On December 22, 2025, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and UNICEF issued a joint press release stating that Cambodian Grade 5 pupils had made notable progress in reading and mathematics when comparing results from 2019 and 2024. The assessment draws on the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) results, officially released that day by the ministry.
The results show that the proportion of pupils performing at higher levels in reading rose from 27% to 39%, while the corresponding proportion in mathematics increased from 39% to 62%. The share at lower levels fell from 47% to 37% in reading and from 36% to 20% in mathematics.
Average reading scores rose from 290 to 296, and mathematics scores from 289 to 301. These results reflect positive progress in education reform over the past five years and nationwide efforts to restore learning after disruption caused by COVID-19.
Girls outperformed boys in both reading and mathematics, although the gender gap narrowed. The urban–rural gap also decreased. However, pupils from poor households still scored around 16 points lower in reading and 20 points lower in mathematics than pupils from wealthier households.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Dr. Hang Chuon Naron said: “These findings demonstrate Cambodia’s commitment to improving educational quality and equity. Over the past decade, we have significantly increased investment in school infrastructure, teacher training, textbooks and modern teaching methods. Challenges nevertheless remain, particularly learning gaps between rural and urban areas. We remain fully committed to working with UNICEF, SEAMEO and all relevant partners to ensure these results translate into practical action for every child, especially those in disadvantaged areas.”
Dr. Will Parks, UNICEF Representative in Cambodia, said: “SEA-PLM 2024 shows Cambodia’s significant progress in foundational learning skills. More Grade 5 pupils are achieving at higher levels, while the proportion at the lowest levels has clearly declined. These gains reflect the strong partnership between UNICEF and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport through programmes to improve early primary learning, including training teachers in Grades 1 to 3, introducing appropriate strategies to support slower learners and establishing a nationwide teacher mentoring network. Equity gaps nevertheless remain, and UNICEF will continue working with the ministry and partners to narrow these gaps and ensure every Cambodian child can succeed.”
By: Pai Sokhim
