Category A Prisons Explained
Last reviewed: June 2026
If a loved one has been told they are “Category A”, it can feel frightening and final. It is worth understanding what the label actually means, how it is decided and whether it can change over time. This guide explains the system in plain English so you know what to expect.
What is a Category A prison?
Every adult sentenced prisoner in England and Wales is given a security category that reflects the risk they pose and how much security is needed to hold them safely. Category A is reserved for prisoners whose escape would be highly dangerous to the public or national security, regardless of how likely an escape attempt actually is. The question is not “will they try to escape?” but “how serious would it be if they did?”
Category A prisons — such as HMP Belmarsh, HMP Wakefield, HMP Whitemoor, HMP Frankland and HMP Full Sutton — are built and staffed around preventing escape and controlling risk. That means high walls, secure perimeters, CCTV, controlled movement around the establishment, and closer staff supervision than you would find elsewhere.
The four prison categories
Adult men are placed into one of four categories. The category determines the type of prison they are held in and shapes daily life there.
| Category | Who it is for | Security level |
|---|---|---|
| Category A | Prisoners whose escape would be highly dangerous to the public or national security | Maximum (high security) |
| Category B | Those who do not need the highest security but for whom escape must still be made very difficult | High |
| Category C | Prisoners who cannot be trusted in open conditions but are unlikely to try to escape | Medium (closed training prisons) |
| Category D | Prisoners who can be reasonably trusted in open conditions, often nearing release | Open prisons |
Within Category A there are also risk levels — standard, high and exceptional — reflecting how much harm an escape would cause and the resources someone might have to attempt one. You can read more about the next step down in our guide to Category B prisons.
How prisoners are categorised
Categorisation is carried out by the prison, using national policy set by HM Prison and Probation Service. It looks at the seriousness of the offence, the length of sentence, any history of escape or violence, links to organised crime or terrorism, and the risk to the public. The most serious decisions about Category A status are taken centrally rather than by an individual prison.
Categorisation is not a punishment and it is not fixed forever. It is reviewed regularly, and a prisoner’s category can go down over time as they progress, show good behaviour and reduce their assessed risk. Moving down the categories is usually a key part of working towards release.
Life in a Category A prison
Daily life is more restricted than in lower-category prisons. Movement is closely controlled, searches are more frequent, and visits take place under tighter security — visitors are usually booked and approved in advance and may be subject to additional checks. Education, work and rehabilitation programmes are still available, but everything happens within a high-security framework.
For families, the practical impact is often around visiting: booking ahead, allowing extra time for security, and following the dress and ID rules carefully. Our founder Daniel Hockey served his own sentence and understands how disorientating the early days can be — you can read his story on the about Daniel Hockey page.
- “Category A means they are the most violent prisoner.” Not necessarily. It reflects how dangerous an escape would be, which is not the same as day-to-day behaviour.
- “The category never changes.” Categories are reviewed and can be reduced over time.
- “Category A and a whole-life order are the same thing.” They are separate — one is about security, the other about sentence length.
- “Women can be Category A.” Women and young people are assessed under different categorisation systems.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Category A prisoner be moved to a lower category?
Yes. Category is reviewed periodically. With good progress and a reduced assessed risk, a prisoner can be downgraded to Category B and, in time, lower. Downgrading from Category A involves a careful, centrally-managed review.
Which prisons are Category A?
High-security establishments such as Belmarsh, Wakefield, Whitemoor, Frankland and Full Sutton hold Category A prisoners. Some hold a mix of high-security categories.
Can you still get visits in a Category A prison?
Yes, but under stricter conditions. Visits usually need to be booked and visitors approved in advance, with extra security checks on arrival. Check the specific prison’s page on GOV.UK before travelling.
Does Category A affect release date?
Security category and release date are separate. Release is governed by the sentence and the law — see our guide to prison release dates — though progressing down the categories is often important for parole and resettlement.
Official sources
For the official rules, see GOV.UK: prison security categories and the Prison Reform Trust. For independent inspection reports on individual prisons, see HM Inspectorate of Prisons.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Categorisation policy can change; always check GOV.UK for the latest position.
