Ceremonies for welcoming entrants were held at universities, colleges, junior and senior secondary schools and primary schools throughout the country.

They were full of ardent yearning for President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il, who had paid deep attention to developing the nation's education in their lifetime, and profound gratitude to respected Marshal Kim Jong Un, who is creditably carrying forward their noble intention.

Choe Kuk Rim, a senior school inspector of the Ministry of General Education, told KCNA:

"In accordance with the universal 12-year compulsory education system enforced from this new school year in the country, the six-year secondary schools are divided into junior and senior secondary schools and the five-year primary education system will begin in the next school year."

Pak Yong Hae, mother of Han Jin Hyok, an entrant to the Pyongyang Ryuldong Junior Secondary School, said:

"To mark the beginning of the new school year, respected Marshal Kim Jong Un provided a plenty of educational equipment and sports facilities to schools at all levels.

I will bring up my son to be an able talent contributable to the nation's development."

Jon Mi Ae, principal of the school, said:

"Teaching methods are applied on a fresh basis suitable to schools and classes.

I will devote myself to making the students completely acquire general basic knowledge during their junior secondary school days."