Abstract
The Chinese school education system is rigorous, highly competitive, and thoroughly centralised. The central focus of the Chinese education system is on academic achievement and examination results. The ultimate goal is to obtain high scores on the National College Entrance Examination, or “gaokao.” The Ministry of Education sets national standards and guidelines for all schools. Schools are divided into key and non-key schools. The key schools receive more resources and funding due to their higher academic standards and selective admission policies. The ‘Confucianism' legacy reflected through the curriculum advocates efforts over ability, serving family and society, and becoming good citizens. Though the Chinese education system has done well, the system faces criticism for being too focused on rote learning and memorisation. There have been efforts to reform the system in recent years, including introducing more student-centred teaching methods and reducing the emphasis on exam scores.