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We offer distance learning courses, advice and guidance and help around 1,300 learners each year to study, giving them the skills and qualifications to build brighter futures. We offer over 130 different courses including GCSEs and A-levels, Open University Access modules and a wide range of professional and general interest courses.
We use our research and expertise to improve prison education and to show prisons, policymakers and the public the impact it can have — for people in prison, their families, and society.
Distance learning with PET is different to traditional classroom-based learning.
You can start most of our courses at any time of the year. All of your course materials will be sent to you by post via the education department in your prison. You study on your own, not in a classroom with other people. This means that you can choose when you study and that you are in control of your progress. Many of our courses include tutor support by post or phone to help you progress through your course and finish it.
Most PET courses lead to a qualification, and in order to test your understanding you will need to complete assessments along the way. These might include written assignments or exams. You will need to check with prison staff that they are able to help you send assessments to your course tutor and able to organise exams if you need to sit one in order to gain your qualification.
While distance learning can be life-changing, it can also be challenging. To be a successful distance learner you need to be motivated, well organised, self-disciplined, able to work independently, and most of all passionate about the course you choose.
In 2024:
To people in prison, this way of learning offers five main advantages:
Achieve the same qualifications that they would in school, college or beyond
Choose from a wide range of subjects and levels
Get sent course materials and get feedback from a personal tutor by post
Study independently, at their own pace and in their own space
Take their course with them if they’re transferred to another prison
Applications Received
3082
Successful Applications
1540 (50%)
Unsuccessful Applications
1542 (50%)
Top Course
NEBOSH Award in Managing risks and Risk assesment
Top Prison
HMP Parc (138 applications)
Adviceline Calls Answered
1121
Courses
We offer over 130 different distance learning courses. Find out more here.
Learner Stories
Read the stories of some of our previous learners
How to apply
Find out about who can apply and our application process here.