Reduce exam pressure for 9th grade students

2025 is the first year that 9th graders will take the 10th grade entrance exam according to the 2018 General Education Program (New General Education Program). It is expected that the whole city of Hanoi will have about 127,000 students taking the junior high school graduation exam.

Of which, only about 60% of candidates will enter public high schools, the remaining 40% of students will enter private high schools, continuing education centers, and vocational education facilities.

Students enrolling in the 9+ program at Hanoi Vocational College of Transport and Public Works. Photo: NTCC

The fact that Hanoi City increased the enrollment quota for 10th grade private schools in the 2025-2026 school year has made many parents worried and anxious. Because compared to the average income of many households today, the tuition fees for private schools will increase as planned, which will be a burden. However, the reality shows that not only this school year but in many previous enrollment seasons, only about 60% of 9th grade graduates in Hanoi have a place in public schools.

According to the Hanoi City admission schedule, on April 18, students will submit their application forms, receive search codes and passwords. However, for private high schools, the 10th grade admission for the 2025-2026 school year has been active since the end of 2024. Currently, many schools have completed the first round of admission (through the form of reviewing secondary school transcripts). Private high schools enroll students based on secondary school study results; through capacity assessment; and based on the results of the 10th grade entrance exam organized by the Department of Education and Training.

Ms. Nguyen Hoang Anh (Kim Van - Kim Lu Urban Area, Hoang Mai District) shared that, determining that her child's academic ability was average, the race to get into a public school was 50/50. Therefore, along with registering her child to take the entrance exam to 2 public schools in the enrollment area No. 4, the family submitted an application and "deposited" a place at a private high school near their home. According to Ms. Hoang Anh, the private school system in Hoang Mai District is now convenient for students to travel to. This is also an early choice that helps reduce pressure for both children and parents.

Ms. Bich Phuong (working in Thanh Xuan district) shared that because her child's academic performance was not outstanding, her family decided to let her study 9+ at Hanoi College of Industry and Commerce. Ms. Phuong learned and learned that studying here, students can both learn vocational skills and study high school culture (at a nearby private high school). Students study 2 training programs in parallel: high school and college. After 4 years of study, students will receive 2 diplomas (high school diploma and regular college diploma).

At this time, secondary schools in Hanoi have proactively provided admission advice to parents whose children are in grade 9. Accordingly, studying at private high schools and vocational schools is increasingly chosen by parents compared to previous admission seasons.

As for vocational schools, according to Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thanh - Chairman of the School Council, Head of Training Department of Hanoi Vocational College of Transport and Public Works, this year most of the students participating in the 2025 Admissions Consulting Day organized by the school have identified their abilities and favorite careers.

It is noted that the 2025 Career Counseling Festival with the theme "Future Orientation, Dream Creation" recently organized by Hanoi Vocational College of Transport and Public Works attracted 1,100 9th grade students from 10 secondary schools in Nam Tu Liem, Bac Tu Liem and Hoai Duc districts to participate. At the festival, students had the opportunity to interact and learn about training professions, study programs and job opportunities after graduation. They also participated in career demonstration areas such as Modeling and Beauty Care, Hotel Management, Beverage Mixing Techniques, as well as directly experiencing the profession of Automotive Technology, Automotive Painting Technology... In particular, many students were very excited to practice the profession of Automotive Technology.

Sharing about the enrollment work for the 2025-2026 school year, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thanh said that the school will enroll 1,200 students, including 225 students participating in the 9+ Program (both studying high school culture and vocational training).

To achieve the goal of student streaming after secondary school, Mr. Pham Vu Quoc Binh - Deputy Director of the Department of Vocational Education and Continuing Education ( Ministry of Education and Training ) pointed out that it is necessary to continue to promote career counseling and guidance. Along with that, it is necessary to continue to review the regulatory systems related to joint training. Education experts recommend that career guidance should help 9th grade students make choices that are appropriate to their abilities and needs.

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/giam-ap-luc-thi-cu-cho-hoc-sinh-lop-9-10302499.html