Education at Risley is provided in conjunction with the Manchester College, who offer a wide range of courses including the basics of numeracy and literacy , art and design, IT and functional skills.
Work is provided by the prison workshops as well as the usual orderly jobs of cleaning, kitchens, gardens, laundry and waste management. There is an active Restorative Justice team at the prison.
Vocational causes include Fitted Interiors, Painting and Decorating, Plastering and Bricklaying, Cleaning services and ICT. The PE Department offers prisoners the chance to study towards the Focus gym instructor qualifications and other sport related accreditation.