Prisons play a vital role in maintaining justice and public safety. 

In the UK, not all prisons are the same, with significant variations in performance and rehabilitation success rates. 

But what are the best prisons in the UK by performance and ratings?

High-performing prisons provide safer environments, effective rehabilitation programmes, and better outcomes for prisoners. 

This article explores how UK prisons are rated and highlights some of the best-performing facilities.

What are Performance and Ratings for UK Prisons?

The performance and ratings system for UK prisons is a comprehensive framework used to evaluate the effectiveness of prison operations. 

Each prison is assigned an overall performance rating, which is determined by combining multiple measures of performance. 

These measures are weighted based on their importance to His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).

Each measure carries a specific weight, with the total weightings for all measures adding up to 100% for each prison. 

However, the specific measures and their weightings can vary depending on the prison’s function. 

For example, an open prison may have different performance priorities compared to a high-security facility. 

Not all measures apply to every prison due to these functional differences.

Individual performance measures are rated on a scale, typically from 1 to 4. 

Because not all measures apply to all prisons, the maximum possible score a prison can achieve differs. 

To standardise this, the performance ratings are expressed as a percentage of the maximum possible score for each prison.

The calculation process involves dividing the weighted scores achieved by the prison by the weighted maximum possible scores. 

This percentage score determines the prison’s overall rating. 

Ratings consider both national targets and local factors, ensuring fairness in evaluation. 

Inspection results and audit outcomes are directly integrated into the ratings, further adding to their reliability.

This performance framework allows for a fair comparison between prisons and highlights areas for improvement. 

It ensures accountability and helps guide efforts to maintain high standards in rehabilitation, security, and prisoner welfare.

What Factors Affect a UK Prison Performance and Rating?

The performance and rating of a UK prison are influenced by several key factors. 

These categories encompass various aspects of prison operations, ensuring a full evaluation of the institution’s effectiveness.

Safety

Safety is one of the most critical factors in prison performance. 

It assesses how well a facility protects prisoners and staff. 

Key metrics include incidents of prisoner-on-prisoner assaults, assaults on staff, and self-harm occurrences. 

Positive random mandatory drug testing (rMDT) results also indicate safety levels by measuring substance abuse rates. 

Safety audits and risk management reviews further contribute to the evaluation. 

Surveys like the Measuring the Quality of Prisoner Life (MQPL) assess prisoners’ perceptions of safety, while His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) evaluates safety comprehensively.

Security

Security measures determine the prison’s ability to maintain control and prevent escapes or absconds. 

Factors include the number of escapes from closed prisons, the rate of absconds, and incidents of releases in error. 

Regular security audits ensure that protocols and equipment, such as perimeter security, are effective. 

High ratings in this area indicate robust systems for preventing breaches and maintaining order.

Respect

Respect evaluates how prisoners are treated and the quality of their living conditions. 

It includes MQPL surveys on respect, audits of living conditions, and HMIP inspections. 

A respectful environment fosters rehabilitation and reduces tension among prisoners.

Purposeful Activity

Purposeful activity measures a prison’s ability to engage prisoners in constructive tasks. 

Metrics include progress in education, attendance in courses, achievement of vocational qualifications, and the percentage of prisoners involved in purposeful activities. 

The use of Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) for paid work and vocational experience is also assessed. 

HMIP and MQPL reviews ensure that activities are meaningful and effective in preparing prisoners for life post-release.

Preparation for Release

This factor focuses on how well prisons prepare prisoners for reintegration into society. 

Measures include rates of employment at six weeks and six months post-release, the percentage of prisoners housed on the first night after release, and family engagement. 

Completion rates for accredited rehabilitation programmes and key worker assessments also play a role in this evaluation.

Organisational Effectiveness

Organisational effectiveness examines the prison’s internal management and staff performance. 

Data quality audits, incident reporting, and checks on assaults and self-harm rates are crucial. 

Staff metrics, including resignation rates and sickness levels, provide insight into operational stability. 

A well-run organisation with effective staff ensures better outcomes in all other performance areas.

Best Prisons in UK by Performance and Ratings

The UK prison system includes institutions varying in security level, prisoner rehabilitation, and performance. 

Some prisons stand out due to their exceptional ratings and focus on safety, rehabilitation, and preparation for release. 

Below is an exploration of ten of the best-performing prisons in the UK.

10. Ford

HMP Ford is an open prison in West Sussex. 

It primarily focuses on low-risk offenders preparing for reintegration into society. 

The prison is well-regarded for its vocational training and educational opportunities. 

Prisoners are encouraged to participate in work placements and community projects. 

This approach enhances skills and builds confidence, aiding in their transition back to the community.

Ford’s performance is driven by its emphasis on purposeful activity and preparation for release. 

Prisoners often gain paid employment under ROTL, contributing to its high ratings. 

Safety and security are well-maintained, ensuring a controlled yet rehabilitative environment.

9. Thorn Cross

HMP Thorn Cross in Cheshire is another open prison with a strong focus on rehabilitation. 

