Shao also talked about another important task mentioned in the reform proposal - easing pressure on students, particular middle school students.

"There is an old Chinese saying that there are masters in all walks of life. But nowadays people only value college graduates. Parents struggle to get their children, often their only child, into university. And when it comes to job-hunting, graduates are unwilling to work in rural areas, poorer regions, factories, private companies and other "low level" jobs. This perpetuates the gap between developed and under-developed areas."

"We need to reform the examination system, develop a healthy attitude to people's aptitudes and abilities, and build respect for vocational education. But this is a task for society as a whole."

Shao said the government proposal to boost education spending to 4 percent of GDP by 2012 is not enough, pointing out that the world average is 4.9 percent and even under-developed countries manage 4.1 percent.

"Nongovernmental bodies should be encouraged to run schools and fund education. We need to provide a favorable legal and regulatory framework for them to work in as soon as possible," she said.