the University studied the module ‘From Imprisonment to Rehabilitation’ alongside students from the prison for 10 weeks.
Help us mark our 30th birthday in style
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.
“What if I couldn’t cope if I found out what someone had done?”
As part of a partnership between Lincoln College and HMP Lincoln, Leasha Pridmore, a student studying Art and Design Foundation, has spent a semester running art workshops in the prison.
PET Strategy 2018-2020
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.
The Open University Prisons across the UK
Model: Various, including public legal education provided to prisoners via a partnership with St Giles Trust and with prison radio.
The Open University has been supporting students in prisons since the 1970s with courses ranging from short access modules to full undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.
Since 2017, the Open University Law School through its Open Justice Centre, has run public legal education projects in eleven prisons across England and Wales: HMP Altcourse, HMP Cardiff, HMP Dovegate, HMP Oakwood, HMP Sudbury, HMP Leicester, HMP Foston Hall, HMP Send, HMP High Down, HMP Wandsworth and HMP Wormwood Scrubs.
All of our prison projects involve law students towards the end of their degree studies and most of the projects have been in partnership with St Giles Trust. This charity selects and trains prisoners to act as peer advisors to their fellow prisoners. Together, the peer advisors and law students identify areas of legal need in the prison. Under supervision, the students develop suitable learning materials to help address that need and deliver them to the peer advisors. The peer advisors are then able to disseminate this legal knowledge to others in the prison. Subjects have included release on temporary licence, deportation, family law matters and legal issues concerning employment after prison. In HMP Altcourse, the dissemination of legal knowledge researched by our law students takes place over prison radio.
The Open University has also run a series of research seminars in HMP Stafford and HMP Oakwood in which OU academics deliver a short lecture to prisoners, who are then invited to ask questions and discuss the issues raised. Topics have ranged from the rise of Donald Trump to the atmosphere of the moon.
University of East Anglia HMP Highpoint
Model: The Crito Project
The Crito Project is a registered teaching charity, in partnership with the University of East Anglia and People Plus, delivering accredited face-to-face higher education curriculum in UK prisons. Inspired and mentored by the Bard College Prison Initiative in the US, the Crito Project has grown since its inception nine years ago.
Today we deliver an 18-month curriculum of free higher education in philosophy, logic, ethics and literature to students serving their sentences in the east of England. We currently teach solely at HMP Highpoint, but have plans to extend our provision, our curriculum and the number of students we teach. Put simply, the Crito Project plans to reimagine what higher education is for by changing where it takes place. To read more, please visit our website: http://www.thecritoproject.org
Teesside University HMP Holme House
Model: Inside Out
The first Inside-Out course with Teesside University at HMP Holme House was established in 2016 and takes the central concern of social justice and explores this in the local context, tracing connections between global forces and local effects on the economy and industry, poverty and inequality, as well as crime and criminal justice. Undergraduate criminology and sociology students study alongside a cohort from HMP Holme House on a 14-week accredited module engaging with critical discussions and group work within an equal, positive and passionate learning environment.
Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research HMP Schotts, HMP Greenock, HMP Barlinnie
Model: Various, including academic reading groups
University postgraduate students meet monthly with prison-based students in peer-run sessions at HMPs Shotts, Greenock and Barlinnie to discuss academic texts in social sciences, humanities and physical sciences. The aim is to reproduce the kinds of reading groups typically available in universities as part of a liberal arts educational philosophy and which support: group based learning, discussion and debate skills, critical analytical skills, close reading, high level textual engagement and knowledge acquisition.
Royal Holloway, University of London HMYOI Feltham, HMP Bronzefield
Model: Learning Together
Undergraduate Criminology students from Royal Holloway have been studying ‘Contemporary Social Issues’ alongside learners in HMYOI Feltham, and students from University of Westminster. The programme has a strong study skills element, supporting Royal Holloway students as they make the transition into Higher Education, while also providing the young men at Feltham with valuable transferable skills, both for future study and for employability. In 2017 Serena Wright and Rosie Meek ran a module titled ‘Pioneering Women,’ offered to students from RHUL and prison learners in HMP Bronzefield.
Nottingham Trent University HMP Lowdham Grange, HMP Sudbury
Model: Learning Together
The first Learning Together course between Nottingham Trent University and HMP Lowdham Grange piloted in the 2016/17 academic year, and was themed around the theory, policy and practice of Criminology and Education Studies. The eight-week course is intended as a study of, an exploration, and discussion into the value of lifelong learning, and the benefits of education provision for all. Delivered by Nottingham Trent University academics, learning is facilitated by a combination of seminars and discussions. A Sociology course now runs in Lowdham Grange and in HMP Sudbury.
Newman University HMP Birmingham
Model: Learning Together
“This whole experience for me has been crazy and beautiful. Would I call it a success? Yes- definitely.”
Lecturers at Newman University started in late 2016 a programme of Higher Education in HMP Birmingham called ‘Going Straight to University’. Modelled within the framework of Learning Together and inspired by Baz Dreisinger’s Prison to College Pipeline in John Jay College in New York, this partnership seeks to provide credits to prisoner learners that will provide a meaningful springboard into higher education on release.
Middlesex University HMP Wandsworth
Model: Learning Together
One of the main things that drew me to it was the fact that it was going to be this very immersive experience that had two elements of society that don’t necessarily overlap very frequently.
The Middlesex module ‘Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice’ is taught over 10 weeks and covers topics on the sociology of crime and deviance, youth justice, criminal court sentencing, and comparative prison perspectives. Each session comprises a lecture, set readings and small group discussions co-ordinated by group facilitators to advance ideas, debate, and formulate new, reflective, and experiential knowledge.
London South Bank University HMP Pentonville
Model: Learning Together
“The course was a time and space for students to learn in a new environment however it represents more than that. The personal and academic connections the students are making are transcending the physical boundaries imposed on them.”
An optional addition to an undergraduate degree in education, the partnership took eight LSBU students into HMP Pentonville, where they joined 12 Pentonville students to take a module on Education for Social Justice. This diverse group explored how education is used as a tool for social change and the factors that might influence that such as history, curriculum, theories of learning, technology and assessment.
Goldsmiths College, University of London HMP/HMYOI Isis
Model: Various, including Learning Together
“The learners realised that philosophy is a human endeavour that is accessible to all participants, particularly as it opened their minds and hearts to their predicament and place in the world.”
A social science research methods course ran in HMPYOI Isis between January and March 2017 with Open Book at Goldsmiths, University of London – involving 18 learners in total, 16 of whom were under 25 years old. The Open Book Project aims to break down the barriers to higher education for people from a wide range of non-traditional backgrounds including, offending, addiction and mental health. The guest lecturers were ex-prisoners who had significant personal experience with the prison context and were currently studying and/or researching prisons.
