Overview
- Leading UK boards confirmed this week that IGCSE and A-level papers will not run in the UAE and in parts of the region, with Pearson and Cambridge canceling summer sessions and moving students to alternative grading routes.
- Cambridge will use a portfolio route that requires several substantial pieces of work per subject for external marking, while Pearson says it will award grades using evidence gathered across the course.
- The International Baccalaureate will award May results through its Non‑Exam Contingency Measure, which uses externally assessed coursework and teacher evidence under IB moderation.
- CBSE told Gulf schools to compile theory marks from the best of internal exams such as quarterly, half‑yearly, and pre‑boards, to carry forward practical marks unchanged, and to upload final marks next week with evidence kept for possible audits, with supplementary exams planned for July.
- Students report relief and anxiety as portfolios and past tests take on greater weight, and schools say they are working with universities and UCAS to ensure recognition, with some institutions such as NYU Abu Dhabi already confirming they will accept results from these routes.