orthodox education in Cambodia was handled by the local wat, and the bonzes were the teachers. The students were almost entirely young boys, and the education was limited to memorizing Buddhist chants in Pali. During the time of the French protectorate, an educational system based on the French model was introduced alongside the orthodox system. Initially, the French neglected education in Cambodia. Only seven high school students graduated in 1931, and only 50,500 to 60,100 children were listed in primary school in 1936. In the year immediately following freedom, the number of students rapidly increased. Vickery suggests that education of any kind was considered an "absolute good" by all Cambodians and that this attitude eventually created a large group of unemployed or underemployed graduates by the late 1960s.

From the early twentieth century until 1975, the system of mass education operated on the French model. The educational system was separated into primary, secondary, higher, and specialized levels. Public education was under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, which practised full control over the entire system; it accomplished syllabi, hired and paid teachers, provided supplies, and inspected schools. An inspector of primary education, who had considerable authority, was assigned to each province. Cultural committees under the Ministry of Education were responsible for "envaluableing the Cambodian language."

An around 37 % of Cambodia’s adult population is literate. Public education is free and compulsory for the first 6 years. Primary school attendance increased rapidly in the 1990s, and by 1997 virtually all children were listed, as well as many older people who were unable to attend school in earlier years. Secondary education was more limited, with only 25 % of eligible children listed.