14 Young Inmates Achieve Nearly 80% Pass Rate in Hong Kong Diploma Exam
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago5 MIN
Summary
Fourteen young offenders under 21 sat for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education examinations at Sha Tsui Correctional Institution, achieving an overall pass rate approaching 80 percent across 83 exam papers, with four students meeting local university admission requirements. An 18-year-old student nicknamed "Cong Zai" (a pseudonym) earned an outstanding 22 points across five subjects, including top stars (5*) in Chinese Language and Tourism and Hospitality Studies, after committing to a rigorous 10-month study programme supported by teachers, correctional officers and family members. The achievement marks a fresh start for these young individuals as they prepare to reintegrate into society.
Key Points
- Fourteen juvenile inmates at Sha Tsui Correctional Institution entered for the 2026 HKDSE, sitting 83 exam papers with a pass rate approaching 80 percent .
- Four candidates met the minimum university entrance threshold, qualifying for local undergraduate programmes .
- Student "Cong Zai" (pseudonym), aged 18, scored a total of 22 points across five subjects, with Chinese Language and Tourism and Hospitality Studies achieving 5* grades .
- The Correctional Services Department provides an "Electronic Learning on Demand" platform with tablet computers, digital notes and past examination papers for self-study .
- Correctional officers extended evening熄灯 time flexibly and arranged sports activities to support students' academic preparation and emotional wellbeing .
Why It Matters
The strong examination results demonstrate how Hong Kong's correctional education programme can transform young offenders' trajectories by equipping them with recognised academic credentials and life skills. This success underscores the broader rehabilitation strategy of using education as a pathway to reintegration, potentially reducing recidivism while creating productive citizens who can contribute meaningfully to society .
The strong examination results demonstrate how Hong Kong's correctional education programme can transform young offenders' trajectories by equipping them with recognised academic credentials and life skills. This success underscores the broader rehabilitation strategy of using education as a pathway to reintegration, potentially reducing recidivism while creating productive citizens who can contribute meaningfully to society .