A leading UK education board has confirmed the cancellation of international GCSE and A-Level exams in the UAE, amid continuing disruption to education caused by the Iran war.
Pearson, a board that sets international GCSE exams in more than 80 countries, including the Gulf, said the decision had been made following consultation with authorities over the "current situation".
The cancellation of crucial summer exams will affect schools in the Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Lebanon.
This follows earlier decisions to cancel International Baccalaureate and CBSE examinations, owing to the sustained Iranian attacks on the country.
"This reflects guidance and decisions taken in consultation with local authorities and other international awarding bodies in response to the current situation, with the safety of students and staff placed first," wrote Emma Whale, vice president of international schools at Pearson, which is in charge of Edexcel curriculums.
"We have long-standing, tried-and-tested contingency processes to support schools through any exam disruption. Our priority will always be to support student progression through their courses, and ultimately to the grade that reflects their performance."
Oxford AQA has cancelled IGCSE English as a Second Language, along with other subjects assessed by the British exam board.
The National reached out to Oxford AQA for comment.
What happens next?
Alternative arrangements for students are being finalised and schools are waiting for updates.
Ms Whale added: "We’ll stay in regular contact over the coming months to make sure you are supported at every stage."
For IB students, results will be based on cumulative assessments. The International Baccalaureate said it “remains in close contact with partners across the region as the situation evolves” and as the “conflict continues to disrupt schooling across parts of the Middle East”.
The IB organisation said the “non-exam” route to assess grades was taken in exceptional circumstances when authorities decided that examinations could not be conducted because of conflict.
“We understand the uncertainty and pressure many students and families are facing,” said Olli-Pekka Heinonen, director general of the International Baccalaureate in a statement. “These are complex circumstances that require difficult decisions. The examination route remains our preferred approach but our focus is to ensure every student can continue their education and progress with confidence.”
Student performance to be measured
Simon Jodrell, principal at Dubai's Jebel Ali School, a Taaleem Group school, said they are continuing to approach this period with "a calm, measured focus on both student well-being and academic integrity".
"Across lessons, students are engaging in high-quality exam preparation, including regular retrieval practice to strengthen earlier learning, targeted past paper work, and clear modelling of exam responses so that expectations are fully understood.
"Teachers are using detailed assessment analysis to identify and address areas of challenge, directing lesson time and intervention support where it will have the greatest impact."
The school is also gathering an evidence base of student performance so that awarded outcomes will accurately reflect their ability and efforts.
"Throughout the current situation, we remain committed to supporting our students and parents with as much clarity as possible, consistency and care, so that they feel confident and well prepared regardless of the final assessment pathway decided by the exam boards."
