Zhangye upgrades education from access to quality

Students attend class at school in Zhangye. [Photo provided to gozhangye.com]

Zhangye has achieved remarkable progress in education during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25). Key indicators include a 99.71 percent enrollment rate for three-year preschool education, 96.41 percent for senior secondary education, and 66.59 percent for higher education.

Additionally, 62.5 percent of preschool teachers have received professional education, while 88.64 percent of compulsory education teachers hold bachelor's degrees or higher.

These results reflect the city's commitment to implementing the national education policy, deepening reforms, optimizing resource allocation, and improving overall education quality.

Moving into the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), Zhangye will focus on expanding resources, optimizing structures, and enhancing governance to further develop preschool, compulsory, senior secondary, and vocational education.

Efforts will include standardizing school operations, consolidating the "double reduction" policy outcomes, strengthening teaching research, and building a high-quality professional teaching workforce.

To ensure balanced development, Zhangye will promote group-based school management, enhance collaboration between urban and rural schools, and improve targeted support mechanisms.

The city aims to narrow the education gap between urban and rural areas, with all six counties and districts expected to pass the national assessment for quality and balanced compulsory education by the end of the 15th Five-Year Plan.

In senior secondary education, Zhangye will advance the standardization of schools and adjust enrollment ratios to give more students access to education. Vocational education will be optimized through specialized programs, teacher training, and industry-education integration.

The city also plans to enhance digital education infrastructure, build a smart education platform, and explore AI-integrated educational approaches to foster innovative talent.

From ensuring access to education to improving its quality, Zhangye continues to address public expectations for high-standard education. The city remains dedicated to building a stronger education system that satisfies the people and contributes to regional development.