On March 18, 2025, the Chengdu Education Bureau released the latest policies for elementary and junior high school admissions, highlighting significant changes that have drawn widespread attention from parents. As thousands of families in Chengdu prepare for these transitions, more than 32,000 households stand to benefit from the new directives aimed at streamlining the enrollment process for children across the city.
The updated policy allows children of Chengdu户籍 and other eligible families, including children of migrant workers and those with valid residence permits, to register for private schools and streamline entry into public education. For parents interested in this process, it is crucial to understand the steps necessary to ensure their children can start school smoothly.
One of the primary inquiries from parents revolves around how to obtain their child's 'standard address,' a vital component for registration. To find this, parents can download the 'Tianfu Tongban' app, complete registration and identity verification. Following this, they can access their electronic household registration by inputting their personal password to retrieve the 'standard address' needed for school applications.
The enrollment process also makes provisions for twin or multiple children. Families with twins may apply for binding in the computer-based admission system, allowing siblings to be considered together during the admissions process. This acknowledgment addresses the common concern of parents who wish for their children to attend the same school.
For those navigating the primary school enrollment process, Chengdu residents must use the 'Enrollment Platform' under 'Elementary School Enrollment Service,' while migrant children must proceed through the 'Migrant Children School Service.' Specific protocols have also been established for graduating elementary school students seeking to enroll in junior high. Chengdu elementary school graduates must log into the 'Student Basic Information Verification' system to confirm their data and apply for their upcoming studies.
The Chengdu Education Bureau has emphasized that multiple child enrollment policies will remain a priority. If more than one child from a family is unable to attend the same school due to district limitations, parents are encouraged to submit applications for consideration for shared enrollment, a system that the bureau states has already facilitated entrance into the same school for 32,000 families.
Applications for multiple children wishing to attend the same school will be accepted from May 19, 2025, to May 23, 2025, through the Chengdu Compulsory Education Enrollment Service Platform. Results from these applications will be disclosed by May 29, 2025.
Furthermore, registration for municipal district schools' junior high programs will take place from June 16, 2025, to June 19, 2025. Admittance into these popular schools is competitive, and the computer-based admissions lottery for these institutions will occur on June 25, 2025. Parents should note that once their children are admitted to district schools, they will not be able to register for private school lotteries or other district public school admissions.
In another part of the south, Zhongshan's Education and Sports Bureau announced similar changes regarding the enrollment of children from migrant families. The policy guidance released on March 18, 2025, allows families whose户籍 are outside of Zhongshan to apply for积分 admission, provided their children meet the compulsory education criteria and have never attended elementary or junior high school.
To secure this opportunity, applicants must possess a valid 'Guangdong Residence Permit' or related official documents, and the online application period for积分 admission will be from March 21, 2025, to March 31, 2025. The process will require applicants to go through their respective town or street offices for initial review after submitting necessary documents.
The整合 process for admissions will include the aggregation of scores and a competitive ranking based on various factors, with results to be announced by May 15, 2025. Each household can only select one applying parent or guardian and may face strict rules against providing false information, as dishonesty could result in immediate disqualification.
The changes brought by both Chengdu and Zhongshan highlight a concerted effort to improve enrollment opportunities for children from various backgrounds. By facilitating straightforward access to education, local governments are addressing the challenges faced by families seeking to navigate a complex and often daunting educational system.
As these policies unfold, parents are encouraged to remain informed and prepared to take necessary actions within the established timelines. Being proactive in the registration process can mean the difference in securing a spot for their children in critical educational stages.
Moving forward, ongoing communication from educational authorities will be essential in ensuring that families understand the requirements and processes at play, thereby fostering a more inclusive and transparent educational landscape.
