Record GCSE results: UAE students outshine global benchmarks

Students across the UAE have once again raised the bar in the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations, with record-breaking results that place them well above international benchmarks. Thousands of pupils from leading British curriculum schools showcased exceptional academic achievement, with a significant rise in the proportion of top grades compared to previous years. From Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, schools reported unprecedented success stories.

Largest cohort in GEMS history

GEMS Education’s British curriculum schools celebrated another year of outstanding GCSE success, with more than 4,000 students from 23 schools across the UAE and Qatar sitting 28,227 examinations – the highest number in GEMS history. Significantly, students outshone the England national average at every major grade benchmark.

An impressive 7,347 entries were awarded top-level grades of 9-8 or A* this year, accounting for 26 per cent of all entries across the GEMS network. Meanwhile, 45 per cent achieved 9-7 (A*-A), 65 per cent attained 9-6 (A*-B), and 87 per cent secured 9-4 (A*-C), improving by 4, 5, and 4 percentage points respectively compared to the 2024 results.

At Jumeirah College, a GEMS-topping 44 per cent of the school’s 180-strong cohort’s entries were graded 9-8 (A*), with a near perfect 99 per cent scoring 9-4 (A*-C).

Similarly, at GEMS Wellington International School, 42 per cent of the school’s close to 2,000 entries achieved grades of 9-8 (A*), with 96 per cent securing 9-4 (A*-C).

Taaleem schools

At Dubai British School Emirates Hills, 47 per cent of students achieved grades 9-8, equivalent to A*. Top achievers included Lara Comparetti with 12 Grade 9s. At Dubai British School Jumeirah, out of 99 students, about 31 per cent secured grades 9-8. At Jebel Ali School, students achieved 40 per cent of grades at the very highest level of 9 and 8, with Aamishi Aggarwal (9 Grade 9s, 1 Grade 8) among the toppers.

Aldar Education schools

Out of 1,000 exam entries at Yasmina British Academy, 13 per cent of students received the highest possible grade 9, while 27 per cent achieved grades 8–9, and 43 per cent secured grades 7–9. Meanwhile, at Bateen World Academy, 31 per cent of students attained grades 8–9.

Of the 68 exam entries at Mamoura British Academy, 15 per cent of students achieved grade A*/9, 25 per cent achieved A*/9–8, and 46 per cent attained A*–A/9–7. The overall pass rate at A*–C/9–4 rose to 76 per cent, up from 61 per cent in 2024.

Brighton colleges

More than half of all grades (54 per cent) students at Brighton College Abu Dhabi achieved grades 9-8, equivalent to A*. As many as 13 students secured a full set of grades 9-8. Toppers included Vivasvan Kaushik (10 Grade 9s) and Aryaa Sahoo (10 Grade 9s).

At Brighton College Dubai, this year’s cohort achieved the highest number of Grade 9s in the college’s history. One in four results were awarded the top Grade 9. Among the top achievers were Ibrahim Chatha (11 Grade 9s) and Rudayna Yassin (10 Grade 9s).

Brighton College Al Ain celebrated the highest ever percentage of Grade 9s in the college’s history, with almost 40 per cent of exam entries achieving the top grade. More than half of all results were awarded at Grades 9-8 and 65 per cent were at Grades 9-7, the equivalent of the former A*-A grades. Students who achieved outstanding grades included Saisha Sanaka (10 Grade 9s).

Repton schools

At Repton Abu Dhabi, 85 per cent of students were awarded A*-B (9-6), while 66 per cent achieved 9-7 (A*-A) grades and 48 per cent secured grade 9-8 (A*). Repton Al Barsha saw 73 per cent of students get A*-B (9-6), while 55 per cent were 9-7 (A*-A) grades and 38 per cent awarded grade 9-8 (A*). Meanwhile, at Repton Dubai, 71 per cent of students were awarded A*-B (9-6), 55 per cent received 9-7 (A*-A) grades and 37 per cent secured grade 9-8 (A*).

At Dubai College, 32 of the 148 students achieved straight 9s and 73 students secured straight 8s and 9s. Overall, the average grade for all students was 8.4.

About 92 per cent of students at Horizon International School attained grades 9-4/A*-C across all GCSEs,71 per cent achieving grades 9-6/A*-B, 46 per cent achieving grades 9-7/A*-A, and 32 per cent attaining the highest grades 9-8/A**-A*.