One of the most common questions people ask after receiving a prison sentence is: which prison will I actually go to? The answer depends on several factors, and understanding the allocation system helps you prepare for what comes next.
The Basics of Prison Allocation
In England and Wales, prison allocation is managed by the Ministry of Justice through the Prisoner Allocation Unit. The process is not random. It is based on your security category, the length and nature of your sentence, your health needs, your home location, and current prison capacity.
If you are remanded or sentenced to custody, you will first go to a local prison — typically the one nearest the court where you were sentenced. From there, the allocation process begins.
Security Categories Explained
Adult male prisoners in England and Wales are placed into one of four security categories:
**Category A**: Prisoners whose escape would be highly dangerous to the public or national security. This is the highest security level and applies to a small number of prisoners.
**Category B**: Prisoners for whom escape must be made very difficult. Most prisoners entering custody start as Category B in a local prison.
**Category C**: Prisoners who cannot be trusted in open conditions but are not considered likely to escape. These prisoners move to training prisons after assessment.
**Category D**: Prisoners who can be reasonably trusted in open conditions. These are open prisons with minimal perimeter security.
Women, young offenders, and prisoners with specific health or vulnerability needs have separate allocation pathways.
The Local Prison First
Almost every prisoner begins their sentence at a local prison — a Category B establishment near the sentencing court. Local prisons hold a mix of remand and sentenced prisoners. They are often older, busier, and more overcrowded than training prisons.
After reception and induction, the allocation team at the local prison will review your case. This review considers your offence, sentence length, behaviour, and any specific risks or needs. The goal is to move you to a more suitable long-term establishment.
How Long Before You Are Moved?
There is no fixed timeline. Some prisoners are moved within days; others remain at the local prison for weeks or even months. Factors affecting speed of transfer include:
Geography and Keeping in Touch
The Prison Service aims to keep prisoners within reasonable distance of their families, though this is not guaranteed. If you have strong family ties in a particular region, mention this during your induction interview. It does not guarantee placement, but it is a factor allocation teams consider.
If you are moved far from home, you can apply for an inter-prison transfer after you have served a portion of your sentence. Transfers are granted based on behaviour, availability, and compassionate grounds.
Vulnerable Prisoners and Protected Status
If you are assessed as vulnerable — for example, because of your offence type, mental health, physical disability, or sexual orientation — the allocation team will consider whether you need placement on a vulnerable prisoners' wing or a dedicated vulnerable persons unit.
This can affect which prisons are available to you. Some establishments have better mental health provision; others have dedicated units for specific groups.
Foreign Nationals
If you are not a British citizen, the allocation team will also consider your immigration status. Foreign nationals may be held in dedicated foreign national wings or prisons with higher concentrations of non-UK prisoners. The Home Office may also be considering deportation proceedings alongside your sentence.
Requesting a Transfer
Once you are established at your allocated prison, you can request a transfer using the prison application system. Reasons include:
Transfers are not guaranteed. The receiving prison must have space, and your security category and behaviour record must support the move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose which prison I go to?
No. Prisoners cannot choose their establishment. You can express preferences based on family proximity or medical needs, but the final decision rests with the Ministry of Justice.
Why did my cellmate get moved and I did not?
Transfers depend on individual circumstances — sentence length, category, programme requirements, and spaces available at receiving prisons. Two prisoners with similar sentences can be sent to different establishments.
What if my family cannot afford to travel to visit me?
You can apply for the Assisted Prison Visits Scheme if your immediate family is on a low income. This provides help with travel costs. Ask the visits desk or your personal officer for an application form.
Will I be moved closer to home automatically?
Not automatically. You must apply for a transfer and demonstrate a good reason. Maintaining family contact is a valid reason, but transfers depend on space.
Can I be sent to an open prison straight away?
Rarely. Most prisoners must progress through Category B and Category C before being considered for Category D open conditions. This takes time and requires a clean disciplinary record.
*Last updated: June 2026.*