The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports has announced the results of this year’s grade 12 examinations. More than 70 per cent of candidates passed, with more than 1,000 of them achieving an A grade.

Ministry spokesman Ros Soveacha said 90,950 students passed, accounting for 72.33 per cent of the total number of candidates.

“1,049 students earned an A grade, while 7,232 students made Bs. 19,053 students earned a C, 31,166 made D grades, and 32,450 students got an E,” he added.

Om Yentieng, head of the Anti-Corruption Unit, said in an interview that the exam process went smoothly this year, which was commendable.

“I would like to commend and thank all the relevant ministries, institutions and officials for ensuring this year exam’s process went well,” he added.

A total of 128,134 candidates sat this year’s exams, which were held on December 5 and 6.

In last year’s examinations, the pass rate was just 65.65 per cent, although 1,753 students earned A grades.

Rong Chhun, advisor to the Cambodian Independent Teachers Association (CITA), said that if we looked at last year’s data, the overall passing rates were very similar.

“It is difficult to compare the examination with those of previous years. This year’s exam had more subjects and was therefore more difficult,” he added.

He also said that this meant that more subjects needed to be evaluated.

The former head of the CITA added that the results of the two-day exam showed the quality of education.

“This year’s exams were well organised and went smoothly, with no copying or cheating,” he said.

Prime Minister Hun Sen sent a congratulatory message to the parents, guardians and grandparents of the students across the Kingdom who passed the high school examination.

“I also offer my thanks to the nation’s teachers for their hard work in helping the students to obtain excellent results. I would also like to thank the exam committees and local authorities across the country for the close attention they paid to preparing the exams successfully.