Hokkaido Public High School Entrance Exams 2026: Revealing the Truth & New Trends in the Education Business

On March 3rd, public high schools across Hokkaido simultaneously announced their admission results. On this day, as the cold weather finally began to ease, the notice boards in front of each school became a crossroads of joy and disappointment for students—the moment their long battle with exams came to an end. 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 chance to identify future educational trends and find clues on how families and businesses should navigate them.

English Gets Tougher, School Preferences Polarize

If I were to sum up this year's Hokkaido public high school entrance exams in one phrase, it would be "an imbalance between subjects" and "polarization in school choice." The first thing that caught my attention was the results of the academic achievement tests. While the average score for English saw a significant rise compared to the previous year, math clearly became 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 the most competitive schools like Sapporo Minami and Kita, math scores likely played a more decisive role than ever before.

Furthermore, the movement in application ratios is noteworthy. Despite the declining birthrate, popularity for traditional schools and those with attached junior high divisions remained strong, with some seeing application ratios exceed last year's figures. Conversely, mid-tier and lower-level public schools saw a noticeable number of vacancies, clearly highlighting a division between "winning schools" and the rest. This polarization is likely to accelerate. The image parents' generation had of "public schools where anyone can get in" is now a thing of the past.

The "Real Game" Starts After the Results Are Out

After the results are announced, many families breathe a sigh of relief. But I want them to pause and think for a moment. The exam is over, but the child's learning continues. In fact, how they grow during their high school years will significantly impact their university entrance exams and life beyond. That's 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: Just because they passed, are they neglecting their weak areas?
• Reflection on Study Methods: Was their cram school or home study style truly optimal?
• Re-evaluating High School Information: Have they looked into the curriculum and college placement records of the school they'll be attending?

This "reflection" is the best possible preparation for the next stage. In 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 shift to a business perspective, my main field. This year's exam results will cause major shifts in the education industry. First, the fluctuation in English difficulty will be a tailwind for cram schools focusing on the four English skills. Meanwhile, the trend toward more descriptive, open-ended questions will likely increase demand for individualized tutoring and grading/feedback services. In fact, prominent cram schools in Sapporo have already started advertising their "New Exam Prep Courses." They are prominently featuring themes like "how to use the Hokkaido public high school entrance exams," promoting strategies for utilizing past exams and improving students' internal recommendation scores.

Another key area to watch 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 lessons in real-time from a top instructor in Sapporo. This was unimaginable just a decade ago. From an investor's standpoint, "education services that bridge regional gaps" hold significant potential.

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

So, how should families preparing for exams next year and beyond utilize 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 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 a result of the new Course of Study guidelines. If it's the latter, next year's examinees will likely need even higher English proficiency.

Also, for students aiming for top-tier schools, strong problem-solving skills in math are essential. Instead of just memorizing formulas, they should systematically prepare for questions that test critical thinking, starting from the 7th grade. This is a common trait I've observed among many successful students I've covered 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 assessing the "capacity for sustainable learning." The more difficult math, the easier English—both require not just rote knowledge, but the ability to think critically on the spot. In our rapidly changing world, the high school entrance exam is just a rite of passage. What truly matters is how one continues to learn afterward. As someone involved in the education business, I sincerely hope this exam serves not merely as a selection tool, but as a catalyst to expand children's possibilities. Now, while the excitement of the announcement day is still fresh, is the perfect time to start thinking about the true meaning of "making the most of the exam experience."