The Reality of Hokkaido Public High School Entrance Exams 2026 and New Trends in the Education Business

On March 3rd, public high schools across Hokkaido simultaneously announced their exam results. On this day, as the cold weather finally began to ease, the notice boards in front of each school were filled with a mix of cheers and disappointment from examinees. It was the moment their long exam war ended. However, for someone like me, who has observed the education industry for over 30 years, this day is merely a milestone. More importantly, it's a time to look for hints about future educational trends emerging from here, and how families and businesses should engage with them.

English "Got Harder" and the "Polarisation" of Preferred Schools

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 of school choice." The first thing that caught my attention was the results of the academic achievement tests. In particular, while the average score for English rose significantly compared to the previous year, mathematics clearly became more difficult. This aligns with internal 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 changed, and at the most challenging schools like Sapporo Minami and Kita, it's highly likely that maths scores determined acceptance more than ever before.

Furthermore, the trend in application ratios is noteworthy. Despite the declining birthrate, popularity remained undiminished for traditional schools and those with attached junior high schools, with some seeing application ratios exceed the previous year's. Conversely, public schools in the mid-tier and below saw noticeable numbers of vacancies, clearly illustrating a division into "winning schools" and "the rest." This polarisation is likely to accelerate. The image parents' generation had of "being able to get into some public school" is now a thing of the past.

The "Real Challenge" Begins After the Results Announcement

After the results are announced, many families breathe a sigh of relief. But I'd like them to pause and consider this: the exams are over, but a child's learning continues. In fact, how they grow during their upcoming high school years will significantly influence their university entrance exams and life beyond. That's precisely why I strongly encourage parents and children to conduct a "Hokkaido public high school entrance exam review" together at this time.

• Score analysis by subject: Just because you passed, are you neglecting your weaker areas?
• Reflecting on study methods: Was your cram school or home study style truly optimal?
• Re-confirming high school information: Have you re-examined the curriculum and university placement records of the school you'll be attending?

This very "reflection" becomes 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 Lines of the Education Business

Now, let's talk from the perspective of my main field: business. This year's exam results will bring about major shifts in the education industry. First, the fluctuation in English difficulty will be a tailwind for cram schools focusing on the four skills of English. On the other hand, the increasing trend in descriptive questions will likely boost demand for individual tutoring schools and marking services. In fact, prominent cram schools in Sapporo have already started announcing their "New Exam Preparation Courses." They are prominently featuring themes like "how to use the Hokkaido public high school entrance exam," promoting strategies for utilising past papers and improving internal assessment grades.

Furthermore, IT-based learning services deserve attention. Tablet-based learning materials and online tutors are becoming powerful tools for students in regional areas. Examinees in Eastern or Northern Hokkaido can now receive real-time lessons from top instructors in Sapporo. This was unthinkable just ten years ago. From an investor's standpoint, "educational services that bridge regional disparities" like these hold significant potential.

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

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

Also, if aiming for top-tier schools, applied maths skills are essential. Instead of just memorising formulas, students should systematically develop strategies for questions that test critical thinking, starting from the first year of junior high school. This is a common trait I've observed over many years among successful applicants.

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 the "attitude towards sustainable learning." The more difficult maths, the easier English – both are not just testing superficial knowledge but the ability to think on the spot. In our rapidly changing modern world, the high school entrance exam is merely a rite of passage. What's important is how one continues to learn beyond it. As someone involved in the education business, I sincerely hope this exam serves not just as a selection 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 the true meaning of "utilising the exam."