Vietnamese students have once again secured global recognition in international education, maintaining the top position in primary school mathematics for five consecutive years through the integrated English programme.
The achievement reflects the growing strength of bilingual education models, where Mathematics and Science are taught in English, enabling students to engage with both subject content and language simultaneously.
Over the past five years, Vietnam has consistently led global primary mathematics rankings, driven by a structured system that prioritises numeracy from an early stage.
This performance is reflected in the latest SEA-PLM results, where Grade five students scored 334.6 in mathematics, well above the regional average. Notably, 88% reached high proficiency, compared to just 36% across participating countries, underlining both excellence and consistency.
Standout Student Achievements on the Global Stage
Among this year’s top performers, Tran Viet Hoang, a former student of Tan Son Nhi Primary School and now studying at Tran Dai Nghia Secondary and High School, achieved the highest score in the world in primary mathematics.
Hoang credited his early exposure to the integrated English programme for building a strong academic foundation, particularly in approaching technical subjects in English. He described the result as a moment of pride and a reflection of consistent effort over several years.
At secondary level, strong outcomes continued. Nguyen Minh Khoi, a Year 11 student at Le Hong Phong Specialised High School, achieved high results in the Pearson Edexcel iGCSE examinations, securing a good grade across Mathematics, Science, and English.
Khoi noted that the programme had not only strengthened subject knowledge but also developed critical thinking, presentation skills, and teamwork, all of which he sees as essential for future study abroad plans.
Similarly, Nguyen Ngoc Phuong Khanh highlighted how technology-enabled learning environments supported her ability to access international materials and build confidence in studying in English, particularly as she prepares for higher education.
Strong National Performance Across International Benchmarks
Vietnam’s success is built on international assessments such as the Pearson Edexcel iPrimary, iLowerSecondary, and iGCSE programmes, This year, 11 students were honoured with the Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards, recognising them as among the top students worldwide.
In the latest assessments, several Vietnamese students achieved the highest scores worldwide in primary maths. Tran Viet Hoang, a 6th-grade student at Tran Dai Nghia Secondary and High School, topped the global rankings in elementary school mathematics under the integrated English program, a testament to personal dedication and the quality of schooling in Vietnam.
Educators highlight the impact of early exposure to international syllabuses, careful preparation for assessments, and a culture that nurtures mathematical reasoning and analytical thinking from a young age. Together, these factors have helped Vietnamese learners consistently stand out on the world stage.
Ho Chi Minh City Expands English Program to Boost Global Learning
Mr Nguyen Van Hieu, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, highlights the success of Project 5695, now in its 11th year. Teaching core subjects like Maths and Science in English, the program strengthens language skills and aligns students with international standards.
The city plans to expand the program to areas 2 and 3, narrowing educational gaps and preparing students for global opportunities, making English a second language across schools.
