The boy, whose age has not been disclosed, was found “unresponsive” by staff in his cell at the YOI in Rochester, Kent, on Saturday morning.
A prison service spokesperson, said: “Staff attempted resuscitation and paramedics attended but he was pronounced dead at approximately 8am.
“His next of kin have been informed.
"Every death in custody is a tragedy and we always seek to improve our procedures for caring for prisoners, including young offenders, where possible.”
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will now carry out an independent investigation and a serious case review will also be commissioned by the local safeguarding children board as the boy was under 18.
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