Ministry reform initiatives in the context of ESSP and EFA will be supported and strengthened through the development of appropriate legislation and regulation. The Cambodian constitution has provision for nine years of free education in public schools. The development of an over-arching and enabling Education Law will provide an unequivocal legislative and regulatory framework to implement these provisions for both delivery and quality assurance of education services at all levels.

The Education Law sets out standards in accordance with the Constitution and international instruments to which Cambodia is a state party, such as the Convention on the Rights the Child and Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women to reduce all types of disparities (geographical, social, gender, cultural). The Education Act will also serve as a guiding framework to support the education reforms by clarifying the mandate, role and responsibilities of the various MoEYS Departments.

In addition, it will enhance the government policy initiatives such as decentralisation of financial and academic authority, participation of all stakeholders including parents and local community in education management, and promotion of flexibility and accountability in the education system.