Outcomes for young men and women were ranked as “good” in both facilities against the four ‘healthy prison’ tests of ‘safety’, ‘respect’, ‘purposeful activity’ and ‘preparation for release’.

The inspections were carried out by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI), His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons in England and Wales (HMI Prisons), the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) and Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI).

Jacqui Durkin, CJINI chief inspector, said: “The inspection team were impressed by what they found at Hydebank Wood and the quality relationships between prisoners and staff in both the Secure College and Women’s Prison were at the heart of the prison’s success.

“Strong and effective leadership from the governor and senior team had generated pride, energy and commitment at every level of management and among most of the staff working there with some of the senior officers and unit managers we met among the best we have seen.”

The inspection also identified six key concerns that the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS), the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and Belfast Metropolitan College need to address, by working together, to further improve prisoner and patient outcomes.

Northern Ireland’s justice minister, Naomi Long, said: “The outcome of today’s reports is a culmination of many years hard work by the Prison Service and its partner agencies. Just over 10 years ago inspectors described Hydebank as a failing prison — today it is a model of excellence and good practice.

“There is no doubt the exceptional work being done at Hydebank is transforming lives. Rehabilitation is working.

“Young men and women are choosing to turn their lives around through education and learning. Academic and practical skills in industry-focused subjects including catering and hospitality, barbering, horticulture and animal husbandry are helping them to find employment when they leave prison.

“Importantly also, re-offending rates are reducing, which again confirms these young men and women are turning away from a life of crime, making our communities a safer place to live.”