Two students commit suicide in China citing study pressure

Two high school students committed suicide Monday by jumping off a dormitory building in China.

Both boys were senior students at Linli No.1 Middle School in Hunan province, Xinhua reported.

According to officials, they jumped from the fifth floor of their dormitory building.

Both left notes saying they felt too much pressure and were distressed that their scores did not meet their own expectations nor those of their parents.

China's education system has often been criticised for its curriculum, focused on memorising textbooks and getting good test scores.

The college entrance exam, known as 'gaokao' is seen as the only way for millions to a promising career beyond vocational training.

Entrance into higher education institutions is heavily reliant on gaokao.

The education ministry started to reform the exam system this year by introducing a more comprehensive evaluation system and more choice for students.