OUR SCHOLAR MARK ALEXANDER: The first person ever to complete the Law Society's professional exams while a serving prisoner READ 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

‘My books took me to the far corners of the world’

Author: | 2 Nov 2026

This summer, our Longford Scholar Mark Alexander achieved a first – not a first-class grade, though he has managed those, too, but rather he became… Read More

Bob Turney: from prisoner to probation officer

Author: | 8 Oct 2026

Bob Turney’s contribution to making the case for prison reform in this country was huge, writes our director Peter Stanford, after news of the death… Read More

‘After seven long years, I’ve completed my degree’

Author: | 30 Sep 2026

As our 42 new Longford Scholarship holders begin the autumn term at their chosen universities, our recent graduate George is prompted to reflect on his… Read More

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

Turning Sentences Into Degrees