 In 1870 , a review of the penal system was conducted , with the recommendation being made to close the gaol and relocate prisoners to more suitable locations . The gaol gradually slowed its operations , and demolished portions of the original site between 1880 and 1924 . In 1924 , the gaol was finally closed . However , in March 1927 , the Old Melbourne Gaol was integrated into part of the new Emily McPherson College , and was used for educational purposes . This necessitated changes to the prison ; in 1929 , despite poor record keeping of prisoner burials , historical evidence suggested the remains of approximately 32 executed prisoners , including Ned Kelly , were exhumed from the Old Melbourne Gaol and buried at mass graves in a quarry at Pentridge . In 1930 , the women 's cell block , walls and several other buildings were demolished , and a further four coffins were believed to have been moved to Pentridge in 1937 . 
