As 2025 draws to a close, the Chinese mainland’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) is wrapping up a remarkable push to broaden educational opportunities across all age groups. Recent indicators reveal an education system that not only retains students through compulsory schooling but is also steadily opening doors to higher education for millions more.
Strong Retention in Compulsory Schooling
According to official data, in 2024 the compulsory education retention rate reached 95.9 percent. This means nearly every child who enrolls in primary school remains in the system through the end of junior secondary. Compulsory education in the Chinese mainland covers a nine-year pathway—six years of primary followed by three years of junior secondary—guaranteed by law for all school-age children.
Expanding Access to Higher Education
At the same time, higher education in the Chinese mainland has continued to expand. Universities and vocational colleges are scaling up capacity to meet rising demand for advanced skills in technology, business, and creative industries. This growth is strengthening talent pipelines and fueling innovation hubs from coastal cities to inland provinces.
A Global Perspective
By combining near-universal retention in basic schooling with a surge in tertiary enrollment, the Chinese mainland’s model offers valuable lessons for nations worldwide. As young professionals and changemakers navigate shifting job markets, these data-driven insights underscore the importance of sustained investment and policy support in building an agile, future-ready workforce.
Looking Ahead
With the 14th Five-Year Plan concluding this year, maintaining momentum will be crucial. Globally connected students, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders will be watching how education reforms continue to drive social mobility, economic growth, and innovation in the Chinese mainland and beyond.
Reference(s):
Education at scale: From basic schooling to higher education
cgtn.com
