GCSE exams have been officially cancelled across the UAE for the May/June 2026 series, affecting students in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Lebanon as well. Pearson Edexcel has announced that all international GCSE, A-level, and iPLS qualifications will not proceed as planned.
OxfordAQA has also cancelled its IGCSE and International A Level exams in the UAE for Summer 2026, while Cambridge International has opted for an assessment based on a portfolio of evidence instead of traditional exams.
The decision to cancel these exams comes amid ongoing disruptions in the region due to geopolitical tensions, which have created uncertainty for many international schools. Schools in the UAE are now preparing for alternative assessment methods should these disruptions continue.
According to an OxfordAQA spokesperson, “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 reflects a collaborative approach to ensure the best outcomes for students.
Cambridge International has stated that schools will follow a portfolio of evidence route for June 2026, which will apply to various qualifications including Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels. Instead of conducting exams, schools are required to submit students’ portfolios for marking and grading.
The International Baccalaureate final exams have also been cancelled in the UAE for May and June 2026, adding to the growing list of disrupted assessments. This includes IGCSE English as a Second Language and other subjects assessed by OxfordAQA.
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.” This highlights the challenges faced by educational institutions in adapting to the current climate.
As schools navigate these changes, educators are focused on maintaining stability. Natalia Svetenok, Principal of Woodlem British School, stated, “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, leaving many in the educational community awaiting further information.