HMP Full Sutton, is a modern, purpose-built high security category A prison. Opened in 1987 and situated about 11 miles east of the City of York. It has a population of approximately 630, serving more than 4 years; 60% of the inmates are serving life sentences. The population is split with 60% Vulnerable Prisoners and 40% mainstream inmates.

The Vulnerable Prisoners and Mainstream population does not mix. With longer sentences and a more stable population, learners are engaged with education. Education is on Mondays and Tuesday for the VPs and Wednesdays and Thursdays for Mainstream.

The education hours for the men are Monday to Thursday 08.45am – 12.30pm  and 1.00pm – 3.15/3.30pm depending on the day. The regime hours are slightly longer than other prisons due to the fact they do not run education on a Friday. The men stay in the education department all day and bring packed lunches which they eat in designated break rooms within education.

Staff are therefore on site from approx. 08.00am – 5.15pm Monday to Thursday, with half an hour lunch, staying on site once the men have gone back to the wings for prep/admin time 3.30pm – 5.15pm, and they do not work at all on Fridays.