Standford Hill was opened on the site of an ex Royal Air Force station, and was first used as a prison in 1950.

In December 2004, an inspection report from Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons stated that Standford Hill was not effective as a resettlement prison, and did not offer inmates worthwhile skills.

However inspectors did find "'significant' progress had been made in safety and respect" at the prison.

The range of activities available was now considered to be good, but resettlement work was fragmented.

[6] Standford Hill is a Category D open prison for adult males serving any sentence, with a maximum of 5 years to their release, and a maximum of 2 years to their parole eligibility date.