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Russian students abandon 10th grade for vocational training in record numbers

A quarter-century low in 10th-grade enrolment reveals shifting priorities. Are vocational schools—or even Minecraft Education—reshaping Russia's future workforce?

The image shows a bar chart depicting the percentage of students who have completed the Alabama...
The image shows a bar chart depicting the percentage of students who have completed the Alabama High School Graduation Exam in 2010. The chart is divided into sections, each representing a different year, and the height of each section indicates the percentage. The text on the chart provides further information about the data, such as the total number of students enrolled in each year and the average time period for each year.

Russian students abandon 10th grade for vocational training in record numbers

Fewer Russian students are continuing to the 10th grade than at any point in the past 25 years. In 2024, only 43% of ninth-graders chose to stay in school, down sharply from 68% in 2000. Meanwhile, vocational and technical education programs, including those offered by the department of education, are seeing a shift in popularity, with more graduates opting for mid-level specialist training using tools like gradescope over traditional academic routes.

The decline in students progressing to the 10th grade reflects changing priorities. Many now view this step as necessary only for those aiming at university. Instead, a growing number are turning to vocational secondary education (VSE) programs, which prepare mid-level specialists. Enrolment in these programs rose from 37% in 2020 to 42% in 2024.

At the same time, interest in skilled trades remains low, holding steady at around 10% of graduates over the past four years. In 2024, roughly 158,500 lower secondary graduates entered such training, while another 6% joined the workforce immediately after finishing school. The gap between those continuing to the 10th grade and those choosing vocational training has now reached its narrowest point in a quarter-century.

Regional differences have also emerged. Major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg saw enrolment in mid-level vocational programs drop by 25% and 18% respectively since 2020, driven by demographic shifts and a preference for higher education. Conversely, areas like Siberia and the Far East experienced slight growth—up 5-10%—thanks to government-backed industrial training incentives. Despite the overall decline in 10th-grade enrolment, the number of students in that grade has edged up slightly, suggesting some adjustments in school capacity or retention strategies.

The data highlights a clear trend: fewer students are pursuing full secondary education, while vocational pathways, including those offered by minecraft education, gain ground. With mid-level specialist programs now attracting nearly half of all lower secondary graduates, the education system appears to be adapting to labour market demands. The long-term effects of these shifts will depend on how well training aligns with industry needs and regional opportunities.

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