Experts and representatives discuss the critical role of county high schools in China's education system. As China accelerates its efforts to build a strong education system and promote high-quality educational development, enhancing basic education and ensuring educational equity have become urgent priorities. County high schools, which account for half of upper secondary education, play a vital role in shaping the future of millions of rural students and strengthening the foundation of the national talent development system.
In September 2025, the Ministry of Education and five other departments issued the County High School Revitalization Action Plan, outlining a roadmap for overcoming challenges and revitalizing county-level education during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. At a recent press conference, Education Minister Huai Jinpeng emphasized the continued push for county high school revitalization.
Key challenges include the outflow of high-achieving students and qualified teachers, limited resources, and outdated facilities. Experts highlight that improving education quality is essential to retaining talent and supporting local economic development. With the peak in upper secondary school-age population expected during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, there is a unique opportunity to strengthen these institutions.
To seize this opportunity, experts recommend expanding educational resources, deepening curriculum reforms, and integrating technology. Digital education, in particular, offers a pathway for county high schools to bridge resource gaps and access high-quality teaching materials. Additionally, enhancing teacher training, improving compensation, and creating professional development opportunities are seen as crucial to retaining and attracting skilled educators.
County high schools are also viewed as key hubs connecting urban and rural education. By improving enrollment rates and education quality, these schools can help drive population quality and support new urbanization strategies. Effective evaluation mechanisms that move beyond test scores and college admission rates are needed to encourage diverse student development paths.
Successful cases of county high school revitalization often share common underlying principles, such as aligning with educational laws and local economic conditions. Experts stress the importance of adapting best practices to local contexts rather than applying them uniformly. A comprehensive, systematic approach involving government support, school autonomy, and community engagement is essential for sustained revitalization.