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, leaving many students and educators in a state of uncertainty.
OxfordAQA has also followed suit, cancelling its IGCSE and International A Level exams in the UAE for the upcoming summer. Cambridge International has joined the wave of cancellations, opting for an assessment based on a portfolio of evidence instead of traditional exams.
The cancellations stem from ongoing disruptions in the region, primarily due to geopolitical tensions that have cast a shadow over the exam season at numerous international schools in the Gulf. A Pearson spokesperson emphasized, “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.”
In light of these cancellations, schools in the UAE are preparing for alternatives should the disruptions continue. OxfordAQA stated, “After consulting closely with the Ministry of Education, schools, and other international exam boards, we have made the decision to cancel OxfordAQA exams in your country.” This collaborative approach reflects the seriousness of the situation and the need for a unified response.
Cambridge International has announced that schools will follow a portfolio of evidence route for June 2026, which will apply to various qualifications including Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level. Schools will not conduct exams; instead, they are required to submit students’ portfolios for marking and grading.
Furthermore, the International Baccalaureate final exams have also been cancelled in the UAE for May and June 2026. This broad cancellation includes IGCSE English as a Second Language and other subjects assessed by OxfordAQA.
As schools navigate this unprecedented situation, educators are focused on ensuring that students continue to receive the support they need. Natalia Svetenok, Principal of Woodlem British School, remarked, “Our priority is calm, clarity, and continuity.” Meanwhile, Giles Pruett, Executive Principal of Arcadia British School, noted, “If exams in the UAE are disrupted, we would move to a robust evidence-based evaluation model.”
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how students will be assessed in place of written exams, but the education community is working diligently to adapt to these changes and provide clarity for students and parents alike.
