Breaking: IGCSE and A-Level Exams Cancelled in the Middle East – The iBOS Guide to What’s Next
Official Announcement: Affected Countries and Exam Boards
Major examination boards have announced May/June 2026 cancellations and contingency arrangements for parts of the Middle East. Parents should confirm their child’s board, country, and entry status immediately.
Countries Impacted by Cancellations
Pearson has officially cancelled the May/June 2026 examination series in the following territories due to regional instability:
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Kuwait
Current reports indicate that other boards have issued separate arrangements in additional territories. Students affected by the Pearson decision in these regions will not sit traditional pen-and-paper examinations for the upcoming session.
Exam Boards and Qualifications Involved
The following awarding bodies have confirmed the suspension of written examinations for International GCSE (IGCSE), International AS, and A-Level qualifications:
- Cambridge International Education: All IGCSE, O Level, AS & A Level, and International Project Qualification (IPQ) exams are cancelled in the UAE and affected territories.
- Pearson Edexcel: All International GCSE, International A Level, and International Primary and Lower Secondary (iPLS) qualifications are moved to alternative assessment.
- OxfordAQA: All International GCSE and International A Level examinations are suspended for the May/June 2026 window.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): The IB Diploma and Career-related Programmes have transitioned to contingency measures.
Understanding Alternative Assessment Methods
Exam boards are using alternative assessment routes where written papers cannot proceed. Parents should expect decisions based on existing performance evidence and board-specific procedures.
Cambridge International Education: Portfolio of Evidence
Cambridge will implement a 'Portfolio of Evidence' route. This system requires schools to submit a collection of student work that demonstrates attainment against the curriculum standards.
- The portfolio must contain evidence of student work completed during the course of study.
- Evidence can include mock examinations, coursework, and substantial classroom assignments.
- The work must be authenticated by the school to ensure it is the student's own.
- Cambridge examiners will mark or moderate the submitted portfolios to determine final grades.
Pearson Edexcel Arrangements
Pearson has confirmed that examinations in the UAE and Kuwait are cancelled due to regional instability. As an online British school, iBOS maintains direct communication with Pearson regarding implementation for affected students.
- Students may be considered for transfer to alternative centres where this is feasible.
- Students may defer entry where transfer is not appropriate.
- These options are handled on a case-by-case basis by Pearson and the relevant exam centre.
- Where examinations cannot take place, Pearson will award grades through a contingency process.
- This contingency process uses mock examination results, past assessments, and teacher evidence.
OxfordAQA Performance Evidence
OxfordAQA will utilize a combination of previously achieved component results and school-provided evidence.
- Students who have already completed AS components will have those results factored into their final A-Level grade.
- Where no prior grades exist, schools are required to provide a portfolio of evidence demonstrating performance.
- Specific documentation requirements are issued directly to registered exam centres.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Non-Exam Contingency Measure
The IB will implement the Non-Exam Contingency Measure (NECM). This model was previously utilised during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Grades are determined using a combination of internal assessment (IA) marks and predicted grades.
- The IB uses historical data and statistical modelling to ensure the distribution of grades remains consistent with previous years.
A square 1:1 image showing a student focused on their laptop in a home study environment, representing the transition to digital evidence collection and online assessment.
The Role of iBOS as an Online British School
iBOS operates as a fully registered and accredited provider of the British curriculum. Student work, assessments, and attendance records are digitally archived for rapid use where evidence is required.
Academic Continuity and Support
The iBOS curriculum is designed to provide continuous data points regarding student performance. Our platform ensures:
- Real-time tracking of student progress through live lessons.
- Regular formative and summative assessments that contribute to a student's academic profile.
- Secure storage of mock examination results and coursework.
- Direct access to London-based teachers for guidance on evidence requirements.
- Contingency mock examinations scheduled after Easter.
- Continued intervention programmes for examination groups to maintain readiness for either examination sittings or evidence-based grading.
University Pathway Guidance
iBOS provides careers guidance and support for university destinations.
- Universities are familiar with alternative assessment methods.
- iBOS assists students in communicating assessment changes to admissions offices.
- Predicted grades are based on internal academic data.
Guidance for Private Candidates
As a registered Pearson Edexcel centre, iBOS provides support for private candidates affected by cancellations and contingency arrangements.
Documentation and Evidence Collection
Private candidates must ensure they have a verified body of work. This includes:
- Completed past papers under supervised conditions.
- Evidence of tutoring or instructional hours.
- Coursework or projects verified by a qualified educator.
- Results from previous examination sittings (where applicable).
Coordination with iBOS Exam Centres
Candidates who have registered with iBOS for their examinations will receive direct communication from the exams officer.
- Verification of identity and candidacy remains a priority.
- Pearson options, including transfer to an alternative centre or deferral of entry, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- If examinations cannot proceed, candidates will be guided through Pearson's contingency evidence requirements.
- Submission deadlines for evidence will be strictly enforced to meet exam board timelines.
- Detailed instructions for the admission form and external candidate registration are available on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the 2026 Exam Series
Are these cancellations permanent?
The current cancellation applies only to the May/June 2026 series. Decisions regarding future series (October/November 2026 and January 2027) will be made by the exam boards closer to the dates.
Will my certificate look different?
No. The certificates issued via the alternative assessment route are identical to those issued via written examinations. There is no indication on the certificate that the grade was achieved via an alternative route.
Can I appeal my grade?
Yes. All exam boards maintain an appeals process. However, appeals are typically based on whether the correct administrative procedures were followed rather than a disagreement with the professional judgement of the examiners or school.
How does iBOS ensure the security of my work?
iBOS uses advanced learning management systems to track and store student submissions. All work is timestamped and checked for academic integrity through plagiarism detection software.
Contact Information and Next Steps
Immediate actions for parents:
- Confirm exam board and country status: Check whether your child is affected by cancellation or contingency arrangements.
- Wait for centre communication: iBOS will issue direct guidance on transfer, deferral, or evidence requirements where relevant.
- Maintain attendance and coursework: Continue live lessons, interventions, and all assigned work.
- Check key updates: Review the newsletters page, school calendar, prospectus, and fees page.
For immediate enquiries, contact the iBOS administrative office via the official website portal.
Summary of Assessment Changes by Board
| Exam Board | Assessment Method | Status in UAE/Bahrain/Kuwait/Lebanon |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge International | Portfolio of Evidence | Confirmed Cancellation |
| Pearson Edexcel | Contingency process using mock results, past assessments, and teacher evidence | Confirmed Cancellation in UAE and Kuwait |
| OxfordAQA | Performance Portfolio | Confirmed Cancellation |
| International Baccalaureate | Non-Exam Contingency (NECM) | Confirmed Cancellation |
Students should continue their studies as scheduled. The secondary curriculum remains unchanged. Maintain attendance in live online lessons, complete assigned work, and prepare for any required evidence submission.