It serves young adult and adult male offenders. 

Thorn Cross is notable for its education programmes, which include vocational training and academic qualifications.

The prison’s ROTL programme allows prisoners to engage in community work and employment, equipping them for life post-prison. 

Thorn Cross’s high ratings stem from its strong emphasis on purposeful activity and its ability to create a supportive environment. 

Its performance in preparing prisoners for release is among the best in the UK.

8. Warren Hill

HMP Warren Hill in Suffolk is a Category C prison, which primarily houses adult males. 

Despite its security level, Warren Hill focuses on rehabilitation, particularly for long-term prisoners. 

It has a reputation for fostering personal growth and reducing reoffending rates.

The prison’s structured regime includes education, vocational training, and therapy. 

Its support for prisoners preparing for release is commendable. 

By providing tailored rehabilitation plans, Warren Hill ensures that prisoners leave better equipped to reintegrate into society. 

Its excellent performance ratings reflect its dedication to safety, respect, and purposeful activity.

7. Hollesley Bay

HMP Hollesley Bay is an open prison located in Suffolk. 

It primarily accommodates low-risk offenders nearing the end of their sentences. 

The prison is highly rated for its work programmes, which focus on resettlement and reintegration.

Hollesley Bay offers a range of educational and vocational opportunities, including farming and horticulture. 

Its ROTL programme is robust, allowing prisoners to participate in external employment and community projects. 

The prison’s ratings highlight its emphasis on preparation for release, as well as its ability to create a safe and respectful environment.

6. East Sutton Park

HMP East Sutton Park in Kent is a women’s open prison known for its strong rehabilitation programmes. 

The prison focuses on providing prisoners with the skills and confidence needed for reintegration into society.

East Sutton Park’s vocational training includes farming, catering, and administrative work. 

Its education programmes are tailored to individual needs, ensuring each prisoner has the opportunity to improve. 

The prison’s high ratings stem from its focus on purposeful activity, respect, and preparation for release. 

Its safety measures and positive prisoner experiences further enhance its reputation.

5. Standford Hill

HMP Standford Hill, located on the Isle of Sheppey, is an open prison for male offenders. 

It excels in providing a supportive environment for prisoners nearing release. 

The prison is known for its strong emphasis on ROTL, enabling prisoners to gain work experience and rebuild family ties.

Education and vocational training are integral to the prison’s regime. 

Prisoners are encouraged to improve their skills and qualifications, preparing them for employment upon release. 

Standford Hill’s high ratings reflect its success in fostering purposeful activity and ensuring prisoners are well-prepared for life outside prison.

4. Haverigg

HMP Haverigg in Cumbria is a Category C prison for adult males. 

It stands out for its rehabilitative focus and commitment to reducing reoffending. 

The prison offers various programmes designed to address behavioural issues and improve employability.

Haverigg provides prisoners with opportunities to participate in education, vocational training, and therapy. 

The prison’s performance ratings highlight its strengths in purposeful activity, respect, and safety. 

Its efforts in preparing prisoners for release make it one of the best-performing prisons in the UK.

3. Kirklevington Grange

HMP Kirklevington Grange in North Yorkshire is an open prison specialising in resettlement. 

It focuses on helping prisoners transition from prison life to the community. 

The prison is known for its strong ROTL programme, which includes employment, family visits, and community work.

Education and vocational training are key aspects of Kirklevington Grange’s regime. 

Prisoners are supported in developing skills and qualifications to improve their chances of successful reintegration. 

The prison’s high ratings reflect its dedication to purposeful activity and preparation for release.

2. Askham Grange

HMP Askham Grange in Yorkshire is a women’s open prison renowned for its rehabilitative approach. 

The prison emphasises personal growth, education, and preparation for release. 

It provides a supportive environment where prisoners can rebuild their lives.

Askham Grange offers a range of programmes, including vocational training, therapy, and family support. 

The prison’s ROTL programme allows prisoners to gain work experience and maintain family ties. 

Its high ratings highlight its success in purposeful activity, respect, and safety. The prison is a model of effective rehabilitation and reintegration.

1. Hatfield

HMP Hatfield in South Yorkshire is an open prison for adult males. 

It is consistently rated as one of the best-performing prisons in the UK. 

Hatfield’s regime focuses on rehabilitation, education, and resettlement.

The prison offers extensive vocational training and education programmes. 

Prisoners are encouraged to participate in ROTL, which helps them gain employment and rebuild family connections. 

Hatfield’s high performance ratings stem from its success in purposeful activity, respect, and preparation for release. 

Its focus on reducing reoffending and creating a safe environment makes it a standout institution.

Conclusion

That was the best prisons in the UK by performance and ratings.

The best-performing prisons in the UK excel in rehabilitation, safety, and prisoner support. 

Facilities like Hatfield and Askham Grange showcase how effective programmes can lower reoffending rates and create safer communities. 

By focusing on education, vocational training, and mental health support, these prisons provide prisoners with the tools needed to reintegrate into society successfully.