Students across the UAE have delivered a standout performance in this year’s GCSE examinations, with British curriculum schools reporting some of their strongest results to date. From record entries to exceptional grade achievements, 2025 has marked a significant academic milestone for both students and institutions, reaffirming the UAE’s position as a global hub for high-quality British education.
GCSE results overview across UAE schools
This year, thousands of students across the UAE sat for their GCSEs, receiving their results on Wednesday and Thursday. The exams, typically taken by students aged 16 after completing Year 11 under the British curriculum, represent a key academic milestone that shapes future education and career paths. GEMS Education, the UAE’s largest private school operator, announced its biggest GCSE cohort ever:
- Over 4,000 students across 23 schools in the UAE and Qatar sat for a total of 28,227 exams — the highest in the group’s history.
- 26% of entries were awarded top grades of 9-8 or A* (equivalent to A*), totaling 7,347 entries.
- 45% of students scored 9-7 (A-A)*
- 65% achieved 9-6 (A-B)*
- 87% attained 9-4 (A-C)*
Each of these categories saw an improvement of 4 to 5 percentage points compared to 2024’s results. GEMS students continued their long-standing trend of outperforming the UK national average. Since 2013, GEMS schools have exceeded national benchmarks by double-digit margins at both the 9-7 (A*-A) and 9-4 (A*-C) grade levels for 12 consecutive years. Notable GEMS school performances include:Jumeirah College:
- 44% of all entries were graded 9-8 (A*) – the highest within GEMS.
- 99% of its 180-strong cohort scored *9-4 (A-C)**.
GEMS Wellington International School:
- 42% of nearly 2,000 entries were awarded 9-8 (A*).
- 96% achieved *9-4 (A-C)**.
Individual school highlights and student achievements
Several other schools across the UAE also reported exceptional performances: Jebel Ali School, one of the UAE’s oldest institutions, saw:
- 40% of all grades awarded at 8 and 9 (A and A*)
- 107 students sat for 927 exams, up from 80 students and 681 exams in 2024.
- The increase reflects growing enrolment amid a population surge.
Brighton College Dubai announced its best GCSE results to date:
- 25% of all grades were 9
- 45% fell in the 8–9 range
Understanding the British Curriculum and GCSE Framework
Understanding the British curriculum and GCSE framework
The British Curriculum, formally known as the National Curriculum for England, is a globally respected education system introduced in the late 1980s. Structured across six key stages, from early years to pre-university levels, it is widely implemented across the UAE’s private schools, with approximately one-third of the country’s 600 private schools following it.Key Stages in the British Curriculum:
- EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage)
- KS1 (Key Stage 1)
- KS2 (Key Stage 2)
- KS3 (Key Stage 3)
- KS4 (Key Stage 4) – where students take their GCSEs
- KS5 (Key Stage 5) – leading to A-levels, BTECs, or equivalent qualifications
GCSEs are part of KS4, typically taken at age 16. Core subjects include:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
Depending on the school and location, additional subjects offered may include:
- Arabic (native and non-native)
- Islamic Studies
- UAE Social Studies
- Moral Education
- History
- Geography
- Design and Technology
- Art and Design
- Music
- PE
- Computing
- Ancient and Modern Foreign Languages
The Grading System:
- The GCSE uses a numeric grading system from 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest), replacing the older letter system (A*-G).
- A grade 4 or above is considered a passing score, with grade 9 being exceptional.
- Traditional benchmarks for academic success are often defined by achieving at least grades 4–9 (C-A*).
Why GCSE results matter
GCSEs serve as a foundation for a student’s educational and career journey. Their importance lies in:
- University Admission: Universities in the UK and internationally often require a specific number of GCSEs with minimum grades for entry.
- Career Pathways: Success in certain GCSE subjects can guide students toward professions in STEM, law, business, and more.
- Skill Development: The GCSE curriculum helps students build critical thinking, independent study habits, time management, and other essential life skills.
In the UAE, British curriculum schools, especially in emirates like Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, ensure that students are academically equipped for both local and global opportunities.
