context: Aligning with broader efforts to rebalance education resources amid declining birth rates and urbanisation, a May 2026 Ministry of Education notice defines new standards for primary and secondary education, with schools given three years to comply.
The PRC sets stricter minimum standards for primary and secondary schools. A MoE (Ministry of Education) notices updates standards from 2014
- buildings are upgraded
- student psychological counselling rooms, with every school has to employ at least one teacher dedicated to mental health education
- sports grounds, facilities, equipment have to be sufficient to accommodate full schedule PE classes as well as track and field and ball sports activities
- computer classrooms or information technology laboratories, science laboratories
- dedicated classrooms for music and fine arts, equipped with the necessary teaching aids
- libraries or reading rooms suited to student needs
- safety rules tighten
- closed campus management required
- one-button alarm and anti-ram barriers at gates
- video surveillance in key areas
- unsafe buildings removed or reinforced
- school buildings must fully comply with fire safety regulations
- living amenities are improved
- classrooms must meet lighting rules
- drinking water must be safe
- dorms cannot be underground
- boarding schools must provide adequate toilets and washing facilities
Rollout is set for three years, after which all schools must meet the standards, with provinces urged to set higher standards based on local contexts. Small schools follow flexibly based on conditions. MoE links reform to falling and uneven student populations, calling for school network adjustments and better resource allocation.