Several students across the UAE have achieved remarkable success in the May 2025 International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, with scores that outstrip the global average. Released on Saturday, July 5, the results have showcased some extraordinary individual performances, highlighting both the rigorous academic preparation and the exceptional support systems at their schools. Among the standout achievers were Alia Abdelhamid and Melis Yilmaz from Dubai International Academy – Emirates Hills (DIA EH), who each earned a perfect score of 45 points, a distinction earned by only 0.1% of IB Diploma candidates worldwide.
Stellar Performance at Innoventures Education Schools
Students from several schools under the Innoventures Education umbrella, including Dubai International Academy (DIA) Emirates Hills, DIA Al Barsha, and Raffles World Academy, posted a perfect 100% pass rate this year. According to results shared with local media, across these campuses, a total of two students scored the maximum of 45 points, four students achieved 44, and nearly a quarter of the graduating class secured 40 or more points. These exceptional performances reflect not only the students’ hard work but also the strong educational foundation provided by the institutions. In fact, the graduating cohort from Innoventures Education has received offers from some of the most prestigious universities in the world, including Cambridge, Stanford, Cornell, Imperial College London, UC Berkeley, King’s College London, London School of Economics, New York University, University of Pennsylvania, and University of St Andrews, among others.
The Top Scorers: Achieving Excellence
Alia Abdelhamid and Melis Yilmaz from DIA Emirates Hills were the stars of the batch, each earning a flawless 45 points. Reflecting on her achievement, Alia said, “I feel deeply thankful for the incredible support I received from DIA Emirates Hills during my IB journey. The commitment of my teachers and the broader school community created an environment where I could truly thrive. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” in a statement shared with local media outlets. Melis, also from DIA Emirates Hills, echoed these sentiments, adding, “My IB journey at Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills has been truly transformative. The demanding academic environment, combined with unwavering support, has fostered both intellectual and personal growth. The strong sense of community and the constant encouragement to think critically and embrace a global perspective have equipped me for the future in ways I could never have imagined.” Meanwhile, at DIA Al Barsha, Kanishka Kesharwani stood out as the top scorer with 44 points. Reflecting on the intense preparations that led to her success, Kanishka described her experience as “surreal.” She shared, “Gut-wrenching mocks and loads of all-nighters with endless fits of laughter and cries to put in my best effort for my exams. Deeply grateful for the person DIAB has made me, and for the support my family and friends have given me over the last couple of years.”
GEMS Education’s Exceptional Results
Meanwhile, across GEMS Education’s seven schools that offer the IB Diploma, three students attained the highest possible score of 45 points. Out of 645 Grade 12/Year 13 students from GEMS schools who took the exam, the cohort achieved an average score of 34 points and a pass rate of 95%, far surpassing the global averages for 2024, which stood at 30 points and 80%, respectively. The GEMS schools that offer the IB Diploma include:
- GEMS World Academy – Dubai
- GEMS International School – Al Khail
- GEMS Wellington International School
- GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis
- GEMS Dubai American Academy
- GEMS American Academy – Abu Dhabi
- GEMS Modern Academy
Lisa Crausby OBE, Group Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education, commended the students’ exceptional achievements in a public statement, saying, “Our students have once again shown what’s possible with ambition, perseverance, and the right support. These outstanding results reflect their tireless effort and the dedication of our world-class educators. Every success story here speaks to the strength of our IB programmes and the values that underpin a GEMS education.”
A Commitment to Excellence
Founded in the UAE in 1959, GEMS Education has since grown into one of the largest and most respected private education providers in the world. Today, it educates over 200,000 students from more than 176 countries, with nearly half a million alumni spread across the globe. Known for its diverse curricula, GEMS schools offer a range of academic options to suit different needs and backgrounds. Sunny Varkey, the founder of GEMS, and his sons Dino and Jay Varkey, who lead the organization today, continue to steer the company with a vision to provide quality education to all learners. Over the years, GEMS students have been accepted into top universities worldwide, including all eight Ivy League schools and all 24 Russell Group universities in the UK. Many GEMS alumni have gone on to secure leadership roles, with a significant portion reaching CEO and C-suite positions. This year’s IB results are just another testament to the outstanding educational practices that have become synonymous with GEMS Education, further strengthening its position as a global leader in K-12 private education.
