In a significant development, the UAE has announced the cancellation of summer exams for IGCSE and A Level students, eliminating the traditional assessment cycle planned for May/June 2026. This decision follows official communication from several recognized international examination boards, including OxfordAQA, Cambridge International, and Pearson Edexcel. The focus is clearly on student safety and adapting to the evolving educational landscape.
Official Communication from Schools
Schools implementing the British curriculum in the UAE have notified parents and students about the cancellation of the upcoming summer exams. In official letters addressed to families, school administrations confirmed that IGCSE and A Level exams would not be held physically in schools during the current summer cycle. The decision was made in coordination with relevant educational authorities and international certification bodies, prioritizing the safety of students and educational staff.
Impact on Students
The cancellation of summer exams notably affects students in grades eleven, twelve, and thirteen, along with several others enrolled in additional international subjects within the British curriculum. Schools have emphasized that educational boards are currently working on alternative assessment methods and criteria for final results. Instead of traditional exams, schools will rely on comprehensive assessment files for each student, which will include results from mock exams, quizzes, coursework, and project work, in addition to performance throughout the academic year.
Importance of Remote Learning
School administrations have stressed the importance of continuous attendance in online classes and the completion of assignments and tests as crucial elements in building the final evaluation profile. Full commitment to remote learning during this transition period is vital to ensure students maintain their academic standing and are adequately prepared for future assessments.
Looking Ahead
As schools await further guidelines from international educational boards, there remains a sense of anticipation among parents and students regarding the evaluation process and how grades will be determined. This uncertainty is particularly poignant with university admission deadlines approaching, creating a collective watchfulness for specifics related to grade calculations and acceptance criteria from institutions both locally and internationally.
In preparation for this shift, school administrations have scheduled mock exams for IGCSE and A Level students throughout April, utilizing electronic devices such as Chromebooks and digital pens. By conducting these assessments, schools aim to protect the rights of students and provide reliable grading that corresponds with the final evaluations from educational boards. The first set of mock exams for eleventh-grade IGCSE students is set for Wednesday, April 8, allowing a consolidated assessment across all studied subjects and ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of students’ academic readiness.