More than 200 students from the New Generation School (NGS) programme at two state educational institutions have won over 800 medals in international competitions during the 2023-2024 academic year.

During the period, 238 students from NGS at Preah Sisowath and Preah Yukunthor High Schools competed in various international competitions, securing a total of 825 medals. These included 384 gold, 245 silver and 196 bronze medals, according to a press release from NGS on Monday, September 9.

"Besides classroom learning, the students engage in extensive research, excelling and competing on both national and international platforms," the statement read.

For the 2022-2023 high school diploma exams, NGS students achieved a high pass rate of 97 per cent. Among them, 20 per cent earned an A grade, 36 per cent received a B, 16 per cent a C, 15 per cent a D, 10 per cent an E and 3 per cent an F.

Additionally, 35 students received scholarships to study abroad through agreements between NGS and international institutions in China, Japan, Switzerland, Australia and Thailand.

“The NGS programmes at Preah Sisowath and Preah Yukunthor High Schools are currently undergoing further development through national and international partnerships aimed at enhancing the quality of education,” the statement said.

The two NGS schools also addressed rumours regarding admission for the 2024-2025 academic year, including claims that students would need to study with certain schools or teachers to prepare for entry exams or that admission could be guaranteed through payments.

The NGS office firmly denied the allegations, stating, "If any students, parents, guardians or members of the public receive credible information regarding these rumours, please report it to the school administration immediately to prevent fraudsters from exploiting the situation for personal gain."

The school emphasised that NGS admission is strictly based on established policies and procedures: registering for the entrance exam, completing the exam and enrolling after passing it.

The NGS programme resulted from reforms in the education sector. Launched in 2016, it was the first to fully implement the new science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum in state schools. The programme has attracted outstanding students and encouraged those less interested in science to engage and excel.

According to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, during the 2023-2024 academic year, the two NGS had over 2,000 students.

Currently, there are a total of 11 NGS, including four primary and seven high schools, located in Phnom Penh and Kampong Cham, Kampong Speu, Svay Rieng and Kandal provinces.