The capital's main female prison has eradicated illiteracy among inmates within five years, Beijing News reported Wednesday.

More than 270 female prisoners who could not read or write have been educated at Beijing Women's Prison, the paper said.

Simple Chinese, math and English lessons are taught among people with only primary or middle school education, said Li Ruihua, head of the prison.

The prison also encourages its inmates to take part in college entrance examinations to improve their education and pave the way for employment.

Founded in October 1999, the prison is the main female prison in Beijing with more than 1,000 inmates.