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Published on November 1, 2007

The additions will bring to 22 the number of branches throughout the Kingdom.

It also plans to offer more subjects next year.

Director Chairat Jessadarattikorn yesterday said the new university admissions system that took effect last year had proven to be a big opportunity for cram schools.

Cramming is the practice of studying intensively before an examination. The new university-admissions system requires students to submit their cumulative grade point average (GPAX) and grade point average (GPA) from grades 6-9 and scores for the Ordinary National Educational Test and Advanced National Educational Test.

The number of cram schools has increased to more than 1,000. Of these, 300 are registered with the Cram School Association, Chairat said. JIA has tripled in terms of number of students.

Prior to the new university admissions system, most students attending cram schools were from grade 9, because they faced only the central university entrance exams, he said. Now, students from grades 7 and 8 are also paying higher attention to cram schools. He estimates 600,000 students attend the three grades in normal schools nationwide. JIA has 35,000 students a year.

To take advantage of the increased demand, JIA has joined with several other specialised cram schools to offer the main subjects required for entering universities. Its new partners include the Neo Physics Centre; Enconcept, for English; and Chai Lapphermthawee (social studies).

Yesterday, it announced a new partnership with Kijmanoch Rajanasap - widely known among students as Khru Lilly - to teach Thai for Bt1,800 per course.

As a first step, JIA will launch Thai-language classes in 11 branches this month, gradually expanding to other branches. All Thai classes will be conducted by video, with occasional visits by Kijmanoch.

Chairat said the new subjects should add at least 10,000 students over the coming year.

The school also plans to add four specialised courses next year for students preparing to enter specific faculties, including basic medicine, engineering, architecture and biology.

He said Bangkok was the largest market for cram schools, followed by Songkhla's Hat Yai district.

Nitida Asawanipont The Nation