Education still a priority for parents

Traditionally, Chinese parents have always zealously provided good education for their children, and the belief that "knowledge changes fate" is deeply rooted in the public psyche.

However, a vicious cycle operates in the world of education whereby students who don't attend good primary schools are unlikely to gain entry to a good high school, even if their performances are excellent, and the chances of going to a top university will be greatly reduced.

Most families in China still believe that a good university education is pivotal to securing a good job. Under the new policy, families without connections in the education authorities will also have the opportunity to give their children a good education.