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

On 3rd March, public high schools across Hokkaido simultaneously announced their entrance exam results. On this day, as the cold weather finally began to ease, a mix of cheers and disappointment filled the air in front of each school's notice board. It marked the end of a long examination war. However, for someone like me, who has observed the education industry for over 30 years, this day is merely a milestone. Rather, the crucial thing is to discern the future educational trends that emerge from this point and find hints on how families and businesses should navigate them.

English "Gets Tougher" and Preferred Schools "Polarise"

If I were to sum up this year's Hokkaido public high school entrance exams in one phrase, it would be "imbalance between subjects" and "polarisation in school choice." 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, maths was notably more difficult. This aligns with information I've gathered from multiple cram schools and the accounts I've heard directly from students on the ground. As a result, the score distribution among top-tier students has shifted, and at the most challenging schools like Sapporo Minami and Kita, it's highly likely that maths scores were more decisive than ever in determining success or failure.

Furthermore, the trend in application ratios is worth noting. Despite the declining birth rate, popularity for traditional schools and those with attached lower secondary schools remains undiminished, with some seeing application ratios higher than last year. Conversely, mid-ranking and lower-tier public schools are visibly struggling to fill their quotas, clearly illustrating a divide between the "winning schools" and "the rest." This polarisation is likely to accelerate. The image parents might have of "any public school will do" 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'd urge you to pause and think here. The exams are over, but your child's learning continues. In fact, how they grow during their high school years will significantly influence university entrance exams and their future life. That's precisely why I strongly recommend that parents and children conduct a "Hokkaido Public High School Entrance Exam review" together at this point.

• Analyse scores per subject: Just because they passed, are they neglecting areas of weakness?
• Reflect on study methods: Was their cram school or home study style truly optimal?
• Reconfirm high school information: Have they looked again into the curriculum and university placement records of the school they'll attend?

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

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

Now, let's talk from my primary professional perspective: business. This year's exam results will trigger major shifts in the education industry. Firstly, the fluctuation in English difficulty will favour cram schools focusing on the four key skills. On the other hand, the trend towards more descriptive questions will likely boost demand for individual tutoring and marking services. Indeed, prominent cram schools in Sapporo have already started advertising their "New Exam Preparation Courses." They are heavily promoting themes like "how to use the Hokkaido public high school entrance exams," focusing on effective use of past papers and strategies for improving the internal assessment score (naishin ten).

Also noteworthy are learning services leveraging IT. Tablet-based materials and online tutoring are becoming 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 unimaginable just ten years ago. From an investor's standpoint, such "education services bridging regional gaps" hold significant potential.

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

So, how should families with exams next year or later utilise these results? My advice is simple. First, be sure to check the "academic achievement test average scores" and "school-specific application ratios" published by the Hokkaido Board of Education. These aren't just numbers; they are critical data for gauging next year's question trends and application patterns. For instance, you need to determine whether this year's rise in the average English score is a one-off or an effect of the new Courses of Study. If it's the latter, then next year's examinees will likely need a higher level of English proficiency.

Furthermore, if aiming for top-tier schools, applied maths skills are essential. Instead of just memorising formulas, students should systematically develop strategies for tackling questions that test thinking ability, starting from the first year of lower secondary school (Year 7). This is a common trait I've observed over the years among many successful applicants.

Ultimately, What Are the Hokkaido Public High School Entrance Exams Asking?

Finally, I'd like to pose a fundamental question. What are the Hokkaido public high school entrance exams trying to measure? I believe it's a "sustainable attitude towards learning." The more challenging maths, the easier English – both require not just one-dimensional knowledge, but the ability to think on the spot. In our rapidly changing world, high school entrance exams are merely a rite of passage. What matters is how one continues to learn beyond them. As someone involved in the education business, I sincerely hope these exams become not just a selection tool, but an opportunity to broaden children's potential. Now, while the excitement of the results announcement is still fresh, is the time to start thinking about truly "making use of the exams."