As classrooms across the UAE reopen after weeks of disruption, clarity is emerging on a key issue: major international examinations will not return this academic year.
For thousands of students following IB and UK curricula, the shift away from formal exams remains in place, even as in person learning resumes. Schools are instead focusing on alternative assessment pathways including coursework, internal assessments and predicted grades to ensure fair outcomes.
While the return to classrooms has restored routine, uncertainty around grading and academic futures continues to weigh on many students.
Students Seek Clarity
At Brighton College Dubai, Year 13 student Ibrahim Tanvir said he feels reassured by the support provided by his school.
“I am not worried about exams getting cancelled because the school has been supporting us a lot, frankly. It can be challenging but hopefully we know what we need to do to get the grades we deserve.”
He added that clearer communication has helped reduce anxiety.
“There is a bit of uncertainty around exams but with all the information that the schools have given us, we feel a lot more confident.”
However, not all students share the same confidence. UAE national Alia Bin Thaneya, a Year 11 student, described ongoing concerns.
“Exams getting cancelled worried me a bit because now I might be doing them in school, and I just want to know what’s happening,” she said.
She added that returning to classrooms has helped her regain focus.
“Now that schools are back, I want to stay on track. I feel it will help stabilise our education after the cancellations, and being back in face-to-face classes is motivating too.”
At the same time, she noted that being back in classrooms is helping her regain focus and motivation.
“Now that classrooms have returned, I want to stay on track. I feel it will help stabilise our education after the cancellations, and being back in face-to-face classes is motivating too.”
IB Non Exam Route Fully Underway
School leaders say the decision not to reinstate exams is rooted in fairness and student wellbeing.
At Jumeira Baccalaureate School, Principal Richard Drew explained that the IB’s non exam route is now fully implemented.
“Following the IB’s decision not to hold IB Diploma examinations this year, the NECM policy has been implemented to ensure students receive fair and reliable grades. All students’ Internal Assessments will be submitted to the IB for external moderation, and these marks, together with school predicted grades, will determine results to be released in July.”
He emphasised that reinstating exams would be detrimental.
“Now that schools have resumed, the obvious questions relate to the G12 exams and if they will be reinstated. The exams will not be reinstated as this would be unfair to students in terms of wellbeing and preparation.”
Schools Shift Focus to Coursework and Assessment
Across UK curriculum schools, a similar approach continues, with no indication that exams will return.
At Woodlem British School, Principal Natalia Svetenok said schools are following guidance from exam boards while preparing students through alternative assessment methods.
“We continue to closely monitor guidance from exam boards; however, there has been no official indication that the previously cancelled UK curriculum summer examinations will be reinstated.”
She outlined how schools are supporting students through structured preparation.
“Our priority remains ensuring that every student is fully prepared and confident. We are supporting our upper secondary students through structured portfolio development aligned with IGCSE expectations, regular mock examinations, targeted revision sessions, and additional lessons.”
At Nord Anglia International School Dubai, the focus has also shifted to evidence based assessment across a range of qualifications.
Principal Kenny Duncan highlighted the complexity of the process.
“NAS Dubai has a broad and varied examination curriculum, with students studying for UK and international qualifications that include GCSE and IGCSEs, A-levels, vocational BTECs, and the IB Diploma Programme.”
He acknowledged the challenges faced by students and families.
“This has not been an easy journey, with many delays understandably causing anxiety and concern for students and their families. Thankfully, this has now passed, and we are well on our way to concluding this process for all exam classes.”
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