Elementary

Overview

Information on key aspects of a country’s education system, including governance, instructional language, and other structural features defined by national or regional regulations.

Ministry Responsible

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)

Language of Instruction

Japanese

Duration

6 years (ages 6 to 12)

Grades 1 to 6 (compulsory)

Enrollment

Total Enrollment

Total enrollment in a specific level of education, regardless of age.

Source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics

Gross Enrollment Ratio

Total enrollment in a specific level of education, regardless of age, expressed as a percentage of the eligible official school-age population corresponding to the same level of education in a given school year.

Source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics

International Benchmarks

TIMSS 2023 Mathematics Grade 4

Japan

591

Global Rank

5 of 58

International Average

503

Source: Boston College, TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center

TIMSS 2023 Science Grade 4

Japan

555

Global Rank

6 of 58

International Average

494

Source: Boston College, TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center

PIRLS 2021 Reading Grade 4

Japan

N/A

Global Rank

N/A

PIRLS Scale Centerpoint

500

Source: Boston College, TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center

Elementary Mathematics: Percentage of Proficient Students

Proportion of students at the end of elementary education achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in mathematics.

Japan

N/A

Global Rank

N/A

High Income Countries Average

72.0% (2019)

Source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics

Elementary Reading: Percentage of Proficient Students

Proportion of students at the end of elementary education achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in reading.

Japan

N/A

Global Rank

N/A

High Income Countries Average

92.8% (2019)

Source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics