Hokkaido Public High School Entrance Exam 2026: The Truth and New Trends in the Education Business

On March 3rd, exam results were simultaneously announced at public high schools across Hokkaido. On this day, as the cold weather finally began to ease, the noticeboards in front of each school were filled with a mix of cheers and disappointment from students. It was the moment their long exam war ended. But for someone like me, who has watched the education industry for over 30 years, this day is just a stepping stone. What's more important is spotting the future education trends emerging from here, and finding clues on how families and businesses should respond.

English "Gets Tougher" and Preferred Schools "Polarise"

If I had to sum up this year's Hokkaido public high school entrance exam in a phrase, it would be "imbalance between subjects" and "polarisation of school choice." The first thing that caught my attention was the academic achievement test results. In particular, the average score for English rose significantly compared to the previous year, while maths clearly became more difficult. This aligns with the inside information I gathered from several cram schools and the direct feedback I heard from students on the ground. As a result, the score distribution among the top-tier students shifted, and it's highly likely that maths scores played a bigger role than ever in determining success or failure at the most competitive schools like Sapporo Minami and Sapporo Kita.

Furthermore, the movement of application ratios is worth noting. Despite the declining birthrate, interest in traditional schools and those with integrated junior high and high schools hasn't waned, with some seeing application ratios higher than last year. Conversely, public schools in the middle and lower tiers are noticeably failing to fill their quotas. This paints a clear picture of a divide between the "winning schools" and "the rest." This polarisation will likely accelerate. The image that parents might have had, that "you can get into any public school," is now a thing of the past.

The "Real Challenge" Begins After the Results Announcement

After the results are out, many families breathe a sigh of relief. But I think we should pause and consider this point. The exams are over, but a child's learning continues. In fact, how they grow during their upcoming high school years will influence their university entrance exams and life beyond. That's why I strongly recommend that parents and children do a "Hokkaido Public High School Entrance Exam review" together now.

• Score analysis for each subject: Are you leaving weak areas unaddressed just because you passed?
• Reflect on study methods: Was the cram school or home study style really the best fit?
• Re-check high school information: Have you looked into the curriculum and university placement records of the school you'll be attending?

This "reflection" is the best preparation for the next stage. From my experience, students who make significant progress after graduation almost invariably go through this process.

Will the "Hokkaido Public High School Entrance Exam guide" Change? The Front Line of the Education Business

Now, let's talk from the perspective of my main field: business. This year's exam results will cause major shifts in the education industry. Firstly, the change in English difficulty will be a tailwind for cram schools focusing on the four skills of English. On the other hand, the trend towards more descriptive questions will likely increase demand for individual tutoring and marking services. In fact, leading cram schools in Sapporo have already started advertising their "New Exam Prep Courses." Their theme is "how to use the Hokkaido public high school entrance exam," prominently featuring how to effectively use past papers and strategies for improving the internal assessment score.

Another key trend is the use of IT in learning services. Tablet-based materials and online tutoring are powerful tools for students in regional areas. A student in eastern or northern Hokkaido can now receive real-time lessons from top Sapporo instructors. This was unthinkable 10 years ago. From an investor's perspective, these "education services that bridge regional gaps" hold significant potential.

Here's How to Use the Data! Exam Strategies for Next Year and Beyond

So, how should families with students sitting exams next year and beyond use these results? My advice is simple. First, make sure you check the "average scores for academic achievement tests" and "application ratios by high school" released by the Hokkaido Board of Education. These aren't just numbers; they are the most important data for predicting next year's question trends and application patterns. For example, you need to determine whether this year's rise in average English scores is a one-off event, or the result of the new national curriculum guidelines. If it's the latter, students sitting exams next year will likely need a higher level of English proficiency.

Also, if you're aiming for a top-tier school, strong problem-solving skills in maths are essential. Rather than just memorising formulas, you need a planned approach to tackling questions that test critical thinking, starting from Year 7. This is a common trait among the many successful students I've interviewed over the years.

Ultimately, What is the Hokkaido Public High School Entrance Exam Really Asking?

Finally, I'd like to pose a fundamental question. What is the Hokkaido public high school entrance exam trying to measure? I believe it's a "sustainable approach to learning." The more difficult maths, the easier English – both are seeking not just rote knowledge, but the ability to think on the spot. In our rapidly changing world, the high school exam is just a rite of passage. What's important is how you continue to learn afterwards. As someone involved in the education business, I sincerely hope this exam serves not merely as a sorting tool, but as a catalyst to expand children's potential. Now, while the excitement of the results announcement is still fresh, is the perfect time to start thinking about how to truly "make use of the exam."