The scores are in for the national grade 12 exam and they represent a significant improvement from last year’s disastrous results.

The Ministry of Education on Saturday said that 55.8 per cent, or 46,560 students, had received a passing grade, a requirement for those hoping to go on to a four-year university.

That result more than doubled the 25 per cent who passed last year’s exam, the first in which stringent anti-cheating measures were put in place.

Among those passing, the overwhelming majority (35,982) squeaked by with a grade of E, according to a statement released by the ministry.

Nationally, 108 students received an A. While a tiny percentage of the total, it marks a significant increase from last year, when just 11 managed to achieve that score.

The remaining grades saw 1,085 earn a B, 3,292 finish with a C, and 6,093 receive a D.

In 2013, the year before the government clamped down on rampant cheating, 87 per cent of test takers passed.

Today’s figures were released along with the individual test scores for students in Phnom Penh and Kandal province. Test scores for the remainder of the Kingdom’s provinces will be released tomorrow.