The Wave of Exam Cancellations Hits UAE British Curriculum Schools
In early April 2026, major UK exam boards including OxfordAQA, Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), and Pearson Edexcel announced the cancellation of International GCSE (IGCSE), AS, and A-Level exams scheduled for the May/June 2026 series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This decision, prompted by ongoing regional tensions linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict, extends to other Gulf countries like Bahrain and Kuwait. The move prioritizes student and staff safety amid disruptions such as school closures and distance learning mandates enforced by UAE authorities like the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai.
OxfordAQA was among the first to confirm the cancellation of all its International GCSE and A-Level exams in the UAE, directing schools to compile portfolios of student work for grading. Similar measures were adopted by CAIE for IGCSE, O Levels, AS/A Levels, and International Project Qualification (IPQ), and Pearson for International GCSE and A Levels. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization also cancelled its May 2026 Diploma and Career-related Programme exams, opting for its Non-Exam Contingency Measure (NECM).
Scale of Impact: Thousands of UAE Students Affected
The British curriculum dominates UAE schooling, particularly in Dubai where it accounts for approximately 37% of student enrollment across over 75 schools. With Dubai alone hosting around 300,000 school students, tens of thousands follow the IGCSE and A-Level pathway, many aiming for higher education in UAE universities or abroad. Emirati nationals and expatriates from the UK, India, and Pakistan form a significant portion, making this disruption felt across diverse communities.
Year 11 (IGCSE) and Year 13 (A-Level) students face the most immediate challenges, as these qualifications are gateways to university admissions. UAE universities such as Zayed University, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Khalifa University, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), and American University of Sharjah (AUS) routinely accept A-Levels with minimum requirements like three A-Levels at grades BBB or equivalent.
Understanding Portfolio-Based Grading: A Step-by-Step Process
Portfolio grading replaces traditional exams with a structured evidence-based system. Schools collect three substantial pieces of evidence per subject, such as mock exams, coursework, internal assessments, and teacher observations. These are submitted to exam boards for external moderation and grading against standard criteria.
- Gather Evidence: Include recent mocks, projects, essays, and lab reports demonstrating knowledge and skills.
- School Moderation: Teachers rank students within the cohort and predict grades based on performance.
- Board Review: External examiners verify portfolios, applying statistical moderation for fairness.
- Certification: Students receive official certificates valid for university applications.
This mirrors COVID-19 adaptations, ensuring no academic year is lost. Deadlines like June 12 for OxfordAQA submissions allow time for preparation.
Responses from UAE Education Regulators: KHDA and ADEK Reassure Stakeholders
KHDA in Dubai issued guidance emphasizing continuity, urging schools to maintain rigorous teaching while building portfolios. "We have been here before... most protocols from COVID will apply," a KHDA spokesperson stated, addressing parental anxieties. Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) echoed this, approving contingency plans.
Schools like Jebel Ali School, Woodlem British School, and Repton Dubai committed to daily communication, emotional support, and evidence collection. Principals highlighted wellbeing: "Our priority is calm, clarity, and continuity," said Natalia Svetenok of Woodlem.
UAE Universities Affirm Flexible Admissions Policies
UAE higher education institutions have swiftly responded to mitigate admission disruptions. Universities assure that portfolio-generated grades will be accepted equivalently to exam-based results, drawing from COVID precedents where predicted grades were widely recognized. For instance, Khalifa University and UAEU have confirmed flexibility in entry requirements for British curriculum applicants.Khaleej Times reports that boards like IB directly liaise with universities for validation.
NYU Abu Dhabi, AUS, and University of Dubai emphasize holistic reviews, considering portfolios alongside personal statements and interviews. The UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) equivalency process for international qualifications remains intact, ensuring seamless transitions to local colleges.
Lessons from COVID-19: Proven Pathways to Higher Education
During the 2020-2021 pandemic, UAE students navigated similar non-exam assessments, with universities adapting without compromising standards. A-Levels graded via teacher assessments were accepted by top UAE institutions and global partners like UK Russell Group universities. Statistics showed comparable progression rates, with 85-90% of British curriculum students securing university places.
This experience builds confidence: portfolios, when robust, accurately reflect ability, aiding admissions to competitive programs in engineering, business, and medicine at UAEU and Khalifa University.
Challenges Ahead: Ensuring Fairness and Recognition
Potential issues include subjective grading risks and international university scrutiny. While UAE colleges like Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) pledge support, UK and US institutions may request additional evidence. Student reactions mix relief and fear: "A lost opportunity," one Year 13 student shared, worrying about competitive edges.
- Equity Concerns: Varying school resources could impact portfolio quality.
- Global Validity: Boards guarantee certification, but proactive communication is key.
- Mental Health: Uncertainty heightens stress; counseling recommended.
Building a Winning Portfolio: Actionable Advice for UAE Students
To strengthen applications to UAE universities, focus on quality evidence:
- Excel in mocks and internals (aim for top cohort ranks).
- Diversify: Include projects, debates, extracurriculars showcasing skills.
- Seek feedback: Regular teacher reviews refine work.
- Document holistically: Track progress timelines.
Schools offer workshops; parents can supplement with tutoring. This prepares not just for admissions but college success at institutions like American University in Dubai (AUD).
Photo by Motion Lady on Unsplash
International and Local Opportunities: Beyond UAE Borders
For students eyeing overseas study, boards confirm grade validity. UAE unis provide buffers via foundation programs. Explore scholarships at AcademicJobs scholarships page. Local options like Zayed University's bridging courses ensure access.
Gulf News coverage highlights schools' proactive stances.
Future Outlook: Resilient UAE Higher Education Sector
The 2026 admissions cycle will test adaptability, but UAE's world-class universities stand ready. With MoE oversight and board validations, progression rates should mirror pre-disruption levels. Long-term, this may accelerate digital assessment adoption in UAE colleges.
Stakeholders urge continued learning: "Keep working as if exams proceed," advises Repton Dubai's principal. Positive solutions position UAE higher ed as a beacon of resilience.