prisoncheck

prisoncheckRelease · Last checked 3 October 2026

When do they get out?

England and Wales. Since 1 October 2026, most ordinary SDS release at one-third, unless the offence is excluded. People already inside move by sentence length until 8 June 2027. If they have already passed the new point when their length moves, they leave on that tranche date.

Until that length moves
40%
Ordinary SDS now
Then, by sentence length
33%
Ordinary SDS next
SDS+ now
2/3
Then 50%
Under 18
50%
Stays 50%

England and Wales · Last checked 3 October 2026. One-third has applied since 1 October 2026. People already inside move by sentence length until 8 June 2027. Remand days come off the time left in custody. This is not the prison’s date.

Official

These offences keep their old release point

  • Rape and serious child sexual offences
  • Unlawful killing, including manslaughter
  • Cruelty to a child
  • Indecent assault
  • Causing death by driving or cycling
  • Genocide and related international crimes

Source: SI 2026/953 Schedule and the GOV.UK exclusions list. If the offence is on that list, the old release point still applies.

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Do not use this for

  • Life, IPP, or an extended determinate sentence
  • Recall
  • Mixed sentence types (consecutive SDS plus EDS, and the like)
  • Scotland or Northern Ireland

Offences excluded from SDS40 (sexual, domestic-abuse-related, national security, or serious violence of 4 years or more) were at 50% before 1 October 2026. Check the Sentencing Act exclusions list for whether they move. SDS+ is a short list under section 244ZA — not the whole of Schedule 15. People already in custody move across by sentence length until 8 June 2027.

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Sources: SDS40 (SI 2024/844) · SDS+ (CJA 2003 s.244ZA) · 1 October change (SI 2026/953) · Sentencing Act 2026 offence exclusions (GOV.UK) · Progression model: changes to release (GOV.UK, updated 1 October 2026) · The Sentencing Act (Prison Reform Trust advice guide). Last checked 3 October 2026. Not legal advice.

What next

Guide · 3 minWhen will he get out from this prison?When will he get out from this prison? The calculator is national. The local wait is what families report after the van arrives.ToolRelease dateEstimate the one-third date, and when the new rule reaches a sentence already being served.Their prisonFind their prisonPhone, visits and money are local.