China's primary school population peaks, middle school to follow

China's primary school student population peaked in 2023, with middle schools expected to follow next year, according to Huai Jinpeng, the minister of education.

The high school population is projected to peak in 2029, and higher education institutions in 2032, he said in a recent interview with China Central Television.

In response to these demographic shifts, the ministry plans to prioritize educational resources for regions experiencing significant population growth and school placement pressures, he said. The ministry also aims to expand educational facilities in urban areas with high concentrations of school-age populations, he added.