HMYOI Cookham Wood was built in the 1970s, originally for young men, but its use was changed to meet the growing need for secure female accommodation at the time.
In 2007/8, Cookham Wood underwent a change in function to accommodate 15-17 year-old young men to reduce capacity pressures in London and the South East for this particular age group.
The establishment will provide a regime for young men which is consistent with the Youth Justice Board's Strategy for Secure Estate for Children and Young People, and which focuses on providing education and vocational training and reducing reoffending.
