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A primary school in Shanghai has attracted national attention after its student body shrank to just 22 this year, highlighting the dramatic impact China's plunging birth rate is having on the education system.
Sanqiao Primary School in the Pudong New Area now has more full-time staff than pupils – with 22 children and 23 teachers – despite being located in one of China's largest cities, according to enrolment data released on the local education authority's website.
The information was first published in April, but only began trending on Chinese social media platforms this week, sparking discussion on how the country's demographic decline is affecting schools.
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This case is not isolated. Official statistics show that primary school enrollment across China has fallen for seven consecutive years, dropping by 810,000 in 2022 alone. The trend mirrors the country's record-low birth rate, with only 9.02 million newborns in 2023—the lowest since the founding of the People's Republic.
The situation at Sanqiao reflects broader demographic and social shifts, including urbanization and changing family preferences. Even in major cities, many local schools—particularly those in suburban or less central districts—are experiencing sharp declines in enrollment. Similar cases have been reported nationwide: a primary school in Northeast China enrolled only three students last year, while multiple rural schools have been merged or shut down due to a lack of students.
Education experts warn that the system must adapt to these structural changes. It is projected that within the next decade, the number of primary schools in China may reduce by half, leading to potential teacher surpluses and institutional restructuring. Some local governments have begun experimenting with "small-class education" models, mixed-grade teaching, and other innovative approaches to maximize resources and maintain educational quality.
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Editor: Crystal H
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