Two Decades of Basic Education in Rural China

31

about 34, partly as a result of the influx of migrants. Class sizes tend to be larger
in the central primary schools as there is excess demand for entrance. There is not
much variation in class size between grades 1 and 6.
As far as we could establish drop out in 1990 in Xiji and Dadushe primary
schools was minimal, though it appeared to be significant at secondary level in
Dadushe. In 2009 enrolments by grade suggested that there was very little attri-
tion. Thus enrolment in grade 1 in 2003 in Xiji was 258, in 2008 251 were

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4Grade 5Grade 6

Grade

Enrolmen

t

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

Fig. 2.1 Enrolment by grade Xiji

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Grade 1Grade 2 Grade 3Grade 4Grade 5Grade 6

Grade

Enrolmen

t

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

Fig. 2.2 Enrolments by grade Majuqiao—all children

in Bier and Sikai 4.3 The Evolution of Nine Year Compulsory Education in Zhaojue