Belmarsh became operational on 2nd April 1991, and is a local prison, serving primarily the Central Criminal Court and magistrates Courts in SE London. In addition the establishment serves Crown and Magistrates Courts in SW Essex. Belmarsh has a dual role in that it also holds Category A prisoners. The prison currently has approximately 850 prisoners on site.

The education department is located on 2 levels, containing several classrooms and staff offices. The curriculum consists of but not limited to Maths, English, ICT, Business, ESOL and Catering. There are workshops located on site for the vocational courses such as plumbing.

The department is spacious and bright with large classrooms and good facilities. There is also a library which is open and well-lit, and has a vast range of material for the learners to access.

Vulnerable Prisoners have access to education once a week and their use of the library will be separate to the rest of the learners. Education with the Cat A and remand prisoners will run separately to the VPs. The age and the ability of the learners is varied from class to class. The education team is engaging and dedicated to the success of learners. Belmarsh has a positive response from their learners within education.

There are always 2x prison officers present in the education department whilst learners are present.