This year, 25% of all GCSE exam entries achieved Grade 9, while 67% achieved grades 9 to 7. An impressive 98% of exam entries achieved grades 9 to 4, reflecting the hard work, determination and resilience of students, supported by their teachers and families throughout their learning journey. 2026 results at a glance 25% of exam entries achieved Grade 9 48% of exam entries achieved grades 9 to 8 67% of exam entries achieved grades 9 to 7 98% of exam entries achieved grades 9 to 4 98% of students achieved five grades from 9 to 4, including English and Mathematics The results represent significant progress for The English College. The proportion of entries achieving Grade 9 increased from 11% in 2025 to 25% in 2026, while grades 9 to 7 increased from 43% to 67%. Grades 9 to 4 also rose from 92% to 98%. Importantly, the results also demonstrate the significant value EC adds to each student’s learning journey. This year, The English College achieved an exceptional GCSE value added score of +1.76, measured against students’ CAT4 based expected outcomes. This means students achieved almost two grades higher than expected, demonstrating the impact of excellent teaching, high expectations and personalised support at EC. Emily Hopkinson, Principal at The English College, Dubai, said: “Once again, our students have shown exactly what it means to be an EC Lion. In a year that has asked more of them than most, they have responded with determination, resilience and ambition to achieve the best GCSE results in our 34 year history. We set this cohort ambitious targets, and they have surpassed every single one of them. Behind every grade is a story of hard work, perseverance and personal achievement. I am enormously proud of them and excited about the opportunities these results now unlock for their futures.” Celebrating our students Behind every grade is a story of perseverance, growth and achievement. Among this year’s high achievers: Maaz achieved 9 Grade 9s. Aayan achieved 9 Grade 9s. Ariane achieved 9 Grade 9s. Felix achieved 9 Grade 9s. Kairavi achieved 8 Grade 9s. Anirudh achieved 8 Grade 9s. Lilya achieved 7 Grade 9s. Faten achieved 7 Grade 9s. Abdullah achieved 7 Grade 9s. Barath achieved 7 Grade 9s. Andrew achieved 7 Grade 9s. Darshan achieved 7 Grade 9s. Maaz said: “I got all Grade 9s in my subjects, and I’m incredibly happy! I’m so grateful to all my teachers, my parents and my brothers for all their help and support throughout my journey. I couldn’t be happier with my results!” Celebrating the achievement from a parent perspective, Mrs Hina said: “We are extremely proud and happy to celebrate Maaz achieving straight Grade 9s in his GCSEs. He has been part of the EC community since Year 7, and it has been wonderful to see his journey and growth. We are incredibly thankful to the school and his teachers for their support, alongside Maaz’s own tireless hard work and dedication.” Nicola Hamer, Head of Secondary School at The English College, Dubai, said: “This is an exceptional set of results and one that reflects the ambition we have for every student at The English College. To see 25% of all grades awarded as 9s and 67% of all grades awarded at 9 to 7 is something our entire Secondary community can be incredibly proud of. What is particularly exciting is the strength of achievement across the whole cohort. These results represent what is possible when high expectations, excellent teaching and students who work hard come together.” Rory Galvin, Regional Director of Learning, ISP Middle East, said: “GCSE and IGCSE results represent an important milestone in every student's educational journey, recognising not only academic achievement but also the personal growth, resilience and determination they have developed along the way. This year, those qualities have been particularly evident. Our students across the Middle East have navigated an exceptionally challenging and unusual period, including disruption to learning and the implementation of non-exam contingency measures, while continuing to approach their studies with remarkable focus and maturity. Across our ISP schools, we are incredibly proud of how students have responded to these circumstances, embracing challenges, pursuing their ambitions and achieving outcomes that reflect their individual potential. Their results are a testament not only to their hard work, but also to the resilience and adaptability they have shown throughout the year. My congratulations go to every student, and my sincere thanks to our teachers, school teams and families, whose expertise, preparation, encouragement and partnership ensured that our students remained supported and able to succeed even in such unusual circumstances. We look forward to seeing these young people take their next steps with confidence, carrying with them not only their qualifications, but the resilience and determination they have demonstrated so strongly this year.” Looking ahead For most students, the next stage of their educational journey will continue at The English College, where they will progress into the school’s A Level and BTEC programmes. They move forward from Year 11 with strong foundations and the opportunity to continue developing their knowledge, confidence and ambitions in Sixth Form. As The English College, Dubai celebrates this historic achievement, the school looks forward to supporting the Class of 2026 as students continue to learn, thrive and make a difference. Their GCSE results mark an important milestone, and the next stage offers new opportunities to build on everything they have achieved and continue pursuing their individual ambitions. Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and to the teachers, families and wider school community who have supported them every step of the way. Read more on Khaleej Times
