Jiangsu schools delay start times to improve student well-being

In a move reflecting increased attention to student well-being, several cities in Jiangsu province have implemented policies allowing students to arrive at school later in the morning.

This initiative, which has sparked widespread discussion, sees schools in Nanjing, Suzhou, Wuxi, and Nantong adjusting start times from around 7 am to approximately 8 am.

In Nanjing, schools have canceled mandatory early reading sessions to align with the Ministry of Education's guidelines that middle school classes should not start before 8 am.

The adjustment is flexible to accommodate dual-income families and those who start work early. Schools will maintain an option for students to arrive earlier, with teachers on duty to supervise.

Suzhou and Wuxi have similarly introduced staggered start times.

Nantong schools also began delaying start times on Monday, with some ending evening study sessions by 8:30 pm.