Cambodia Investment Review
ACE and Herrington International School have formalised a new partnership aimed at widening access to international-standard English education in Phnom Penh’s rapidly expanding southern residential districts, as demand for globally recognised skills continues to shape Cambodia’s private education market.
The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding on January 31, 2026, establishing a framework to deliver ACE’s English language programmes to students at Herrington International School in Borey Peng Huoth Boeng Snor. The initiative is intended to serve families in Boeng Snor and surrounding communities, where residential growth has accelerated alongside expectations for high-quality, internationally aligned schooling.
Responding to rising demand for English and global skills
English proficiency remains a critical requirement for Cambodian students pursuing overseas education, regional employment, and careers with multinational companies. As Cambodia deepens its integration into ASEAN and global markets, English has increasingly become a core competency rather than a supplementary skill.
Education providers have responded by strengthening curricula that combine language proficiency with 21st-century capabilities such as communication, critical thinking, and digital literacy. The ACE–Herrington partnership reflects this shift, positioning English education as a foundational element of broader academic and professional development.
Under the agreement, students at Herrington International School will gain access to structured English programmes designed to support both academic performance and long-term career readiness. The collaboration is expected to integrate English instruction more closely into the school environment, rather than treating it as a standalone or external activity.
Focus on human capital development
According to ACE, the partnership aligns with a broader emphasis on human capital development in Cambodia, where education quality is increasingly linked to economic competitiveness. Mr. Sreng Mao, Board Chairman and Director of IDP Education (Cambodia) and ACE, said the collaboration aims to create new learning opportunities while supporting sustainable skills development for future generations.
The focus on human capital has become more prominent as Cambodia seeks to move up the value chain, attract higher-quality foreign investment, and develop a workforce capable of operating in international environments. Language skills, particularly English, are widely viewed as a gateway to these opportunities.
Integrating language learning within schools
From Herrington International School’s perspective, the agreement supports its strategy to deliver a more integrated, future-focused education model. Mr. Kevin Hieng, Chairman of the Board, said the partnership combines language proficiency with digital and skills-based learning, helping students build confidence and prepare for international academic pathways.
Herrington International School, located in Borey Peng Huoth Boeng Snor, offers bilingual instruction alongside modern facilities, catering to families seeking international-standard education within Phnom Penh’s growing suburban areas. The school emphasises academic development alongside character building, creativity, and global awareness.
By partnering with a specialised English provider, the school aims to strengthen outcomes for students seeking to transition into international programmes, whether locally or abroad.
Programme offerings and institutional background
Through the partnership, ACE will provide its full portfolio of English programmes, including the Children’s Programme for students aged eight and above, the Young Learners’ Programme for those aged 11 and above, General English for learners aged 15 and above, and its Diploma Programme. The courses are designed to support academic progression while also strengthening practical communication and professional skills.
ACE operates as part of IDP Education, a global education services organisation with more than three decades of experience in English language teaching and international student placement. Over the past 34 years, ACE has supported more than one million students worldwide and has built a strong presence in Cambodia’s English education sector.
A broader trend in Cambodia’s private education market
The agreement highlights a wider trend within Cambodia’s private education sector, where schools are increasingly forming partnerships with specialised education providers to differentiate offerings and meet evolving parental expectations.
As competition intensifies and families become more selective, institutions are focusing on programmes that combine international standards, language proficiency, and future-ready skills. Collaborations such as the ACE–Herrington partnership reflect a growing emphasis on outcomes, global relevance, and long-term value, as Cambodia’s education market continues to mature.
