What we do

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For over 30 years, PET has helped people in prison transform their lives through learning.

Working across England and Wales, we:

1. Fund courses in levels and subjects that are otherwise unavailable

2. Support people to choose courses, build connections and progress with their learning

3. Champion the life-changing power of education to prisons and policy makers

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Our strategy sets out plans to make sure everyone in prison has access to education.

20 Oct 2021 | Prisoners’ Education Trust | Distance learning | Strategy | PDF | 3.36MB

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.

What’s the impact?

What we do makes a difference. Research by the Ministry of Justice’s Data Lab has shown that our courses:

Reduce reoffending by 25%

Out of 100 people leaving prison, 82 PET learners lead crime-free lives in the year after leaving prison, compared to 75 in a matched group.

Increases chance of finding work by 26%

Out of 100 people leaving prison, 39 PET learners find work in the first year of release, compared to 31 in a matched group.

Through the personal accounts of people we fund, we also know that education has broader benefits. Our learners say education also has a positive impact on:

Wellbeing

The ability to cope in prison, improvements to mental health

Human Capital

The feeling of self-worth, hope and motivation

Social Capital

Relationships with others, including people in prison and families

Culture

Involvement in creating a positive prison environment

What’s the need?

There is a pressing need for our work. In recent years, conditions in prisons have deteriorated. The population has risen while staff numbers have decreased. Violence, self- harm and drug use are widespread, and more and more people in prison are spending 23 hours a day locked in their cell.

People in prison are often among the most disadvantaged in our society. Many have had damaging childhoods, have experienced mental health and addiction problems, and have suffered multiple bereavements. Most step through the prison gates with a poor and limited history of education.