Public Schools: China

Use this information to help learn and compare schools in a different country and how poverty affects student learning.

Think about how it can be the same and different to your school and what you think may be easy or hard about going to a school in a different country.

Let's Learn

How Poverty Affects Education in China

China is one of the largest countries in the world, with millions of children who go to school every day.
But not all children in China have the same learning opportunities.
In poor areas - especially in the countryside and mountains - many families live in poverty, which means they don’t have enough money for basic needs like food, school materials, or transport.
Let’s explore how poverty can make education difficult for some children in China.

Families who can’t afford school costs

Public schools in China are mostly free, but families still have to pay for uniforms, books, and school lunches.
For poor families, these small costs can be too much.
Some parents also need their children to stay home and help with farm work or household chores, which means those children miss school or leave early.

Children who live far from school

In China’s countryside, schools can be many kilometres away from where children live.
Some students walk long distances or stay in boarding schools far from home.
For young children, being away from family or travelling long hours can be lonely and tiring, which makes learning harder.

The government has built new roads and school buses in some regions, but distance is still a big challenge.

Poor school facilities in rural areas

In big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, schools are often modern and well-equipped.
But in poorer rural areas, schools may have old buildings, no heating, or limited supplies.
Some schools don’t have science labs or computers, and classrooms might be overcrowded.
This makes it harder for students in rural China to learn the same way as children in cities.

Let's Have a Look

Not enough teachers

In some small towns and mountain villages, there are not enough teachers.
Many teachers prefer to work in cities where pay and living conditions are better.
As a result, rural schools may have only one teacher teaching many different subjects and year groups.
This means students get less individual help and fewer opportunities for special lessons, like music or art.

Hunger and tiredness

When families struggle to afford enough food, children may come to school hungry or undernourished.
It’s difficult to pay attention, read, or remember information when you haven’t eaten enough.
To help, the Chinese government started school meal programs in poorer regions, giving students free or low-cost lunches so they can learn with more energy and focus.

Lack of technology at home

In big cities, many children have computers, tablets, and internet access to help with homework.
But in poorer areas, families may not have Wi-Fi or devices.
This became a big problem during online learning periods — some children had to share one phone or even miss lessons entirely.
This creates a “digital gap” between rich and poor students.

Children left behind

In China, some parents move to big cities to find jobs, leaving their children in villages with grandparents.
These children are called “left-behind children.”
They often feel lonely and find it hard to keep up in school without daily help from parents.
Teachers try to give them extra care and support, but it can still be very hard for them.

Why education matters

Even with these challenges, education in China is seen as very important.
Many children study hard because they believe good grades can help them get better jobs and support their families one day.
The government and many organisations are working to build better schools and programs to make sure every child, rich or poor, has a chance to learn.

Think and compare

Now think about your own school life:

What makes it easier for you to learn?
What challenges do poor children in China face that you don’t?
How might your school day feel different from a child’s day in a rural Chinese school?