​20k Kindergartens Shut Down in a Year Amid Falling Birth Rates

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20,000 Kindergartens Shut Down in a Year Amid Falling Birth Rates


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On June 11, China's Ministry of Education released the 2024 National Education Development Statistical Bulletin. One of the most striking figures: over 20,000 kindergartens shut down in the past year.


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Here's what the numbers show:


  • In 2024, China has 253,300 kindergartens.

  • That's a steep drop from 274,400 in 2023.

  • The number of preschool children also fell—from 40.93 million in 2023 to 35.84 million in 2024.

  • Preschool gross enrollment now stands at 92%.


This decline reflects the growing impact of China's falling birth rate. After a temporary boost in 2016 from the two-child policy (with 17.86 million births), births have declined for seven straight years. In 2023 and 2024, the numbers were 9.02 million and 9.54 million respectively. Forecasts for 2025 suggest births could drop below 8.5 million, possibly staying under 8 million for years.


The effect is especially harsh on private education:


  • In 2024, private schools totaled 152,800—down from 167,200 in 2023.

  • That's a loss of nearly 15,000 schools in one year.

  • Student enrollment in private schools also dropped by over 3 million.

  • Private college enrollment declined, now making up just over 25% of all higher education institutions.


What This Means for Teachers—Especially Foreign Teachers


For teachers, this shift brings uncertainty. Fewer students mean fewer teaching positions, especially in kindergartens and private institutions—two areas where many foreign teachers work. Schools may freeze hiring, reduce hours, or close altogether. Competition for teaching jobs could increase, particularly in less-populated areas.


Some schools may shift focus to digital learning or raise entry requirements to attract fewer but more "competitive" students. For foreign teachers, this could mean needing to adapt quickly—upskill, relocate, or adjust expectations.


What about you? As a foreign teacher, have you noticed fewer students or changes in your school recently? Are you feeling the impact of these demographic shifts?


Source: 深圳大件事





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