Cambodia’s Primary Schools Show Strong Improvements in Learning Outcomes But Inequality Persists

PHNOM PENH, 22 December 2025 – Cambodia’s Grade 5 students made significant gains in reading and mathematics between 2019 and 2024, according to results from the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) released today by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. SEA-PLM, a regional assessment led by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) and UNICEF, measures learning outcomes in reading, mathematics, and global citizenship—key 21st-century skills.

In Cambodia, the assessment was implemented by the Ministry’s Technical Team with support from UNICEF, SEAMEO, and the UK Foreign, Development and Cooperation Office (FCDO) through the ASEAN‑UK Supporting the Advancement of Girls’ Education (SAGE) programme.

The proportion of students reaching high proficiency in reading jumped from 27 per cent to 39 per cent. In mathematics, the gains were even sharper: 62 per cent of students now achieve high proficiency, up from 39 per cent in 2019. Students scoring at the lowest levels dropped from 47 per cent to 37 per cent in reading and from 36 per cent to 20 per cent in mathematics.

“These findings confirm Cambodia’s commitment to improving education quality and equity,” said His Excellency Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport. “Over the past decade, we have significantly increased investment in school infrastructure, teacher training, textbooks, and modern teaching methods. But challenges remain, especially learning gaps between rural and urban areas. We remain fully committed to working with SEAMEO, UNICEF and all our partners to ensure these results translate into concrete actions for every child, especially those in disadvantaged areas."

The assessment tested 6,574 Grade 5 students from 195 schools across 25 provinces. Average scores rose from 290 to 296 points in reading and from 289 to 301 points in mathematics. The results reflect five years of education reforms and learning recovery efforts after COVID-19 disrupted schooling nationwide. Girls continue to outperform boys in reading, though the gender gap has narrowed. Urban-rural gaps also decreased.

However, students from the poorest families still score 16 points lower in reading and 20 points lower in mathematics than their wealthier peers.

“SEA‑PLM 2024 shows Cambodia’s strong progress in foundational learning. More Grade 5 students are performing at higher levels, while the share at the lowest levels has dropped sharply. These gains reflect UNICEF’s strong partnership with MoEYS through the Early Grade Learning Programme, delivering integrated teacher training for Grades 1-3, introducing tailored strategies for struggling learners, and building a nationwide teacher mentoring network,” said Dr. Will Parks, UNICEF Representative in Cambodia. “Yet, equity gaps persist. Students from the poorest households still score lower in reading and mathematics. UNICEF will continue working with MoEYS and partners to close these gaps so every child can succeed.”

Nearly three-quarters of students reported feeling worried about environmental challenges such as climate change, water shortages, and loss of natural resources. This reflects growing awareness of global citizenship among young Cambodians.

SEA-PLM provides comparable, evidence-based data across Southeast Asia to guide education policy. Cambodia participated in both assessment cycles (2019-2024). The results will inform implementation of the Education Strategic Plan 2024-2028, focusing on early grade learning, teacher training, digital platforms, and 21st century skills.

Access the national report here: https://moeys.gov.kh/kh/sea-plm/document-1107