Hokkaido Public High School Entrance Exam 2026: The Reality 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 echoed with the cheers of successful candidates mixed with the disappointment of others. It was the moment the long examination war ended. However, for someone like me who has watched the education industry for over 30 years, this day is merely a checkpoint. More importantly, it's a time to look for hints about future educational trends and how families and businesses should navigate them.

The "Tougher" English and the "Polarising" School Choices

If I were to sum up this year's Hokkaido public high school entrance exam in one phrase, it would be "imbalance between subjects" and "polarisation of school choices." 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 was clearly more difficult. This conclusion is consistent with internal information I gathered from multiple cram schools and direct feedback from students who took the exam. As a result, the score distribution among top-tier students shifted, and for prestigious schools like Sapporo Minami and Kita, the maths score likely played a more decisive role than ever before in determining admission.

Furthermore, the trend in application ratios is noteworthy. Despite the declining birthrate, popularity for traditional schools and those affiliated with integrated middle and high schools remains undiminished, with some seeing application ratios exceeding the previous year. Conversely, public schools in the middle tier or below are visibly struggling to fill their quotas, clearly marking a division between the "successful schools" and "the others." This polarisation is likely to accelerate. The image parents might have had, where "anyone could get into a public school," is now a thing of the past.

The "Real Contest" Begins After the Results

After the results are out, many families breathe a sigh of relief. But I want them to pause and think here. The entrance exam is 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. This is precisely why I strongly recommend that parents and children conduct a "Hokkaido public high school entrance exam review" together at this time.

• Score Analysis by Subject: Even though you passed, are you ignoring areas of weakness?
• Reflecting on Study Methods: Was your cram school or home study style truly optimal?
• Reconfirming High School Information: Have you thoroughly researched the curriculum and university placement records of the school you'll be attending?

This "reflection" is, in fact, 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 Cutting Edge of the Education Business

Now, let's talk from my primary professional perspective: the business angle. This year's exam results will bring significant shifts to the education industry. Firstly, the fluctuation in English difficulty will benefit cram schools focusing on the four skills of English. On the other hand, the increasing trend towards descriptive questions will likely boost demand for individual tutoring and correction services. In fact, prominent cram schools in Sapporo have already started announcing their "New Exam Prep Courses." Their theme is "how to use the Hokkaido public high school entrance exam," emphasising strategies for using past papers and improving internal assessment scores.

Furthermore, learning services leveraging IT are noteworthy. Tablet-based learning materials and online tutors become powerful tools for students in regional areas. A student in Eastern or Northern Hokkaido can now attend classes taught by top Sapporo instructors in real-time. This was unthinkable just ten years ago. From an investor's standpoint, such "educational services bridging regional gaps" hold immense potential.

How to Use the Data! Exam Strategies for the Coming Years

So, how should families with students taking the exam 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 are not just numbers; they are critical 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 was a one-off event or an effect of the new Course of Study guidelines. If it's the latter, students taking the exam next year will likely need even higher English proficiency.

Also, if aiming for top-tier schools, strong 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 7th grade. This is a common trait I've observed over many years among successful candidates I've covered.

Ultimately, What Does the Hokkaido Public High School Entrance Exam Seek?

Finally, I'd like to pose a fundamental question. What is the Hokkaido public high school entrance exam trying to measure? I believe it is the "attitude towards sustainable learning." The tougher maths, the easier English – both demand not just rote knowledge, but the ability to think on the spot. In today's rapidly changing 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 broaden children's possibilities. Now, while the excitement of the results announcement is still fresh, is the perfect time to start thinking about truly "making use of the entrance exam experience."