Hanoi public high school entrance exam: Schools with low previous year's cutoff scores attract many applicants

On April 13, 2026, after three days of registering preferences for the entrance and admission to grade 10 for the 2026-2027 academic year, Hanoi's online admissions system recorded nearly 57,000 students participating, representing 38.9% of the total number of middle school students in the 2025-2026 academic year.

According to the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, registration from April 10 to April 12 proceeded smoothly overall. The system operated stably and transparently, and students and parents did not encounter significant difficulties in using it.

Schools with lower last-year cutoff scores attract more applicants

Based on consolidated data from the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, the 20 high schools with the highest registration numbers are mainly located in suburban areas, farther from the city center. Many of these schools also had low cutoff scores in the previous year.

Among them, the six schools with the lowest cutoff scores (10 points) are all in the group with the largest number of applicants, including: Bac Lương Sơn High School, Lưu Hoàng High School, Đại Cường High School, Ứng Hoà B High School, Thọ Xuân High School, and Minh Quang High School.

Some other schools also recorded relatively low cutoffs, such as Phúc Lợi High School and Nguyễn Văn Trỗi High School, along with Chuong Mỹ B High School and Lý Tử Tấn High School, with cutoff scores ranging from 13.5 to 14.5 points.

New schools expand intake from the start

The list also includes four schools that previously enrolled late intake: Minh Quang, Phúc Lợi, Đỗ Mười, and Phúc Thịnh High Schools.

Notably, Đỗ Mười and Phúc Thịnh are two new schools that began operations last year with 450 slots each. This year, both schools joined admissions from the start and significantly expanded their intake.

Guidance for students and parents during preference registration

The Hanoi Department of Education and Training recommends that schools continue strengthening support and guidance for students and parents throughout the registration process.

For students, the Department notes that registration accounts and passwords must be kept secure in accordance with regulations, and personal information should not be disclosed to avoid affecting the registration process. The registration period was extended to April 17, 2026, so students should not rush in the final days to reduce risk.

Choosing preferences should be based on fit

An important note emphasized by the Hanoi Department of Education and Training is that students should choose preferences based on fit. In practice, many high schools in Hanoi offer good educational quality, dedicated teaching staff, and a positive learning environment.

When students study in an environment that matches their abilities, they can maximize their potential, reduce stress, and have conditions for holistic development.

The Department also reiterates: “The best school is the school that fits a student’s abilities and family circumstances.” Choosing a school near residence can help with health, reduce commuting time, and increase time for self-study and rest—factors that support improved learning outcomes.