Education

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority has moved swiftly to reassure families after major international exam boards отменed in-person examinations across the UAE, impacting thousands of students preparing for IGCSE, A Level, and IB assessments.

The sudden decision, affecting boards including International Baccalaureate, Cambridge International Education, Pearson Edexcel, and OxfordAQA, has shifted the focus from traditional exams to alternative assessment methods.

KHDA Urges Calm, Parent Support

In an official message, KHDA acknowledged the stress and uncertainty faced by students and parents, urging families to prioritise emotional reassurance.

Drawing parallels with the disruption caused by COVID-19, the authority indicated that similar contingency frameworks are likely to be implemented.

Parents have been advised to stay in regular contact with schools, which are expected to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information during the evolving situation.

Exams Cancelled, Alternatives Introduced

All major boards confirmed that written exams for the May/June 2026 series will not take place in the UAE, citing safety considerations.

• Cambridge International Education will adopt a portfolio of evidence model for IGCSE, O Level, AS & A Level students.
• Pearson Edexcel has cancelled exams, with alternative grading methods under finalisation.
• OxfordAQA will rely on prior results and school-submitted evidence where needed.
• International Baccalaureate will use its Non-Exam Contingency Measure (NECM), previously applied during the pandemic.

The move mirrors earlier decisions by Indian boards such as Central Board of Secondary Education and Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, which also отменed board exams.

Schools Focus On Stability And Fairness

School leaders across the UAE emphasised a balanced approach, maintaining academic standards while supporting student wellbeing.

At Jebel Ali School, preparations have continued as normal alongside robust contingency planning, ensuring students are ready regardless of the final assessment format.

Meanwhile, Woodlem British School has embraced the portfolio-based model, focusing on continuous assessment and daily communication with families to ease concerns, particularly around university admissions.

At Repton Dubai, leadership stressed that this is a “change in method, not standards,” with grades based on coursework, teacher assessments, and moderated evidence aligned with global benchmarks.

A Shift From Exams To Evidence

Educators across institutions agree that the transition to evidence-based assessment is not merely a temporary fix, but a structured approach to ensure fair and accurate grading.

Schools are compiling comprehensive student portfolios, including coursework, past assessments, and performance data, to reflect each student’s abilities.

Student Wellbeing Remains Key

Beyond academics, schools are prioritising mental health and emotional support, recognising the toll of uncertainty on students who have spent months preparing for high-stakes exams.

With clear communication, structured assessment alternatives, and continued academic guidance, UAE educators aim to ensure that no student is disadvantaged despite the disruption.

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