What Is a Prison Called in England? "Prison" — Not "Jail"

In England and Wales, the correct term for a facility holding convicted adults serving custodial sentences is "prison" (or formally, "His/Her Majesty's Prison [Name]" — e.g., HMP Wandsworth).

Terminology Distinctions

• Prison: Post-conviction, sentences >12 months (typically). Run by HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS).
• Young Offender Institution (YOI): Ages 18–21.
• Secure Training Centre / Secure Children's Home: Under 18.
• Immigration Removal Centre: Detention pending deportation.
• Police custody suite: Pre-charge detention (max 24–96 hrs).

"Jail" Usage

• Historical: "Gaol" (same pronunciation) used until 20th c.
• Colloquial: Brits may say "he's in jail" informally.
• US difference: "Jail" = local/short-term; "Prison" = state/federal/long-term. UK uses "prison" for both concepts.
• Legal: Statutes refer to "prison," "imprisonment," "custody."

Categories (Security Levels)

• Category A: Highest security (e.g., Belmarsh, Wakefield).
• Category B: High security (e.g., Wandsworth).
• Category C: Training/resettlement (e.g., Hollesley Bay).
• Category D: Open prisons (e.g., Ford, Kirklevington).
• Women's estate: Closed (Bronzefield, Styal) & open (Askham Grange, East Sutton Park).

So: Prison. Never "penitentiary" (US), rarely "correctional facility" (bureaucratic).