Edinburgh Napier HMP Edinburgh, HMYOI Polmont
Model: Various, including work placements and reading groups
“The students from Edinburgh Napier University came and one helped me in the class which was very good because it gave you one-to-one education. I have learned a lot by coming to the class here. I never used to write letters or poetry or read a lot, but now I have the confidence to do more.”
Undergraduates in Edinburgh Napier’s School of Arts and Creative Industries can complete a placement at HMP Edinburgh’s learning centre, working alongside prison education staff. Undergraduate students in Photography, Film and Television can participate in a media project, working with young people at HMYOI Polmont to collaboratively produce film and photographs. Learners at Polmont get peer support in developing a range of photographic and film-making techniques. This project won a Herald Higher Education award, for Widening Access.
Edge Hill University HMP Thorn Cross
Model: Learning Together
The partnership between Edge Hill University and HMP Thorn Cross was set up and rolled out in 2017. The partnership is funded by Edge Hill University and has been validated for an initial period of five years. Edge Hill have worked closely with partners at HMP Thorn Cross and Novus (the in-house education provider) who have supported this project, supplying education support and teaching facilities.
Durham University HMP Durham, HMP Frankland, HMP Low Newton
Model: Various, including Inside Out
Inside Out: All third year criminology undergraduates at Durham and some Masters students have the option to complete a credit-bearing criminology module inside a nearby prison for one afternoon each week over 10 weeks. Durham University operates a rolling programme of undergraduate and postgraduate Inside-Out courses, as well as one-off master classes, at HMP Frankland Category A men’s prison, HMP Durham Category B men’s prison and HMP Low Newton women’s prison.
Think Like a Scientist: This science education programme ran for the first time in HMP Low Newton in spring 2019. Following great feedback, Dr Phil Heron (its founder) is now running the project in HMYOI Deerbolt. The programme is open to learners at all levels and asks questions like what are we trying to find out? how do we test that? can we confirm a result? what else do we need to know to be sure of our findings? By the end of the course all students should be able to understand the three main pillars of thinking like a scientist: ‘understanding, analysing and communicating’.
De Montfort University HMP Gartree, HMP Leicester
Model: Various, including Learning Together
“This strengthening relationship is pushing the boundaries of both institutions, with the benefits being felt by students, prisoners and staff across both the prison and the university.” – Phil Novis, governor, HMP Leicester
De Montfort University has been working collaboratively to deliver courses in Criminology with HMP Gartree since November 2016. These five session courses are structured primarily around group work and discussion, but time is provided for voluntary written individual responses and reflections. In 2016 students from De Montfort University and HMP Leicester joined together for an intensive short criminology module. Led by Ross Little, a criminology lecturer at De Montfort, and supported by Phil Novis, then Governor at HMP Leicester, 17 students were brought together to discuss criminological controversies over a week-long course.
Cardiff Metropolitan University HMP Prescoed
Model: Various
Cardiff Metropolitan University lecturers teach a cohort of HMP Prescoed students who are taking part in the Chase alcohol and substance misuse programme. Learners at HMP Prescoed can also study teaching, on the Teaching Adults course. This is a Level 3, 10 credit course accredited through the Cardiff Met University. The course is intended to give the opportunity to see if teaching is for you and would lead on to the PCET course and ultimately on to the PGCE in post compulsory Education & Training.
Full curriculum
Discover the 250 different courses we offer to people in prison, from beekeeping to book keeping, plumbing to Portuguese, up to degree level.
IOSH Managing Safely
Aimed at managers, supervisors, small business owners, or anyone who wants a better understanding of health and safety from a supervisory point of view, this is an ideal introductory course in this field. You will cover assessing and controlling risks, understanding responsibilities, identifying hazards, investigating accidents and incidents, and measuring performance.
The course covers the following subjects:
Assessing Risks
Controlling Risks
Understanding Your Responsibilities
Identifying Hazards
Investigating Accidents and Incidents
Measuring Performance
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: One Written Project Assessment – a practical risk assessment.
Exams: One invigilated closed book knowledge exam – 25 multiple choice questions and short answer questions (45 minutes)
Prison Support Requirements: Support and facilitate completion of risk assessment. Facilitate and invigilate exam.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Any of the NEBOSH Level 3 Certificates provided by ATM Safety
Find Out More: Directly from Clwyd Associates’ website here
NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
This course is intended for managers, supervisors and staff from all types of organisations who need a broad understanding of health and safety issues. It is also suitable as a first step for working in health and safety, as it provides both a valuable overview and a sound basis for further study. You will cover subjects such as health and safety management systems, managing risk, physical and psychological health, chemical and biological agents, general workplace issues and equipment, as well as fire and electrical safety.
The course has two units (NG1 and NG2), that cover the following subjects:
1. Why we should manage workplace health and safety
2. How health and safety management systems work and what they look like
3. Managing risk – understanding people and processes
4. Health and safety monitoring and measuring
5. Physical and psychological health
6. Musculoskeletal health
7. Chemical and biological agents
8. General workplace issues
9. Work equipment
10. Fire
11. Electricity
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus a Level 2 NEBOSH or IOSH qualification
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: None, but coursework is recommended to send to RRC International for feedback before exams.
Exams: One two-hour open book exam testing elements 1-4 (NG1). There is also one practical risk assessment, which covers elements 5-11 (NG2).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and invigilate exam and assessments.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Level 6 National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety
Find Out More:
RYA Day Skipper
Suitable for sailors and motor boaters, this introductory course will give you the skills to navigate around familiar waters by day – expanding your knowledge of seamanship, navigation, and meteorology. You will find out more about nautical terms, rope and anchor work, safety, international regulations, navigation and compass-work, and chart-work.
The course comprises of fifteen subjects:
- Nautical Terms
- Ropework
- Anchor Work
- Safety
- International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
- Navigation
- Compass
- Chartwork
- Tides and Tidal Streams
- Visual Aids to Navigation
- Meteorology
- Passage Planning
- Navigation in Restricted Visibility
- Pilotage
- Marine Environment
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: None – course contains a self-assessed workbook
Exams: Two exams
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Facilitate and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Coastal Skipper
Find Out More: via the EASS here
Webmaster JavaScript Web Design
This course introduces the fundamentals of the web programming language JavaScript Programming, which removes many of the constraints that have previously limited web developers’ creativity. You start by learning the basics of the software, and how to deal with errors and debugging. As the training programme progresses, you’ll hone your JavaScript skills via assignments which involve the development of a number of dynamic, interactive games such as Minefield and Connect4.
