In a significant development, Pearson Edexcel has announced the cancellation of in-person GCSE exams across the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Lebanon for the May/June 2026 series. This decision affects all international GCSE, A-level, and iPLS qualifications, marking a major shift in the educational landscape.
OxfordAQA has also cancelled its IGCSE and International A Level exams in the UAE for Summer 2026. The cancellations come in response to ongoing disruptions in the region, attributed to geopolitical tensions that have raised concerns among educators and students alike.
Cambridge International has joined the wave of cancellations, stating that assessments will now be based on a portfolio of evidence rather than traditional exams. This approach will apply to Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level, Cambridge International AS & A Level, and Cambridge IPQ.
Schools in the UAE are now preparing for alternative assessment methods, with OxfordAQA confirming that the decision was made after extensive consultations with the Ministry of Education and other international exam boards. A spokesperson from Pearson noted, “Our exam series runs for the longest period, which means we are operating at scale to support learners and schools in this exceptionally difficult situation.”
As part of the new assessment strategy, schools will not conduct exams; instead, they are required to submit students’ portfolios for marking and grading. Natalia Svetenok, Principal of Woodlem British School, emphasized the need for “calm, clarity, and continuity” during this transition.
The International Baccalaureate final exams have also been cancelled in the UAE for May and June 2026, further complicating the academic landscape for students. This includes specific subjects such as IGCSE English as a Second Language, which are assessed by OxfordAQA.
Giles Pruett, Executive Principal of Arcadia British School, stated, “If exams in the UAE are disrupted, we would move to a robust evidence-based evaluation model.” This reflects a growing trend among educational institutions to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
Uncertainty has loomed over the exam season at numerous international schools in the Gulf due to these geopolitical tensions. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how students will be assessed in place of written exams, leaving many in the education sector awaiting further guidance.