According to China Education Network, China promulgated the Compulsory Education Law of People's Republic of China (PRC) in April, 1986. Prior to this, some areas implemented the 5-4 system (five years in primary school and four years in middle school), while others implemented the 6-3 system (six years in primary school and three years in middle school).

Compulsory education is a compulsory education for all school-age children and adolescents and a public welfare undertaking that the state must guarantee.