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Hardly working out: barriers to physical education in prisons

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Hardly working out: barriers to physical education in prisons (PDF, 1.2 MB)

A key findings paper by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, March 2026

What we found (Back to top)

Drawing on survey and inspection findings from a year of inspections, ‘Hardly working out: barriers to physical education in prisons’ found that 18% of men could not use the gym or play sport in their jail, rising to 25% in men’s local prisons. At 28%, the proportion was even higher in women’s jails. Weekend access was particularly poor, with fewer than half of all prisoners able to take part in exercise activities.

Provision did not always cater for those with specific needs, such as older or disabled prisoners, and often depended on facilities, staff and regime. Some prisons ran busy sports schedules in well-equipped spaces, but others were unable to cater for the size and needs of the population.

Read the press release in full