The course consists of ten lessons:
- Getting Started With JavaScript
- JavaScript Event Handlers
- Expanding Your JavaScript Knowledge
- The Document Object Model
- Error Handling & Debugging
- Building The Minefield Game App
- Application Programming Interfaces
- Introduction to JQuery
- JavaScript Plus
- Building The Owzat Cricket Game
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English plus Webmaster Level 3 qualification or equivalent
Format of Course Materials: CD-ROMS (or if not possible, it can be provided via a downloadable file or via a USB stick)
Assignments: Ten assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Ensure and facilitate PC Access. Support completion and submission of assignments.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Webmaster Responsive Web Design, also from the Distance Learning Centre
Find Out More: From the DLC directly here
Webmaster Advanced HTML and CSS
Progressing from the HTML and CSS Level 3 qualification, on this course you’ll learn how to design stunning responsive websites using the very latest HTML5 and CSS technologies. You will find out how to develop professional websites with an optimal viewing experience across a wide range of devices. The course also includes tips on styling content, layouts, lists and tables, and special effects to improve webpages.
The course consists of ten lessons:
1. Introduction
2. Responsive Web Design
3. HTML5 Semantic Elements
4. Introduction to CSS3
5. Styling Content & Layout with CSS3
6. Styling Lists & Tables with CSS3
7. Stylish HTML5 Forms
8. Using CSS3 to Create Special Effects
9. Optimising & Organising your CSS3 Code
10. The Powerful HTML5 API’s
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English plus Webmaster Level 3 qualification or equivalent
Format of Course Materials: CD-ROMS (or if not possible, it can be provided via a downloadable file or via a USB stick)
Assignments: Ten assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Ensure and facilitate PC Access. Support completion and submission of assignments.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Webmaster Javascript Web Design, also from the Distance Learning Centre
Find Out More: From the DLC here
Webmaster HTML and CSS for Beginners
This beginner’s course is designed for people who are interested in starting a career as a web designer, or who simply want to build a website for themselves or a company. You will get a thorough introduction to the HTML and CSS web development tools and find out how to build a high-impact landing page, optimised for search engine algorithms and responsive to browser screen sizes. During the course, you will also build your own store front, using animation, transition, and transformation techniques to attract visitors.
The course consists of ten lessons:
- Getting started with HTML&CSS
- Comprehensive HTML primer for beginners
- Extensive CSS primer for those new to CSS
- Code validation and debugging techniques
- Introduction to the basic principles of web design
- Incorporating multimedia elements into web pages
- Including special effects, such as text shadows, and dropdown menus
- An introduction to the JavaScript scripting language
- Introduction to the HTML5 APIs10
- Creation of an online store
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: CD-ROMS (or if not possible, it can be provided via a downloadable file or via a USB stick)
Assignments: Ten assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Ensure and facilitate PC Access. Support completion and submission of assignments.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? There are two further Webmaster courses: Responsive Web Design, and Javascript Web Design
Find Out More: From the Distance Learning Centre here
NEBOSH National Certificate in Environmental Management
This is a useful qualification for those interested in developing and implementing effective environmental management systems within an organisation. The course focuses on the general principles of the management of environmental and pollution control, and explores the main elements of UK and EC legislation for environmental protection. You will learn about Environmental Management Systems, sources and use of energy and energy efficiency, control of pollution, and planning for and dealing with environmental emergencies.
The course consists of two units:
- EC1: Management and control of environmental hazards
- EC2: Environmental practical application
These units cover the following subjects:
- Environmental Management Systems and aspect identification
- Sources and use of energy and energy efficiency
- Control of pollution
- Planning for and dealing with environmental emergencies.
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus a Level 2 NEBOSH or IOSH qualification.
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: None but coursework is recommended to send to RRC International for feedback before exams.
Exams: One theoretical (EC1) and one practical invigilated exam (EC2).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of coursework. Organise and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Any of the other Level 3 NEBOSH Certificates
Find Out More: From NEBOSH’s website here.
IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition
British Standard (BS) wiring regulations are updated every 10 years, with the 18th edition issued in 2018. This qualification is now mandatory for all electrical work. With thorough explanations of all the regulations, emphasising those that are new and significant, this course includes over 1,000 practice questions, helping you to prepare for the 18th Edition exam.
Electacourse consider their approach to be:
- Understanding the context of the 18th Edition exam
- Thorough explanation of all regulations with an emphasis on those which are new and significant
- A large question bank to feed unrivalled exam practice. To date they have not had a single 18th Edition exam failure.
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths
Format of Course Materials: CD-ROMs plus IET Wiring Regulations book
Assignments: None, but the course contains over 1,000 practice questions.
Exams: The City & Guilds 2382-18 multiple choice exam (60 questions in 120 minutes). It can only be taken at Electacourse partner centres on ROTL or after release (19 centres across UK). We would therefore only fund this course for learners who are within two years of parole, ROTL, or release.
CAT D Prisons and Nearest Exam Centre:
Ford (Sussex) – Basingstoke: (50 miles)
Kirkham (Lancashire) – Manchester (30 miles)
North Sea Camp (South Lincolnshire) – Nottingham (60 miles)
Standford Hill (Kent) – Maidstone (20 miles)
Springhill (Buckinghamshire) – Ealing (30 miles)
Leyhill (Gloucestershire) – Gloucester (25 miles)
Hatfield (South Yorkshire) – Hull (50 miles)
Thorn Cross (Cheshire) – Manchester (20 miles)
Prescoed (South Wales) – Bristol (30 miles)
Prison Support Requirements: Ensure and facilitate PC use. Arrange exam with Electacourse if necessary.
Tutor support: None, but Electacourse are happy to be contacted in the event of any queries.
What’s Next? NEBOSH Level 2 Award in Health and Safety (ATM Safety).
Find Out More: From Electacourse directly here
Certificate in Foundation Journalism
Accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), this course has been especially adapted for PET learners to help you develop your journalistic skills. You will complete units on the English language, news stories, recording information, feature writing and sports reporting.
There are six available units, that combine to create eleven credits:
- How to use the English language
- Using the English language
- How to tell a news story
- Recording information
- Feature writing
- Sports reporting
This course includes several additional unites that can be completed on ROTL or upon release in order to gain the full qualification.
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Written Coursework, Portfolio of Evidence, Practical Assignment (e.g. an article in prison newspaper or magazine)
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Ensuring students have access to media sources, such as newspapers and magazines.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? A-Level English Language (Part 1), or Open University Access Module YO33: Starting with Arts and Languages
Find Out More: From the NCTJ here
Certificate in Counselling Skills
This qualification will introduce you to the use of counselling skills in everyday life and some of the approaches that underpin these skills. You will explore how to engage in a counselling interaction effectively and how to use counselling skills in relation to personal development. You will also build your understanding of areas such as diversity and ethics in counselling. This course does not qualify you to practice as a counsellor, however it may be a useful stepping stone for further study.
