A 59-year-old man in Shou County, Anhui, is preparing for his 30th Gaokao attempt, targeting 550 points. Last year he scored 454—13 points below the undergraduate threshold.

Social Context

China’s Gaokao has no age limit, reflecting the national emphasis on lifelong learning and educational equity. The ‘Silver Learner Initiative’—launched in 2022—provides free prep courses and exam fee waivers for candidates over 50, particularly in counties like Shou County with aging populations and limited higher education access.

Safety Tip

Older examinees should request extended-time accommodations and accessible seating during registration; utilize provincial adult education centers for structured study support.