China's Ministry of Education (MOE) has ordered a ban on an "unauthorized" evaluation of the nation's schools, fearing it could misguide students.

 

Eleven media organizations came up with a list of "the top 100 middle schools in China", and posted it on a website on Friday.

 

"The evaluation is neither permitted nor authorized by China's educational administrations," said MOE spokesman Wang Xuming at a press conference on Friday.

 

"Any national ranking of China's elementary and middle schools will undoubtedly have a deep impact on the country's education," Wang said.

 

Many parents believe a well-reputed school will make a big difference in their children's career.

 

Despite the ban, the webpage containing the list remains accessible as of Saturday. The webpage shows only a list of schools and provides no reasoning behind the ranking, nor does it provide details on what criterion was used to make the evaluation.

 

"Basic education, especially nine-year compulsory education, is a government act and it is inappropriate for unofficial organizations to conduct such an evaluation," Wang added.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 27, 2007)