The course consists of four units:
- Counselling Skills
- Introduction to Counselling Skill Theory
- Diversity and Ethics in the Use of Counselling skills
- Counselling Skills and personal development
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assessments: Four written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support submission and completion of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s next? Certificate in Understanding Substance Misuse (Level 3); Understanding Mental Health Care QCF (Level 3)
Find out more: On BSY’s website here
CIMA Accredited Higher Sage Certificate
The next step on from the CIMA Level 4 Certificate, this course provides the full range of skills needed to become an advanced user of Sage 50 Accounts Professional. The course will build your knowledge of sole trader accounts and takes you through the year end process, as well as exploring controlling cash, limited liability partnerships, importing data and limited companies.
The course consists of three units:
- Introduction
- Sole Trader Accounts, and Year End Process
- Controlling Cash, Limited Liability Partnerships, Importing Data, and Limited Companies
These units cover the following subjects:
- Final accounts for sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, limited liability partnerships and not for profit organisations.
- The importing and exporting data to enable detailed management control
- Advanced credit control and cash flow forecasts
- The use of foreign trader accounts, and detailed departmental budgeting and forecasting.
- Fixed asset register, depreciation, accuals and pre-payments
- Month end and year end processing
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths, plus CIMA Level 4
Format of course materials: CD-ROMs and workbooks
Assignments: A series of self-assessed tests and a case study
Exams: One exam (1 hour 30 minutes)
Prison Support Requirements: Ensure and facilitate PC Access. Facilitate and Invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s next? OU Access Module YO33: Starting with Science, Technology and Maths
Find out more: On Sage’s website here
CIMA Accredited Sage Certificate
Jointly developed by Sage and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), this course offers a grounding in computerised accounting. It provides you with an introduction to the Sage 50 software and gives you the practical skills required by businesses to perform accounting functions. You will find out more about concepts like transactions, reconciliation, management and reporting, VAT returns, remittance, and project costing.
The course consists of seven units:
- Introduction: How to make full use of the software, back-up, restore and data security
- Transactions from customers and suppliers, including invoice creation
- Cash, bank and budget control and reconciliation
- Management and comparative reporting
- VAT returns, EC sales and Intrastat
- Tailoring reports and layouts including email statements and remittances
- Project (job) costing for detailed individual job / project control
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths, plus a Sage Level 3 qualification
Format of course materials: CD-ROMs and workbooks
Assignments: A series of self-assessed tests and a case study
Exams: Two exams
Prison Support Requirements: Ensure and facilitate PC Access. Facilitate and Invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s next? CIMA Acccredited Sage Level 5 Higher Certificate
Find out more: On Sage’s website here
Bookkeeping Certificate
Accredited by the International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB), this is the perfect starter course in this field. It covers all the core elements of bookkeeping, ensuring you have the knowledge you need to keep on top of your finances – whether for your own business or to help find work in this field. You will learn about financial services and payments, how to prepare and check business documents, recording transactions, balances and reconciliations, and VAT.
The course consists of the following five units:
- Financial services and payment methods
- Prepare and check business documents
- Record transactions in a sub-divided bookkeeping system
- Prepare a trial balance and reconciliations
- Principles of bookkeeping and VAT
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Level 2 Maths
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Nine written assignments
Exams: One exam (fees included)
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Facilitate and invigilate exam (requires five weeks’ notice)
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Sage Computerised Accounting for Business Level 1 + 2
Find Out More: From NEC directly here
Creating and Starting a Digital Business
This course is ideal whether you are looking to launch a small local enterprise or you have aspirations to run a global digital company. It covers marketing, business planning, finance and networking – taking you from the business conception through to making your first sale. It will bring you up to date with current technological possibilities too. The course provider, Rocketeer, will also give you access to their resources after release, and offer bespoke support for your business through the gate.
The course consists of five steps:
Step 1: Research – How to Find Your Money-Making Opportunity
Step 2: Choose – How to Narrow Down the Right Business Idea for You
Step 3: Design – Plan For Success
Step 4: Build – How to Construct Your Business
Step 5: Launch – How to Start Making Money
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Three written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Principles of Management Level 3 RQF (NCC Home Learning)
Find Out More: Rocketeer provide more information here
Business Start-up
This course is designed to guide you through the process of setting up your own business. You’ll get practical advice and develop skills vital for planning, establishing and growing a business. The course explores if self-employment is right for you and provides the tools you need to develop a full business plan. It also covers topics vital to early success, including legal and financial issues, marketing and sales, and customer service and quality.
The course has nine topics spread across two parts:
Part 1- Planning to start your own business
- Topic 1: Is self-employment right for you?
- Topic 2: Developing the business idea
- Topic 3: Market research
- Topic 4: Money matters
- Topic 5: Sources of advice and support
Part 2 – Succeeding with your own business
- Topic 1: Formalising your business
- Topic 2: Finance
- Topic 3: Marketing and selling
- Topic 4: Customer service and quality
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: There are nine written “progress checks”
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? A skills based course, depending on the nature of your business (e.g Horticulture, Animal Care), A practical course in management, management or finance, or an IGCSE or AS Level Business Studies
Find Out More: From NEC’s website here
Certificate in Principles of Human Resource Practice
This qualification provides you with a firm foundation in the most common areas of human resource (HR) and will assist you in developing essential HR skills. It will provide you with the knowledge and skills for working in an HR role and is aimed at those who are new to HR or who are looking to further their HR career with a professional qualification.
The course consists of seven units:
- Introduction to Human Resources practices
- Introduction to employment legislation
- Understanding employee rights and obligations
- Understanding the management of employees’ performance
- Principles of employee motivation, commitment and engagement
- Understanding recruitment and selection
- Understanding onboarding, induction, training and development
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Seven written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Any other Level 3 Management course
Find Out More: From NCC directly
Certificate in Principles of Management
Suitable for those looking to improve their managerial skills or who are new to the area entirely, this course covers all the basic elements of management. Through a series of written assessments, you will study people management, leadership, improving performance, equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, resolving customer complaints, and monitoring customer interactions. Throughout the course, you will use your newfound knowledge to analyse data and understand different approaches.
The course contains seven units:
- Principles of people management
- Principles of business
- Principles of leadership and management
- Understand how to improve business performance
- Understand equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace
- Understand how to resolve customers’ problems and complaints
- Understand how to monitor customer service interactions and feedback.
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Seven written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s next?: CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership (NEC)
Find out More: On NCC’s website here
Deaf Awareness and Sign Language
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
Nutrition and Health
This is the ideal course if you are interested in deepening your knowledge and understanding of nutrition and learning how to develop and practice healthy eating habits. You will study the principles of healthy eating, consider the nutritional needs of a variety of individuals, and find out how to use food and nutrition information to plan a healthy diet.
