HMP Wakefield is a high security establishment holding category A and B prisoners with a capacity of around 750. The vast majority of prisoners are serving sentences of more than 10 years, and include some of the most challenging and complex prisoners. The main aim is towards the settlement and enabling of offenders to engage with programmes to reduce their risk and supporting them with their long term stay.

Education at HMP Wakefield takes place mainly within one education building, with further delivery offered across the estate on outreach.  Education is available on both a full time and part-time basis (depending on specific courses) and is delivered over nine sessions from Monday to Friday lunchtime.