About 60% of young correctional institution inmates who sat for this year's Certificate of Education Examination have passed, a significant improvement on last year's 49.51% figure.

Thirty-eight young people from Lai King Training Centre, and Pik Uk, Cape Collinson and Tai Tam Gap correctional institutions took 162 examination papers and achieved one distinction, 15 credits and 82 passes.

Subjects included Chinese, English, mathematics, commerce, computer studies, accounts, word processing and business communication, travel and tourism, and social studies.

Adult pass rate 48%

Sixty-two adults from 10 correctional institutions, including Stanley and Shek Pik Prisons, took 110 papers in the examination and obtained one distinction, four credits and 48 passes.

The pass rate for adult inmates is 48.18% compared with 39.86% the previous year. The overall pass rate for inmates stands at 55.51% this year against 45.48% in 2003.

Assistant Commissioner of Correctional Services Samson Chan said the department will continue to provide every opportunity for inmates to equip themselves to cope with market demand and help them to re-integrate into the community.

"With academic qualifications, they stand a better chance of competing for jobs after their release," he said, encouraging inmates to keep up the effort because they have the same opportunities as others to attain good results.