NEW YOUTH JUSTICE STATISTICS: why it matters when 42% of children sentenced have no recorded ethnicity READ NOW

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

‘Working with the police wasn’t something I imagined I’d do’

Author: | 7 Jan 2026

Gaining a degree is a mighty achievement. Taking that next step into graduate work is another. Our scholar Alicia has just completed a month-long, paid… Read More

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

‘She didn’t mind about the conviction but was concerned I’d never been to a zoo’

Author: | 16 Dec 2025

Former scholar Carolyn busts some myths about life after release, shares her passion for education’s transformative power and looks ahead to happy new year. The… Read More

A glass building on the campus of the University of Essex

Imposter syndrome? Not a chance. I deserve to be here too

Author: | 1 Dec 2025

Our scholar Robert reflects on stepping into his new life as ‘a student by day and a prisoner by night’. As he says, ‘the process… Read More

A man on a green hill in Italy looking at the view

Saints & Sinners: a pilgrimage in Lippiano

Author: | 17 Nov 2025

Our recent graduate in creative writing WS Pendray marked completing his licence by attending the prestigious ‘Haven for Stories’ writers’ retreat in Umbria thanks to… Read More

Turning Sentences Into Degrees