The course comprises of three units:
- Exploring the principles of healthy eating
- Considering the nutritional needs of a variety of individuals
- Using food and nutritional information to plan a healthy diet
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Three written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Nutrition for Physical Activity Level 3 (HFE)
Find Out More: via NCC here
Certificate in Understanding Mental Health Care
If you support people with mental health problems but are not necessarily a mental health professional, this course could meet your needs. You will learn more about mental health and how people with mental health problems can be best supported. You will also deepen your knowledge of the legal policy and service framework for mental health, as well as principles of duty of care, interventions, support planning and risk management.
The course consists of six units:
Unit 1 – Understand the legal, policy and service framework in mental health
Unit 2 – Principles for implementing duty of care in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings
Unit 3 – Understand mental well-being and mental health promotion
Unit 4 – Understand mental health problems
Unit 5 – Understand mental health interventions
Unit 6 – Understand care and support planning and risk management in mental health
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Six written assignments
Exams: No
Prison Support Requirements: Support submission and completion of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University: Access Module Yo32: People, Work and Society
Find Out More: via NCC here
Mental Health Awareness
This course is designed for those seeking a greater understanding of mental health issues, and is equally suitable for experienced health care workers or those new to the sector. You will learn about a wide range of mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, phobias, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, and eating disorders.
The following units are included:
1 – Understanding Mental Health
2 – Stress
3 – Anxiety
4 – Phobias
5 – Depression
6 – Post-Natal Depression
7 – Bipolar Disorder
8 – Schizophrenia
9 – Dementia
10 – Eating Disorders
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Ten written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Understanding Mental Health Care Level 3
Find Out More: On the Distance Learning Centre’s website here
Certificate in Information, Advice and Guidance
This course aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the key principles of information, advice and guidance. The qualification is designed for individuals who are looking to work in roles such as careers advice, peer mentoring, or housing support. You will cover interaction skills, signposting and referrals, as well as how to manage information and work within existing networks to deliver IAG.
The course consists of the following units:
- Information, advice or guidance (IAG) in practice
- Developing interaction skills for IAG
- Signposting and referral in IAG
- Managing Information
- Operating within networks to support IAG
Entry requirements: Level 2 in English or equivalent
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: A portfolio of evidence
Exams: None
Prison support requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor support: Yes
What’s next: Understanding Coaching and Mentoring Level 3 (NEC
Find out more: From NCC directly here
OFQUAL Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate
This course is ideal if you wish to gain a professional qualification in teaching English as a foreign language – whether you are new to the profession or already have some experience. It may also be useful if you work as a mentor with learners for whom English is a second language. The course focuses on lesson planning and practical teaching skills and covers many aspects of teaching English – including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and reading.
The course consists of the following eleven units:
1.Principles of Teaching English as a Foreign Language
2.Understanding English Grammar
3.Teaching English Grammar
4.Teaching English Vocabulary
5.Teaching Productive Skills: Speaking and Writing
6.Teaching Receptive Skills: Listening and Reading
7.Materials and Aids for Teaching English
8.Teaching Pronunciation of English
9.Lesson Planning for Teaching English as a Foreign Language
10.Teaching English as a Foreign Language to Young Learners
11.Using Resources Effectively When Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus any relevant Level 3 qualification (e.g. English Language A-Level)
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Eleven written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Education and Training Award Level 3 (NEC), or Open University Access Module YO32: People, Work and Society
Find Out More: From the LTTC here
Beekeeping (Basic Certificate Theory Assessment)
Provided by the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA), this theory course is a great introduction to beekeeping if you’re in a prison with active hives. For those with little or no experience, this course will show you the methods used by beekeepers and introduce you to subject areas including manipulation and equipment, the natural history of bees, swarming, swarm control and its effects, and diseases and pests.
This course requires access to a beehive.
The course consists of four modules:
- Manipulation and equipment
- Natural history and beekeeping
- Swarming, swarm control and effect
- Disease and pests
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Material: Paper-based
Assignments: Seven question papers
Exam: None, but this course does prepare learners for the Basic Assessment
Prison Support Requirements: Ensure and facilitate access to a beehive. Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University Access Module YO33: Starting with Science, Technology and Maths
Find Out More: From the BBKA directly here
Horse Knowledge and Care Stage 1
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:
- Introduction to Equine Anatomy
- Principles of Equine Behaviour
- Care of the Stabled Horse
- Care of the Grass Kept Horse
- Saddlery
- The Foot, Sheoing and Lameness
- Watering and Feeding
- Horse Health
- General Knowledge
- Optional 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
Fisheries Management Certificate
People aspiring to work in the fishing industry – for example as a water bailiff, fisheries inspector, or in a similar position in commercial fisheries – would be well-advised to consider this course. It also provides a sound knowledge base for those interested in running their own fisheries. On this course you’ll find out about water quality, freshwater and fish biology, fisheries law and enforcement, monitoring and improvement, and angling and recreation.
The course consists of seven modules:
- Water Quality
- Freshwater and Fish Biology
- Fisheries Law
- Fish Culture and Husbandry
- Fisheries Maintenance, Monitoring and Improvements
- Angling and Recreation
- Fisheries Enforcement
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: None, but coursework can be sent to tutors for feedback and exam preparation.
Exams: Six open book exams, 1 hour 30 minutes each. Units 1-3 are compulsory, then learners can choose 3 out of 4 of the remaining units (4-7).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of coursework. Organise and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
Find Out More: From the IFM here
RHS Certificate in Principles of Garden Planning, Construction and Planting
Following on from the Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture, with this course you will gain an in-depth, scientific knowledge of garden surveying and design and construction, together with a comprehensive understanding of landscaping. This qualification can provide a route to work as a garden designer, landscaper or gardener.
The course consists of four lessons:
Lesson 1 – Understanding garden survey techniques and design principles
- Historical garden design styles
- Conducting a site appraisal
- The client brief
- Basic survey techniques
- Influence of site characteristics on garden design
- Principles and elements of design
Lesson 2 – Understanding the selection and use of landscaping elements in the garden
- The contribution of hard landscaping features to design and function
- Drainage systems in the garden
- The contribution of soft landscaping features to design and function
- The contribution of turf to the design and function of a garden
Lesson 3 – Understanding the setting out and construction of landscaping elements in the garden
- Setting out a site
- Soil movement and storage during construction work
- Construction of drainage systems
- Construction procedures for paths, patios and driveways
- Construction of steps and ramps
- Construction of walls, fences and pergolas
- Pond construction
- Rock garden construction
- Risk assessment
Lesson 4 – Understanding a range of specialist elements in the establishment of garden and urban plantings
- Amenity bedding schemes
- Components of specialist garden areas
- Pruning for effect
- Urban gardening options
- Water sustainability in the garden
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? RHS Level 3 Principles of Plant Growth, Health and Applied Propagation
Find Out More: From the HCC here
Yoga Beginners
This course will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to yoga – including the control of the mind and body through breathing and gentle movement. As well as giving you a theoretical introduction, you will be guided through relevant exercises. You will study warm-up routines, rhythmic breathing, rolls and lifts, eyes and neck exercises, shoulders and finger exercises, and learn about relaxation techniques.
