Sihanoukville Province Sees Decline in Top High School Exam Scores, Governor Urges Educational Enhancement

The results of the 2025-2026 academic year high school graduation examinations (Bak Doep) have been announced in Sihanoukville Province, located in southwestern Cambodia. On September 2nd, at the results announcement ceremony held at the provincial hall, Governor Mang Sineth and other officials were present as Ms. Uch Sophia, Director of the Provincial Department of Education, Youth, and Sports, provided a detailed report. A total of 2,401 candidates, including 1,267 females, applied for the examination. The science classes were held in two centers, and the social science classes in three centers, totaling five centers and utilizing 99 classrooms. According to the examination results, 26 students, including 24 females, achieved the highest grade, 'A'. This marks a significant decrease from the 56 students who received an 'A' in the previous academic year (2024-2025). Other grades included 'B' for 148 students (82 females), 'C' for 414 students (252 females), 'D' for 741 students (416 females), and 'E' for 736 students (379 females). Governor Mang Sineth commented on the decline in top 'A' grades, stating, "Although the number of 'A' grades has decreased compared to the 2025 academic year, which is different from what we desired and expected, the number of students achieving 'B', 'C', and 'D' grades has increased compared to 2025." Furthermore, the Governor instructed the Department of Education, Youth, and Sports to further strengthen efforts to improve the quality of education in Sihanoukville Province. Specifically, he urged them to enhance the overall educational system to enable more students to achieve the top 'A' grade in the upcoming academic year (2026-2027). Sihanoukville Province is one of Cambodia's leading development regions, with significant economic growth and infrastructure development in recent years. The improvement of educational standards is considered an essential factor for the region's sustainable development.