In April 2001, an inspection report from His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons highly praised Swinfen Hall, naming the institution as a centre of excellence.

The report stated that Swinfen Hall was a place "in which the needs as well as the characteristics of young, adolescent prisoners, are understood and catered for".

[1] A major building project began at Swinfen Hall in spring 2004, following significant increases in the prison population.

At Swinfen Hall individual needs are identified early, and through an active and integrated regime of education skills training and the specialised accredited offending behaviour and substance abuse courses, needs are addressed and risks reduced.

Working together with national corporations, local businesses, voluntary organisations, the Learning and Skills Council, education providers and others, contributes to the success of the training and development needs for prisoners at Swinfen Hall and prepares them for a crime free life on release.