The course has ten lessons:
- What is Yoga?
- Breathing
- Rhythmic Breathing?
- Warm-up Routine
- Rolls and lifts
- Out in the Sun
- Salute to the Sun
- Eyes and Neck
- Shoulders and Fingers
- What is Relaxation?
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Ten written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? HFE Level 3 courses, Nutrition and Health Level 2 (NCC)
Find Out More: From BSY’s website directly
Adapting Exercise for Ante Natal and Post Natal Clients
This course gives you the knowledge and skills to safely help pre and postnatal women to explore the benefits of fitness – a part of our population often underserved in the industry. You will learn about the conditions associated with pregnancy, health and safety considerations, nutrition, and anatomical and physiological changes. Using this knowledge, you will then plan a pre and postnatal exercise class.
The course consists of five units:
- Understanding physical conditions associated with pregnancy
- Critical health and safety considerations
- Nutrition and pregnancy
- Planning pre- and post-natal exercise
- Anatomical and physiological changes during pregnancy
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus an accredited Level 2 sport or fitness qualification
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Two assignments – a worksheet, and a case study
Exams: One multiple choice exam
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and invigilate exam.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? HFE offer a range of similar Level 3 theory courses including Nutrition for Physical Activity.
Find Out More: via HFE’s website here
Business Skills for the Fitness Professional
Self-employment is a popular route for fitness professionals to take, so getting business basics right is important. This course is ideal if you are looking to develop the skills and confidence to manage your own tax, National Insurance, marketing, promotions and pricing strategy. You will find out about a wide range of areas including the legal obligations of running a business, brand management, generating leads and sales, performance monitoring, business planning, cash-flow and basic accounting.
The course consists of ten modules:
- Tax and National Insurance
- Legal Obligations of Running a Business
- Brand Management
- Effective Marketing Skills and Strategies
- Generating Leads and Sales
- Performance Monitoring
- Business Planning
- Financial Management
- Cash Flow Forecasting
- Basic Accounting
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus an accredited Level 2 sport or fitness qualification
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: A worksheet and a case-study
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Another HFE Level 3 course
Find Out More: From HFE here
Adapting Exercise for Independently Active, Older People
This course explores how fitness professionals can make a real difference to clients' lives by understanding the ageing process and prescribing safe and effective exercise. You will learn about bodily changes for people aged 65 and over (including muscular, skeletal, nervous and cardiorespiratory changes) and find out recommendations for physical activity. Using this knowledge, you will analyse the effects changes have on the body and plan an exercise session for older adults. You will also learn how to adapt certain exercises for older clients.
The course covers the following topics:
- Chief Medical Officer recommendations for 65+ years of physical activity
- Understanding changes to the muscular, skeletal, nervous and cardio-respiratory systems
- Analysing the effects that changes to those systems have on the body
- How to plan an exercise session for older clients
- Safely adapting various exercises for older clients
Entry requirements: Level 2 English, plus a Level 2 fitness qualification
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: A worksheet, and a case study
Exams: One multiple choice exam
Prison support requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Facilitate and invigilate exam.
Tutor support: Yes
What’s next: HFE offer a range of similar Level 3 theory courses including Nutrition for Physical Activity.
Find out more: On HFE’s website here
Nutrition to Support Physical Activity
This course helps you develop your understanding of healthy eating and key nutritional principles to support your clients’ goals. It also provides you with skills to analyse your clients’ nutritional intake so you can offer advice and develop a fitness programme. You’ll gain knowledge essential for any fitness professional, including on the digestive system, healthy eating guidelines and weight management, and design your own nutrition programme.
The course consists of the following units:
1. Digestive system
2. Carbohydrates, fats, proteins & water
3. Healthy eating guidelines
4. Weight management
5. Designing a nutrition programme
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus an accredited Level 2 fitness-related qualification
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: A worksheet and a case study
Exams: One multiple choice exam (30 minutes)
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organise and invigilate exam
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Another of HFE’s Level 3 theory courses.
Find out more: You can find more from HFE’s website here
Science, Technology and Maths Access Module (Y033)
The idea of university-level study can be quite daunting if you have not studied at this level before. For this reason, the OU offers introductory Access modules that have been specially designed to help you find out what it’s like to study with the OU, get a taste of a subject area, develop your study skills, and build your confidence. Starting an Access module with PET is the perfect opportunity to try out degree-level study without taking out a student loan. Research has also shown that learners who take Access modules are significantly more likely to succeed in their university studies than those who don’t.
This module introduces you to a range of technical subjects, including computing and IT, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and science. As the foundation for further studies in these fields, this is the ideal module to build your confidence and prepare you for your next steps.
There are three main blocks:
- Life (Biology and ecological ideas)
- Water (Scientific experiments to understand how water shaped our planet)
- Home (Design, engineering, and computing)
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths.
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Four written assignments plus a few smaller assessed pieces of work
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Register and reserve learner on the course before the start date (February, May, and October each year)
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s next? Full Undergraduate Degree (funded via a student loan)
Find out more: from the OU directly here
Arts and Languages Access Module (Y031)
The idea of university-level study can be quite daunting if you have not studied at this level before. For this reason, the OU offers introductory Access modules that have been specially designed to help you find out what it’s like to study with the OU, get a taste of a subject area, develop your study skills, and build your confidence. Starting an Access module with PET is the perfect opportunity to try out degree-level study without taking out a student loan. Research has also shown that learners who take Access modules are significantly more likely to succeed in their university studies than those who don’t.
In this module, you will explore a range of subjects in this module – including art history, English language, English literature and creative writing. The module touches on modern languages, history, religious studies,
classical studies and music too. It will help you to explore your creative side and hone your study skills.
