Plan to cut English from Grade 10 exam triggers pushback in Ho Chi Minh City

Under a draft regulation currently open for public comment by the Ministry of Education and Training, public high school entrance exams will be reduced from three to two subjects—math and literature.

Under current rules, the exam includes literature, math, and a third subject selected annually by local education departments. The new proposal completely eliminates this third requirement.

“For more than 10 consecutive years, the city has held the Grade 10 entrance exam with three subjects: math, literature and English,” H.M.A., a ninth grader in Cau Ong Lanh Ward, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper.

“So from the time I entered Grade 6, I have worked hard on these three subjects.

“I especially focused on English because my teachers said it was the easiest subject to score well in the Grade 10 entrance exam."

The student said they was “shocked” by the Ministry of Education and Training’s draft plan, hoping that education officials would reconsider it.

“If the easiest subject is removed and only math and literature remain, we will face much more pressure,” A. said.

Another student, N.V.D.T. from Tan Binh Ward, said that math and literature are notoriously difficult to score above 8 points in Ho Chi Minh City.

“Competition will be tougher, and the pressure heavier,” T. said.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre, several teachers said removing English from the entrance exam could discourage students from studying the language.

“Our education system has always been exam-driven. If English is removed from such an important exam, students will neglect it, leading to weak foundations in high school,” said Mai Phuong, an English teacher in Thu Duc Ward.

A high school principal in the city added that English is essential for global integration.

“Dropping English risks lowering teaching quality at the middle-school level. High school teachers will struggle with students who lack basic English skills,” the school leader explained.

Most middle schools in Ho Chi Minh City have urged the Ministry of Education and Training to keep three subjects in the exam.

Some suggested a flexible approach: math and literature as compulsory nationwide, with major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hai Phong, and Can Tho adding English to reflect local development needs.