14-Hour Schools: Inside China’s 6-1-1 Education System
China’s “14-hour schools” and 6-1-1 system show how intense student life can be, with long hours and heavy pressure. Many students face a very demanding routine
In recent years, many people have been talking about “14-hour schools” in China. These reports show the heavy study pressure that many Chinese students face today.
The name “14-hour schools” is not an official government program. It describes a common situation in many parts of China. In big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, many students study for 12 to 14 hours a day. This happens because of competition, culture, and pressure from the education system.
The 6-1-1 system is an informal way to describe this schedule, especially for students preparing for the Gaokao China’s national university entrance exam. It means:
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6 days of classes and self-study
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1 day for exams or tests
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1 day or half a day for rest
A student’s daily schedule often begins at 6:30 a.m. and ends around 9:30 p.m. After school, they finish homework or prepare for the next day. This adds up to around 13–14 hours of study every day.
The system is driven by Gaokao competition, discipline, and parents’ belief that more study time ensures a better future. But many say it causes stress, tiredness, and loss of creativity.
To address this, in 2021 the Chinese government introduced the Double Reduction Policy to reduce homework and private tutoring. However, these rules are not followed everywhere, and the 6-1-1 routine still continues in many schools.
The 14-hour school system shows both ambition and pressure a mix of success and struggle for Chinese students.