There are three main blocks:
- Finding your voice (English literature and language)
- Speaking out (Language use in popular culture)
- Visions of Protest (Art in protest)
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Four written assignments plus a few smaller assessed pieces of work
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Register and reserve learner on the course before the start date (February, May and October each year)
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s next? Full Undergraduate Degree (funded via a student loan)
Find out more: from the OU directly here
Sociology A-Level Part 1
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:
- The Sociology of Education and Schools (School Relationships and Processes, School Sub-cultures)
- Educational Achievement (Class, Gender and Ethnicity and Educational Achievement, Educational Policies)
- Sociological Research Methods (Theory, methods, research, data sources, quantitative and qualitative data)
- The Sociology of Families and Households (Politics, social policy, changing families)
- Childhood Gender and Demographic Change (Gender roles and power, demographic change and the family)
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
Religious Studies A-Level Part 1
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:
- Introduction to Religious Studies
- The Existence of God (Design Argument, Cosmological Argument, Ontological Argument)
- Religious and Ethical Debates (Religious Experience, The Problem of Evil, Environmental Ethics, The Ethics of Equality)
- Theory and Application of Ethics (Utilitarianism, Natural Moral Law, Situation Ethics, War and Peace, Sexual Ethics)
- Christianity (The Nature of God, The Trinity, The Church, The Bible, The Role and Nature of Jesus, Shaping and Expressing Christian Identity)
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
Psychology A-Level Part 1
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:
- Approaching Psychology (introduction and origins, learning cognitive approaches, the biological approach and biopsychology)
- Memory (multi-store model, working memory model, explanations for forgetting, eyewitness testimony)
- Social Influence: Conformity and Obedience (resistance to social influence, minority influence and social change)
- Developmental Psychology: Attachment (developments, explanations, types, maternal deprivation)
- Psychopathology (definitions of abnormality, phobias, depression and OCD, approaches to phobias, depression and OCD)
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
Politics A-Level Part 1
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.
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. Democracy and political parties
2. Elections and voting behaviour
3. The Constitution and Parliament
4. The Executive and relations between institutions
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Five written assignments. These do not contribute toward the final grade.
Exams: Two, each are 1 hour 45 minutes, and contribute 50% of the overall grade.
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and facilitate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Politics A-Level Part 2
Find Out More: From NEC here
Mathematics A-Level Part 1
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:
- Pure Mathematics 1 (Algebra 1, Indices and surds, coordinate geometry, quadratics, graphs, trigonometry 1)
- Pure Mathematics 2 ( Algebra 2, circles, binomial expansion, differentiation 1, exponentials and logarithms 1)
- Pure Mathematics 3 (Trigonometry 2, differentiation 2, exponentials and logarithms 2, integration, vectors)
- Statistics 1 (Mathematical models in statistics, measures of location and spread, representing data, probability, hypothesis testing)
- Mechanics 1 (Mathematical models in mechanics, Kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line, forces, vectors in mechanics, variable acceleration)
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).
- 2 hours (62.5% of marks) – Calculator
- 1 hour 15 minutes (37.5% of marks) – Calculator
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
History A-Level Part 1
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).
- 2 hours, 15 minutes (60% of marks)
- 1 hour 30 minutes (40% of marks)
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
English Literature A-Level Part 1
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.
You will not have the option to take the AS exam at the end of Part 1 of this course. After completing Part 1, you should apply for Part 2. Having completed both parts, you can then take the full A-Level exams which will cover everything learned in Part 1 and 2.
The course consists of the following units:
1.Love through the ages: The Great Gatsby
2. Love through the ages: pre-1900 poetry
3. Love through the ages: Othello
4. Love through the ages: unseen poetry
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Five written assignments. These do not contribute toward the final grade.
Exams: None – go straight to Part 2
Prison Support Requirements: Support submission and completion of assignments. Organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? English A-Level Part 2
Find Out More: From NEC here
English Language A-Level Part 1
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 A-Level Part 1
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
Business A-Level Part 1
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
Psychology GCSE
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:
- Research methods, Part A
- Memory
- Perception
- Development
- Research methods, Part B
- Social influence
- Language, thought and communication
- Brain and neuropsychology
- Psychological problems
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
Maths GCSE
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:
- Working with numbers and fractions
- Decimals, percentages and introduction to algebra
- Patterns, shapes and symmetry
- Probability, presenting data and using graphs
- Indices and surds, length and area
- Constructions and diagrams, Pythagoras’ theory
- Shapes, solids and trigonometry
- Enlargements and more trigonometry
- Transformations, variation, more statistics and vectors
- Similarity, everyday calculations, algebra and circle theorems
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
History IGCSE
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:
- Germany between the wars
- The rise of the Nazis
- War and downfall
- Russia 1905-1917
- Russia and the Soviet Union 1917-1924
- Dictatorship in the USSR 1924-1953
- Soviet life in peace and war 1924-1953
- The changing nature of warfare 1919-1939
- War on land, sea and air 1939-1945
- New forms of conflict 1945-2011
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
English Literature GCSE
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
English Language GCSE
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:
- Creative Reading (1)
- Creative Reading (2)
- Creative Writing (1)
- Creative Writing (2)
- Writer’s Viewpoints and Perspectives (1)
- Writer’s Viewpoints and Perspectives (2)
- Writer’s Viewpoints and Perspectives (3)
- Preparing for the Exam (1)
- Preparing for the Exam (2)
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
Combined Science IGCSE
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:
- Physics (Motion, Matter, Energy)
- Chemistry (Atoms, Molecules, Bonds)
- Biology (Cells, Nutrients and Nutrition)
- Physics 2 ( Waves, Light, Electromagnetic Spectrum)
- Chemistry 2 (Electricity, Acids, Reactivity, Ions and Gases)
- Biology 2 (Transport, circulation, respiration, co-ordination)
- Physics 3 (Sound, electricity, circuits)
- Chemistry 3 (Metals, reactions, fuels)
- Biology 3 (Reproduction, ecosystems)
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
Business Studies IGCSE
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
“I’m going back to prison”: Mark’s story
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.
The Big Give: helping women in prison make a fresh start
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.
Most popular courses revealed
Read a rundown of 2018’s ten most popular courses and hear from some of our learners.
New prison education contracts create challenges and opportunities
In April, we’ll see the biggest changes in prison education for many years. As with all major change, this brings risks and challenges, but it also brings real opportunity.
Learning from 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.
“Prison leavers help make our universities diverse and inclusive”
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.
“Thank you for your brilliant support”
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.
Linguistic Foundations: Bringing English support to partnerships
Diana Scott supports students with English language and academic skills as a foundation for their further study. Here she discusses the important role English for Academic Purposes (EAP) support can play for prison learners.
PET appoints new Chair
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.
An interview with PET’s new and outgoing chairs
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.
Alexander Maconochie – a forgotten penal reformer?
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.
Prison-university partnerships: A toolkit
This toolkit is designed to support educators and prison staff in setting up and delivering a prison-university partnership.
In this toolkit you will find information and guidance on:
- The benefits of prison-university partnerships
- Things to consider when you are planning your partnership
- Tips on delivering a partnership
Should prison education be different for women?
