Young inmates who sat for this year's Certificate of Education Examination obtained satisfactory results, the Correctional Services Department says.

Thirty-eight took 158 examination papers and 57% of them attained level two or above in Chinese and 41% attained level two or above in English. They achieved six credits and 54 passes in other subjects with a pass rate of 55%.

The inmates came from Pik Uk, Cape Collinson and Tai Tam Gap correctional institutions. They sat for 23 exam subjects.

The department said employment is one of the hurdles inmates encounter after release, but with academic qualifications they have a better chance of competing for jobs.

It said it is committed to providing every opportunity for inmates to equip themselves academically and to helping them attain accredited qualifications. It also works closely with partners in the community to offer market-oriented vocational training for their smooth reintegration into the community.