Director of Hanoi Department of Education: 'The capital city does not lack schools'

When questioned about parents lining up from midnight to submit applications for their children's 10th grade enrollment, Mr. Tran The Cuong asserted that the city does not lack schools.

During the Hanoi City People's Council's questioning session on the afternoon of July 5th, Mr. Tran The Cuong received many questions related to the planning of the school network in the capital city, which has led to parents having to queue to submit applications from early morning in recent days.

In response to the question, Mr. Cuong said he had read about it in the press and affirmed that Hanoi does not lack places to study.

"It's probably because some schools are reputable, so parents trust them. That's why they line up from early morning hoping their children will get a place," Mr. Cuong said, adding that he would rectify this situation.

Mr. Tran The Cuong, Director of the Department of Education and Training, at the Hanoi City People's Council meeting on the morning of July 5th. Photo: Hoang Phong — Mr. Tran The Cuong, Director of the Department of Education and Training, at the Hanoi City People's Council meeting on the morning of July 5th. Photo: *Hoang Phong*

First, next year, all schools in the city will conduct online enrollment, reducing the burden on parents. In addition, the Department of Education and Training has discussed with the Department of Planning and Architecture, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and the districts and counties a plan to reclaim stalled projects to free up land for the construction of public schools.

Mr. Cuong said the city currently has 2,845 schools in 30 districts, counties, and towns, of which 79% are public schools. The number of schools will gradually increase each year.

"Each year, 30-35 new schools will be built, providing enough space for children to study in the current period," Mr. Cuong said, affirming that Hanoi's leaders are very determined to direct the construction of more schools to meet the needs of students.

This year, the Hanoi public high school entrance exam took place from June 10-12 with over 104,000 students, but public schools could only accommodate about 72,000. According to the Department's statistics, more than 100 private schools in the area enrolled 27,000 students (see list). In addition, the city has many continuing education and vocational training centers.

Parents submit applications at Ta Quang Buu Secondary and High School on the morning of July 5th. Photo: Thao Ngan — Parents submit applications at Ta Quang Buu Secondary and High School on the morning of July 5th. Photo: *Thao Ngan*

For the past two days, at Phan Huy Chu High School in Dong Da, Hoang Cau, and Ta Quang Buu districts, hundreds of parents have been lining up since midnight to submit applications for their children to enter 10th grade. The cutoff score for Hoang Cau High School even increased from 37 to 38/50 points within a few hours this morning.

On the afternoon of July 5th, the Department of Education and Training issued an urgent document, requiring schools to strictly implement the enrollment process for 10th grade. Schools must coordinate with the authorities to ensure security, absolutely preventing students and parents from gathering outside the school gates; and assign staff to be on duty, even on Saturdays and Sundays, to promptly guide and resolve any issues for students and parents.

Furthermore, school principals facilitate the cancellation of enrollment and return of documents for students who wish to transfer to another school. Public schools are prohibited from collecting any fees, including selling application forms. Private schools must enroll students according to their announced quotas.

Vo Hai - Duong Tam

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