Cambridge cancels June 2026 exams in UAE for IGCSE, O Level, AS & A Level and IPQ students
All Cambridge International Schools to opt for portfolio of evidence route
Dubai: Cambridge International Education has announced that schools in the UAE will not sit traditional exams in the June 2026 series, replacing them with a portfolio of evidence route for all candidates.
The decision, made in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Education, affects students taking Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level, Cambridge International AS & A Level, and the Cambridge IPQ, according to a circular received by schools and seen by Gulf News on Thursday.
It means that rather than sitting papers at their schools, candidates will instead submit portfolios of their work to be marked and graded by Cambridge.
The Cambridge curriculum (CAIE – Cambridge Assessment International Education) is one of the most widely offered international systems in the UAE, especially within British schools. It is estimated that over 120 schools across the UAE offer Cambridge programmes.
Why the change
In the circular sent by Marion Tucker, Director, Customer Support, Cambridge confirmed the shift is aimed at ensuring the "safety and progression of candidates."
The organisation confirmed that there will be no return to traditional exams for UAE schools within the June 2026 series.
"We will not move back to running exams in your country in the June 2026 series," Cambridge stated in its communication to school leaders.
What schools must do
Schools are now required to prepare and submit portfolios of evidence on behalf of their candidates. Cambridge has confirmed that all guidance and information on the portfolio of evidence process is available on its public website.
The body has also pledged to update schools at least once each week, with the next communication expected to cover exam administration next steps, Cambridge Checkpoint, its withdrawal policy, and details on a free exams officer webinar focused on collecting and submitting portfolios.
Support on offer
Cambridge has sought to reassure schools and students that the certification pathway remains intact. "Your candidates can receive certification for their work and progress with their education," the circular noted.
Schools and exams officers with questions are encouraged to contact Cambridge directly at info@cambridgeinternational.org.
