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

Twenty-four inmates took 125 examination papers and achieved three credits and 52 passes with a pass rate of 44%.

The inmates came from Pik Uk, Cape Collinson and Lai King correctional institutions. They sat for 10 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.