DSE Enrollment Crisis: Financial Troubles Shake Shenzhen Zhiyin International School
A Wake-Up Call for Parents Seeking a Brighter Future
During this past Lunar New Year, shocking news spread online: a Shenzhen-based school offering the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) curriculum is facing severe financial troubles. The school, once seen as a top choice for international education, is now struggling to pay its teachers and may not even be able to continue classes. Many parents who had chosen the DSE pathway to escape the intense competition of China’s Gaokao exam now find themselves in an uncertain situation.
The Rise and Fall of Shenzhen Zhiyin International School
Shenzhen Zhiyin International School was founded by an experienced team in international education. As part of Hongyi High School, it opened in 2024, offering a range of programs, including DSE courses, arts-focused tracks, and preparation classes for students from grades 9 to 12.
With a massive 250 million RMB investment and a 50,000-square-meter campus, the school initially looked promising. Its team claimed over a decade of DSE teaching experience, and reports suggested that one-third of its graduates were admitted to top Hong Kong universities. In December 2024, it became an authorized testing center for Hong Kong’s DSE mock exams.
However, internal mismanagement and financial struggles soon emerged. By late 2024, there were reports that teachers had not been paid for months. Despite promises to settle salaries by January 15, 2025, and later February 9, no payments were made. The school’s partner high school, frustrated by unpaid fees, blocked DSE teachers from using its campus. As a result, classes were disrupted, students had to leave early, and those preparing for exams were left in limbo.
What Is the DSE and Why Do Mainland Parents Choose It?
The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) is Hong Kong’s standardized high school graduation exam. It serves as the equivalent of mainland China’s Gaokao, with students using their DSE scores to apply for universities in Hong Kong, mainland China, and abroad.
Unlike the Gaokao, which has millions of participants annually, the DSE has about 50,000 candidates each year. Its international recognition is growing, with over 130 universities in mainland China and 300 institutions worldwide accepting DSE scores. This makes it an attractive alternative for students aiming for global education opportunities.
However, the increasing popularity of the DSE has brought new challenges. By late 2024, over 9,400 self-study candidates had registered for the 2025 exam, an 87% increase in mainland applicants. Rising registration fees and schedule changes have also added pressure, making the pathway more competitive.
A Growing Trend of International School Closures
The collapse of Shenzhen Zhiyin International School is part of a larger trend. Many international schools in cities like Beijing, Shenzhen, and Chengdu have shut down due to declining enrollment, financial struggles, and stricter government regulations.
For example, Beijing’s Fangshan Nord An Da International School, once known for its high fees and premium facilities, also closed unexpectedly. Many of these institutions relied on heavy marketing and large initial investments but failed to sustain long-term operations under increasing scrutiny and financial strain.
What Parents Should Consider Before Choosing a School
With uncertainty growing in both DSE education and international schools, parents must be extra careful when selecting a school. Here are key factors to consider:
Check School Credentials: Verify accreditation and official registration through government websites or educational authorities.
Assess Teaching Quality: Talk to current students and parents, attend open days, and check past academic results.
Plan for the Long-Term: Consider if the DSE aligns with your child’s strengths and career goals, or if alternatives like the Gaokao or other international exams might be better.
Stay Updated on Policy Changes: Keep track of adjustments in exam fees, schedules, and other regulations to avoid unexpected difficulties.
The DSE remains a valuable pathway for many families, but recent events show the risks of relying on flashy school promotions. A careful, informed approach is essential to ensuring a stable and successful education for students.
Stay informed, plan wisely, and let’s navigate the challenges of modern education together.
