Some tools may be unavailable or may not work as expected while we complete final testing.
This is a new service. Help us improve it and give your feedback.
A–D category: Not yet verified.
Official guide description: High security prison
Official guide · Checked 13 September 2026. This wording does not establish an A–D category.
Predominant function (2025/26): High Security
Ministry of Justice performance classification. This describes the stated performance year, not a current A–D category or the categories of every prisoner.
Monthly snapshot: 24 August 2026
Operational capacity is the capacity reported for this prison in the same monthly bulletin.
Official monthly spreadsheet · Ministry of Justice publication
Prison site location
View on the prisons map
Location information checked 13 September 2026.
8 June 2026
we found at our last inspection At our previous inspections of HMP Wakefield in 2022 and 2025, we made the following judgements . Figure 1: HMP Wakefield healthy prison outcomes in 2022 and 2025 Note: rehabilitation and release planning became ‘preparation for release’ in October…
29 September 2025
As one of five high-security dispersal prisons, housing men convicted of the most serious offences – many of whom are serving indeterminate or life sentences – Wakefield plays a critical role in the long-term and high-security estate. This unannounced inspection revealed a prison grappling with…
20 February 2023
Wakefield prison in West Yorkshire is one of the highest security prisons in the country. With a capacity for up to 750, it holds some of the more dangerous men in the prison system, including some high-risk category A prisoners. At the time of our…
0 positive responses
Thank you for your feedback.
Install the Criminal Justice Hub app for faster access on your phone.
On iPhone, tap Share, then Add to Home Screen.