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.
I drew my way out of prison: Erika’s story
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.
“I want education closer to the heart of prisons”: An interview with the MoJ’s Deputy Director of Education
We talk to Linda Kennedy, the senior civil servant responsible for some of the most significant changes to come to prison learning in decades.
“Education is the key that opens the golden door of freedom”
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.
High-security study: building a partnership in Belmarsh
Dr Alison Lamont works in the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Roehampton. She has worked in partnership with HMP Belmarsh on a Learning Together programme, ‘Understanding Justice.’
I spent 40 years being told I was stupid
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.
Introducing PET’s new Head of Policy
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.
Evaluation of Leeds Beckett University Prison: Learning Together Programme 2017
An independent evaluation undertaken on behalf of the Leeds Beckett University Prison: Learning Together programme in 2017.
“Our wing is staggeringly lucky to have her”: PLA Award winners announced
From sports tutors to librarians, the winners of this year’s Prison Learning Alliance Awards all go the extra mile to promote prison learning.
Royal Parks Half Marathon 2018: Meet our amazing runners
Find out why they’re running in support of PET and how you can donate.
Film: “I went to uni after a life sentence”
Jason was 17 when he went to prison. At the end of his sentence he decided to apply to university. In this video interview, he talks about overcoming rejection to gain a place at university, and why all institutions should welcome people with a history of imprisonment.
‘Education helps prisoners into work – its value must be harnessed’
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.
Minister welcomes MoJ research showing PET learners more likely to find work
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.
Justice Data Lab analysis: PET employment and benefits outcomes
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.
Worshipful Company of Educators celebrate prison education staff
The eight winners of the Inspirational Educators awards included three education staff nominated by PET.
UCAS bans the box, promoting fair chances in higher education
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.
PET Annual Lecture: Introducing our speakers
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.
Working it out: Does the new education and employment strategy add up?
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?
Prisoners’ Education Trust’s response to the Ministry of Justice’s Education and Employment Strategy
Today the Ministry of Justice will be launching a new Education and Employment Strategy. This is Prisoners’ Education Trust’s response.
Taking stock: My journey from prison to a career in the City
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.
Prison Education Framework
A government guide to changes to prison education provision, including reasons behind the change, how the new system will work, and how to become a service provider in prisons.
Lady Elizabeth Andrew OBE, 1935 – 2018
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.
Cuts to careers services in prisons: what we know
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.
More courses than ever in new curriculum
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.
Writer runs 100 miles for PET
Writer and education specialist Dr Lewis Owens took on an epic ten-day run to raise much-needed funds for Prisoners’ Education Trust.
PLA calls for new Prisons Minister to explain the termination of contracts to provide careers advice to prisoners
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.
Animation: Children and dads help spread the value of education in prison
PET joined children and their fathers at HMP Parc to produce an animated film showing the positive impact of education inside.
Top 5: The PLA’s most significant achievements
As the Prisoner Learning Alliance prepares to launch a new membership structure in 2018, we re-visit some of its key successes.
Greenhouses not Warehouses: A guide to commissioning in prisons
Offender Learning and Skills Service (OLASS) contracts come to an end in April 2018, making way for a new era of prison governor-led education commissioning. Prisons are being given increasing flexibility and control over education budgets and the ability to commission a wide range of provision.
The workbook is designed to support prison governors and managers with this process.
MoJ: the expectations and options behind governor commissioning
Richard Ward, a senior official from the Ministry of Justice outlines the upcoming changes to education in prisons, at the PLA Conference.
An evaluation of a Learning Together partnership: Open Book, Goldsmiths University of London and HMP & YOI Isis
This report presents an evaluation of a Learning Together partnership between Open Book at Goldsmiths, University of London and HMP & YOI Isis - supported by the Prisoners’ Education Trust.
Great Expectations: towards better learning outcomes for young people and young adults in custody
Published as the sector awaits Charlie Taylor's review of the youth justice system, this report looks at the educational opportunities for young people in custody.
Theory of Change for Prison Education
We know that prison education can make a difference. But how does that ‘change’ process happen and what role can education play? The Prisoner Learning Alliance (PLA) aims to stimulate debate around these issues. Using research with teachers and former prisoners, the report examines how we can measure the benefit of education in prison, and how we can improve its provision.
Looking at the impact of educational resources for prisoners on reoffending rates
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).
PET’S Rod Clark’s ‘How Education Transforms’ article
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.
Brain Cells: Listening to Prisoner Learners (Third edition)
This report offers a rare insight into prisoners’ views on education and finds that learning in prison could and should do more to help prisoners progress beyond basic skills.
PET and PLA consultation response to the future development of Advanced Learning Loans
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.
PET response to Secure Colleges and the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill
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.
Justice Select Committee, Inquiry into Prisons: Planning and Policies A response from the Prisoner Learning Alliance
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.
PET/PLA response to Education Select Committee inquiry: Ofsted Further Education and Skills Report 2012-2013
Written evidence presented to the Education Select Committe inquiry on Ofsted's Further Education and Skills report, with a focus on prison education.
Justice Data Lab Re-offending Analysis: Prisoners’ Education Trust
An analysis by the Ministry of Justice's Justice Data Lab evidencing that PET's distance learning provision reduces reoffending.
PET consultation response to Transforming Management of Young Adults in Custody
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 response to Education Select Committee inquiry on underachievement in education by white working class children
A document containing PLA's response to the Education Selects Committee inquiry on underachievement in education by white working class children, with a particular focus on the impact of having a parent in prison.
PET/PLA response to Justice Select Committee inquiry: Crime reduction policies: A coordinated response?
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.
Involve, Improve, Inspire: A Prisoner Learner Voice Toolkit
This toolkit is designed for prison officers and education staff who have an interest in improving education and learning opportunities in their prison. It aims to provide information, advice and ideas for effective ways of introducing Learner Voice into prison establishments.
PET consultation response to Transforming Youth Custody: Putting education at the heart of detention
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.
Never too old to learn; a response to the Justice Select Committee inquiry into older prisoners
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.
PET consultation response to Transforming Rehabilitation
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.
Brain Cells: Listening to Prisoner Learners (Second Edition)
This report is based on the views of prisoner learners responding to a survey prepared by Prisoners Education Trust and distributed in the November 2011 edition of the prison newspaper Inside Time.
Fit for Release: How sports-based learning can help prisoners engage in education, gain employment and desist from crime
A report examining how sports-based learning can help prisoners engage in education, gain employment and desist from crime.
Brain Cells: Listening to prisoner learners (First Edition)
The first Brain Cells report undertaken by Prisoners' Education Trust in 2009 based on the survey responses of prisoner learners.