Table 2 Description of 16 education trajectory clusters and characteristics of the 1976–1988 birth cohort.

1

Termination type of senior high school

10.3

0.65

Primary school → non-key junior high school → non-key senior high school

This group was enrolled in non-key junior and senior high schools and, did not pursue post-secondary education. Exceptionally, a small number concluded their formal education with vocational training.

2

Termination type of junior high school

29.0

1.03

Primary school → non-key junior high school

Members of this group experienced an interruption in their academic progression following mandatory schooling, with individuals typically engaging in vocational training or pursuing alternative non-academic educational pathways.

3

The basic type of non-key middle school

2.1

2.89

Primary school → non-key junior high school → non-key senior high school → other types of full-time undergraduate university

The majority of this group attended non-key junior and senior high schools, and more comprehensively completed their higher education, primarily at full-time undergraduate institutions of a non-elite variety, with only a small percentage advancing to postgraduate studies.

4

Type of general education elite

5.4

4.12

Primary school → county/prefecture city non-key senior high school → province/municipality/county/prefecture-level city non-key junior high school → provincial university

This cohort mainly attended non-key junior high schools, with a few in key schools in counties and cities. Similarly, in senior high, most were in non-key schools, with some in key ones. In higher education, most studied at provincial universities, with several pursuing postgraduate degrees.

5

Type of junior college

11.5

2.61

Primary school → non-key junior high school → county/prefecture-level city key/non-key senior high school → full-time junior college

This group primarily attended non-key junior high schools, subsequently matriculating to non-key senior high schools. A select few gained admittances to key senior high schools of counties and prefecture-level cities. In higher education, the majority enrolled in full-time junior colleges.

6

Type of technical schools/vocational high school

5.0

1.63

Primary school → non-key junior high school → technical school/vocational high school

This group pursued vocational high or technical schools after graduating from non-key junior high schools. After serval years of interruption, some enrolled in part-time junior colleges or vocational training.

7

Type of special technical secondary school

8.7

1.65

Primary school → non-key junior high school → special technical secondary school

After graduating from non-key junior high schools, this group proceeded to special technical secondary schools where their educational trajectories ended.

8

Type of super-educated elite

3.9

4.45

Primary school → province/municipality/prefecture/county key or non-key junior high school → key or non-key senior high school → university directly under the Education Commission or Central Ministry

This group accessed top-tier higher education, primarily at universities affiliated with the Education Commission or Central Ministries, including a sizeable number of postgraduates. Secondary education was more varied, with a dominance of key schools at the provincial and lower administrative levels, though non-key schools held a significant share.

9

Reversal type of provincial and municipal key high school

1.8

3.72

Primary school → provincial/municipality key junior high school → province/municipality key senior high schools/junior college

This group enrolled in key junior highs at the provincial or municipality level, though some ended their education early. Others advanced to key senior highs within the same regions. From there, a portion concluded their studies post-senior high, while a few pursued junior college degrees. Overall, this demographic represented a smaller fraction.

10

Type of local junior college and university

2.1

3.70

Primary school → prefecture/county key junior high school → prefecture/county key or non-key senior high school → full-time junior college

This group attended key county junior highs, progressed to mostly non-key senior highs, with a few in key senior highs, and then many transitioned to full-time junior colleges. Some pursued part-time bachelor’s degrees via junior college-to-undergraduate bridge programs.

11

Type of prefecture undergraduate college and university

2.1

2.15

Primary school → non-key junior high school → non-key senior high school → prefecture-level city college and university

Post non-key junior highs, this group primarily continued to non-key senior highs, with fewer attending key senior high schools, followed by a substantial number joining prefectural colleges or universities for undergraduate studies.

12

Type of part-time undergraduate university

2.6

7.12

Primary school → non-key junior high school → non-key senior high school → junior college/part-time undergraduate university

The majority of this group completed education at non-key junior and senior high schools, subsequently enrolling in part-time undergraduate programs. A minority engaged in vocational training or other non-academic educational paths following a period of interruption.

13

Type of part-time junior college

3.3

2.14

Primary school → non-key junior high school → special technical secondary school/non-key senior high school → part-time junior college

This group completed non-key junior highs and proceeded to special technical secondary schools or non-key senior highs, later pursuing part-time junior college education.

14

Interrupted type of vocational education

2.2

7.38

Primary school → non-key junior high school → special technical secondary school → junior college/part-time undergraduate university/vocational training

This group’s educational pathways were notably disjointed. Post non-key junior high, some transitioned directly or sporadically into special technical secondary schools. Following educational breaks, many ultimately pursued junior colleges, part-time undergrad programs, or vocational training.

15

Reversal type of local key high school

2.9

3.46

Primary school → prefecture/county key junior high school → technical school/vocational high school, special technical secondary school, prefecture/county key senior high school

This group, originating from key county junior highs, diverged thereafter. Some ended their academic pursuits, others joined technical or vocational institutions, and a minority progressed to key senior highs at the county/prefecture level. Subsequent interruptions were common, with some entering vocational or non-academic programs.

16

Termination type of primary school

7.1

0.02

Primary school

Most of this group ended their schooling at the primary level, not fulfilling the nine-year compulsory education requirement.