Nine-year compulsory education began in September 1986. At the same time, the state promulgated the Compulsory Education Law of People's Republic of China (PRC).
According to the Nine-year Compulsory Education Law, the schooling system of primary schools is six years and that of secondary schools is three years. Children of school age are protected by law.
Children of primary school age are at least 7 years old in rural areas and 6 years old in urban areas (in 2004, they were also changed to 6 years old in rural areas).
In the compulsory education stage, it is not allowed to repeat grades or drop out of school. The consolidation rate and enrollment rate of primary and secondary schools must both be 100%.
It is forbidden for enterprises, institutions or individuals to recruit 16 children under the age of six.