UAE Students Excel in Record-Breaking GCSE Results

Students across the UAE celebrated their GCSE results on Thursday, with this year’s group achieving remarkable success.

Emotions ran high with tears, hugs, and smiles, marking the end of years of hard work and determination, each grade telling a story of perseverance, family support, and victory.

At Khaleej Times, upon arriving at Gems Wellington International School, the excitement was palpable as students assembled on the second floor, eagerly waiting until 11 am to open the envelopes guiding their Year 12 and 13 subject choices.

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Maths: The Primary Challenge

Among the top achievers was Tanay Mohanty, who achieved an outstanding 10 grade nines.

He shared with KT, “I expected good results, but not this great. I’m overwhelmed with emotions right now. Last night, sleep eluded me, and this morning, as I entered the school, I felt excited because, regardless of the outcome, I was proud of my effort. My family has always supported me, and that support extended to my friends and teachers too.”

While excelling in every subject, Tanay admitted Maths was his toughest challenge. “Maths was never my strong suit. Initially, I received a grade III in my mocks this year. But I persisted, working steadily towards my goals, and in the end, my hard work paid off.”

His mother, Mona Viswarupa Monhanty, was equally emotional. She said, “I told my son before entering the gate that he has already earned a 10/10 from us (parents) for his effort. I didn’t focus on the results, and his father kept saying ‘I hope he’ll pass’. We’ve always encouraged him to do his best so there are no regrets.”

Recalling her first impression of the school, she added, “When he changed schools and came here, the first time… I saw the ‘wall of fame’ and secretly hoped Tanay’s picture would be there someday. But I never pressured him. Hopefully, it will be now.”

10 Hours of Daily Study

Another standout student, Chinese expat Lilou Hien, dedicated up to 10 hours daily to her studies.

She said, “Start early and don’t study past midnight. Good sleep is crucial. I received all nines and eights — six nines in total. I scored an eight in the three sciences and also in drama.”

She admitted the journey wasn’t easy. “I stayed up late revising. The best moments were after finishing exams, feeling confident… I knew I did well… Oh! I revised that and knew the answers. That’s something I’m proud of, especially with today’s results.”

Her mother credited years of discipline and resilience. “Since my baby’s birth, I valued her life immensely. As a child dancer, she developed concentration, resilience, and consistently worked towards her goals. In China, she won the national dance championship eight times. She’s strong-minded and self-motivated.”

Overcoming Self-Doubt

Ayla Yaieesh also triumphed over self-doubt to achieve excellent results. She said, “During the exam, I often felt lost. I was hard on myself. But the results exceeded my expectations. After the exams, I lowered my expectations. Now, I’m thrilled and beyond happy. My effort paid off with seven nines.”

Kavya Shah turned her situation around with determination. “I was failing in Year 10 and worked tirelessly to reach this point. I have brilliant friends who helped me immensely; good company is invaluable.”

Across the Gems network, 7,347 entries received top grades of 9-8 (A) this year, representing 26% of all entries. Meanwhile, 45% achieved 9-7 (A*-A), 65% attained 9-6 (A*-B), and 87% secured 9-4 (A*-C), showing notable improvements from 2024.

Brighton College and Repton Schools

At Brighton College Dubai, 25% of students received the top grade nine, making it the most common grade. Overall, 45% of exam entries were graded 9–8.

The school celebrated well-rounded achievers like Ibrahim Chatha, who achieved 11 grade nines while playing for the school football team, and Rudayna Yassin, who scored 10 grade nines alongside her volleyball and music commitments.

At Repton Al Barsha, 73% of students achieved A*–B (9–6) grades, while 55% attained 9–7 (A*–A). Repton Abu Dhabi also celebrated record achievements with 85% achieving A*–B and 48% securing top 9–8 grades, a significant rise from last year’s 38%.

At Repton Abu Dhabi, 85% of students achieved A*–B (9–6) with an overall pass rate of 98% at grades 9–4 (A*–C). 66% of entries achieved 9–7 (A*–A), and notably, 48% received top grades of 9–8 (A*), up from 38% in 2024.

Steven Lupton, Principal of Repton Abu Dhabi, expressed, “We are thrilled with this year’s results, highlighting our students’ ambition, resilience, and determination. The consistent progress each year is a powerful testament to their commitment and our community’s pursuit of excellence.”

Horizon International School

At Horizon International School, 92% of students achieved grades 9-4/A*-C in their GCSEs, 71% achieved 9-6/A*-B, 46% achieved 9-7/A*-A, and 32% achieved the highest grades 9-8/A**-A*.

Additionally, 98% of students attained grades 9-4/A*-C in English Language, English Literature, and Triple Science, while 95% attained grades 9-4/A*-C in Maths.