Inspectors found the West Midlands jail, which holds many young adults, had the highest rate of violence and of PAVA spray use among adult male prisons.
Inspectors found a well-led high security prison that had sharply reduced drugs, but four more self-inflicted deaths, high violence and night sanitation kept three grades at not sufficiently good.
Nearly 30% of men tested positive for drugs in random tests at the Shropshire prison. Safety fell to not sufficiently good, but inspectors saw strong relationships and better preparation for release.
Inspectors found drugs readily available, worn-out house units and too few chances for men to show they had reduced their risk at the Wolverhampton prison. Safety slipped a grade since 2022.
Inspectors found some improvement at the Worcestershire reception prison, but violence remained above similar jails, new arrivals had little to do and four governors had come and gone in three years.
Inspectors found some children at the Staffordshire young offender institution did not leave their cells for days, while 85% missed their weekly education entitlement.
Inspectors found Stafford calm, clean and well led, with education Ofsted rated well above the norm. Their main worry was that many officers chose not to learn what crimes the men had committed.
An inspection report on HMP Long Lartin, published in January 2025, found drones flying drugs and phones into the high-security prison, rising violence and poor conditions, but some progress under a new governor.
Inspectors praised strong leadership, excellent staff relationships and a hopeful culture at the G4S-run prison, though cancelled hospital visits and public protection lapses needed attention.
Inspectors found the West Midlands prison for young adults struggling with drugs, inconsistent staff and long hours locked up. Release planning improved, and a new governor had brought a culture of optimism.
