Cambodia's focus on top grades harms student mental health, researchers say
Fewer students earned an A this year, and researchers say pressure to get top marks is hurting some students.
Monday 2 November · 20:18 · 1 min read
In 30 seconds
- In 2026, the national high school exam pass rate was 84 percent, and 2,022 students earned an A grade. [1]
- The number of top achievers fell from a record 3,003 students in 2025, when the pass rate was 84.56 percent. [1]
- Researchers, a psychiatrist and former students say an excessive focus on grades can harm mental health and discourage practical learning. [1]
What happened
Education researchers, a psychiatrist and former students say that a strong focus on high grades can hurt students' mental health. The 2026 national high school exam had an 84 percent pass rate, and 2,022 students earned an A, fewer than the record 3,003 in 2025. Former students described disappointment, stress and depression after results did not match family expectations.
Why it matters
For families and students, the report suggests that pressure for top grades may affect mental health and the choice of practical learning. The sources do not describe any official policy change.
Background
Many parents push children to get high marks, because good grades can help with scholarships, prestigious universities and studying abroad. Students who get a B or lower may feel disappointed or depressed, and students who get an A may also struggle to keep up that standard.
Key terms
- Pass rate
- The share of students who pass an exam, given as a percentage of all who sat it.
- Bac II
- The national high school exam in Cambodia, taken at the end of Grade 12.
Sources (1)
[1] Cambodianess Cambodia’s Grade A Obsession Comes at a Cost to Students’ Mental Health 2 Nov Read originalWas this explainer clear?
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