Two major UK examination boards have confirmed the cancellation of IGCSE and International A-Level exams scheduled for Summer 2026 across parts of the Middle East countries, as regional disruptions continue to impact the education sector.
OxfordAQA and Cambridge Assessment International Education are among the first to formally announce the suspension of exams in the UAE, while other UK boards — including Pearson Edexcel and AQA — have yet to confirm their plans for the current academic cycle.
The decision follows earlier cancellations affecting students under international systems such as International Baccalaureate (IB) and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), whose examinations had already been called off due to ongoing instability, the Khaleej Times reports.
In a communication to schools, OxfordAQA said the move came after “close consultation” with the Ministry of Education, academic institutions, and other international boards, ultimately concluding that exams could not proceed under current conditions.
Meanwhile, Cambridge International Education confirmed it would adopt an alternative assessment model in coordination with authorities.
Under the “portfolio of evidence” approach, students will be evaluated based on coursework and prior academic performance, allowing them to receive certification without sitting formal examinations.
The alternative pathway will apply across a wide range of qualifications, including Cambridge IGCSE, O Level, International AS & A Level, and the Cambridge International Project Qualification (IPQ).
The shift reflects a broader effort by education authorities to ensure academic continuity while maintaining fairness for students navigating an increasingly disrupted academic year.
