OUR 2026 LONGFORD LECTURER IS...Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, and his title "WASTING TIME" FIND OUT MORE

Join Our Big Conversation about Second Chances

The Longford Blog is an all-year-round conversation – about, amongst other things, prison, the criminal justice system, and what a difference education can make in turning (prison) sentences into degrees as our Longford scholars are all doing. This Blog page is an opportunity for our scholars (like Gavin, pictured above) who are at the heart of what we do - as well as our mentors and others involved in the scholarship programme - to share first-hand experiences and ideas for change.

If you have something you’d like to say, find out how at office@longfordtrust.org

Unfinished Business With Learning

Author: | 4 Sep 2026

Our new scholar Ali, restarting his degree with our support this autumn, reflects on how far education has already taken him, the obstacles he has… Read More

Here’s just how far proving an offensive remark wrong can take you

Author: | 17 Aug 2026

Every one of us is capable of change. It is fundamental to human nature. Where it varies between us is how, why and when that… Read More

A sentence can never tell the story of a life

Author: | 4 Aug 2026

In this reflection, our former scholar, Will Pendray, now a published poet, describes the experience of going back inside a prison and running a creative… Read More

‘If you are going through hell, keep going’

Author: | 23 Jul 2026

It is graduation season. As our class of 2026 Longford Scholars get a raft of Firsts, Distinctions and 2:1s, our former scholar Rishi shares some… Read More

Turning Sentences Into Degrees