The number of test takers for private junior high schools, mainly in Tokyo and three prefectures, has slightly decreased, but the test take rate is at a record high.

The number of test takers for private junior high schools centered on Tokyo and three prefectures is estimated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Area Mock Test Center to be 52,400, which is the first drop in 10 years due to the declining birthrate, but the test take rate is at an all-time high. The has been updated.

According to the Metropolitan Area Mock Test Center, 52,400 people took entrance exams for private and national junior high schools this year, mainly in Tokyo and three prefectures, which was the second highest on record, although it was down 200 from last year, which was the highest ever. It has become more common.

This is the first time in 10 years since 2014 that there has been a decrease from the previous year, and the decline in the number of 6th grade elementary school students is thought to be the main reason.

While the birthrate continues to decline, the number of test takers has only slightly decreased, and the test take rate has risen for the 10th consecutive year to 18.12%, the highest ever.

Kazunari Kita, director of the Metropolitan Area Mock Test Center's Education Research Institute, said, ``The junior high school entrance exam boom continues,'' and noted that integrated junior high and high schools tend to respond more quickly to changes in university entrance exams, and that they are looking ahead to the future. Parents who feel anxious about society's uncertain future are considering sending their children to private junior high schools that emphasize global education and science and mathematics education.

Regarding the future outlook, the analysis states, ``Although the number of test takers will gradually decline due to the effects of the declining birthrate, the test take rate will continue to remain high due to expectations for the education provided by private junior high schools.''