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

On March 3rd, results for public high schools across Hokkaido were announced simultaneously. On this day, as the cold weather finally began to ease, the bulletin boards in front of each school were filled with a mix of cheers and tears from examinees. It marked the end of a long exam war. But for someone like me, who has watched the education industry for over 30 years, this day is just a milestone. What's more important is to look for the future education trends emerging from here, and hints on how families and businesses should navigate them.

English "Got Harder" and the "Polarization" of School Choices

If I had to sum up this year's Hokkaido public high school entrance exam in one phrase, it would be "imbalance between subjects" and "polarization of school choices." The first thing that caught my attention was the academic achievement test results. While the average score for English rose significantly compared to the previous year, math was clearly more difficult. This aligns with internal information I gathered from multiple cram schools and direct feedback from students on the ground. As a result, the score distribution among top-tier students shifted, and at highly competitive schools like Sapporo Minami and Kita, math scores likely played a more decisive role than ever before in acceptance.

Furthermore, the application ratios are worth noting. Despite the declining birthrate, popularity for traditional schools and affiliated junior-high-and-high schools remains strong, with some seeing application rates exceed last year's. Conversely, many mid-tier and lower-tier public schools are visibly failing to fill their quotas, clearly dividing institutions into "winners" and "others." This polarization will likely accelerate. The image parents' generations had of "any public school you can get into" is a thing of the past.

The "Real Challenge" Begins After the Results

After the results are out, many families breathe a sigh of relief. But I suggest pausing to think here. The exam is over, but the child's learning continues. In fact, how they grow during their high school years will influence university entrance exams and their path beyond. That's why I strongly recommend families do a "Hokkaido Public High School Entrance Exam review" together at this time.

• Score Analysis by Subject: Just because they passed, are they leaving weak areas unaddressed?
• Reflect on Study Methods: Was their cram school or home study style truly optimal?
• Re-evaluate High School Information: Have they looked into the curriculum and university placement records of the school they'll attend?

This "reflection" is the best preparation for the next stage. In my experience, students who grow significantly after graduation almost invariably go through this process.

Is the "Hokkaido Public High School Entrance Exam Guide" Changing? The Front Lines of the Education Business

Now, let's shift to my main field: the business perspective. This year's exam results will cause major shifts in the education industry. First, the fluctuation in English difficulty will benefit cram schools focusing on the four skills of English. Meanwhile, the trend toward more descriptive questions will likely increase demand for individualized tutoring and grading services. In fact, prominent cram schools in Sapporo have already started advertising their "New Exam Prep Courses." Their themes revolve around "how to use the Hokkaido Public High School Entrance Exam," promoting strategies for using past exams and improving internal report card grades.

Another key area is tech-enabled 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 take real-time lessons from top instructors in Sapporo. This was unimaginable just ten years ago. From an investor's standpoint, these "education services bridging regional gaps" hold significant potential.

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

So, how should families with future examinees use these results? My advice is simple. First, be sure to check the "average scores for academic tests" and "school-specific application ratios" released by the Hokkaido Board of Education. These aren't just numbers; they are critical data for predicting next year's question trends and application patterns. For example, you need to determine if this year's rise in English averages was a one-time event or a result of the new curriculum guidelines. If it's the latter, next year's students will likely need even higher English proficiency.

Also, if aiming for top-tier schools, strong applied math skills are essential. Instead of just memorizing formulas, students need a planned approach to tackling questions that test critical thinking, starting from grade 7. This is a common trait among the many successful applicants 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 attitude toward learning." The harder math, the easier English—both point not to superficial knowledge, but to the ability to think on the spot. In our rapidly changing world, the high school exam is just a rite of passage. What matters is how one continues to learn beyond it. As someone involved in the education business, I sincerely hope this exam becomes not just a selection tool, but a catalyst for expanding children's potential. Now, while the excitement of the results announcement is still fresh, is the perfect time to start thinking about truly "leveraging the exam experience."