Scholarships
Get a university education with our help
We offer two types of scholarships to ex-prisoners to enable them to continue their rehabilitation by studying for degrees at a UK university or equivalent UK institute. Most awards are part of the Longford Scholarships' scheme, but a small number of awards are made each year to ex-prisoners wanting to go on to study Law under the Patrick Pakenham Awards' scheme, established in memory of Lord Longford's barrister son. We work in partnership on the Longford Scholarships with the Rank Foundation and Monument Trust.
"I do believe that for me keeping up my studies helped me ease into being a relatively free man."
Tom received a Longford Scholarship for his three- year biology degree at Derby University. He graduated with a first in 2009.
More about Tom
“I got into radio upon release and was encouraged to attend university to become a professional broadcaster.”
We supported Jason in media and communications at Goldsmiths' College. He graduated and is now sponsored by a national newspaper through an MA in Broadcast Journalism City University.
More about Jason"It is all down to taking a positive attitude to learning and leaving the negative peer pressures from my past behind."
Kevin is one of our current Longford Scholars. With our support he is doing as degree in business studies at the Open University. Here he charts the road from prison to higher education
Financial Support
Financial Support
The Longford Scholarship
The maximum award is £5,000 per annum, extendable for up to three years on receipt of suitable reports of academic progress. The money is intended to contribute to the cost of tuition fees and/or living expenses for books, course materials and basic sustenance.
Practical Support
All successful Longford Scholars will also be assigned a mentor by the trust - someone who can offer practical and emotional advice on continuing the process of rehabilitation through higher education, often an ex-prisoner themselves.
Patrick Pakenham Awards
Do you want to study law?
The Trust administers the Patrick Pakenham Educational Awards for those ex-prisoners who wish to study for a degree in Law at a UK university or equivalent UK institute. These scholarships of up to £5,000 per annum are separate from the Longford Scholarships. More about the Patrick Pakenham Educational Awards.
How to apply for a scholarship
You will need to make sure that you meet our criteria to apply, and then fill out a detailed application form. Find out more about how to apply.
Become a mentor
If you think you could be there to offer advice and support to one of our scholars, please contact us.
Stay updated on our scholarship announcement
If you'd like receive news on scholarships and notifications by email when applications open please join our mailing list.