Pearson Cancels GCSE and A-Level Exams in 3 Gulf Countries and Lebanon

Pearson, a major UK-based education board responsible for setting international GCSE and A-Level exams in over 80 countries, has confirmed the cancellation of summer examinations in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Lebanon. The decision comes amid escalating regional tensions and the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has caused significant disruption to educational activities across the Middle East.

The board stated that the move was taken following extensive consultations with local authorities and other international awarding bodies. The primary driver for the cancellation was the imperative to prioritize the safety of students and staff amidst the volatile security situation. This decision aligns with similar actions taken previously by other examination bodies, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), which also suspended exams in the region due to sustained attacks and instability.

With the traditional examination route no longer viable, schools are now navigating a transition to alternative assessment methods. For institutions following the IB curriculum, grades will be determined through cumulative assessments rather than final sit-down exams. This "non-exam" route is typically reserved for exceptional circumstances where authorities deem it impossible to conduct standard examinations due to conflict.

Schools across the affected regions are currently focusing on maintaining academic rigor while ensuring student well-being. Educators are implementing robust internal assessment strategies, utilizing detailed analysis of student performance to build an evidence base that accurately reflects individual abilities. This includes intensified retrieval practice, targeted work on past papers, and the modeling of exam responses to ensure students remain prepared regardless of the final assessment pathway.

Administrators emphasize that the goal remains to support student progression and ensure that final grades reflect true performance. While the examination route is generally preferred, the current geopolitical climate necessitates difficult decisions to safeguard the educational community.

Schools are working to gather comprehensive data on student achievements to ensure that awarded outcomes are fair and consistent, providing clarity and stability for students and families during this period of uncertainty.

As alternative arrangements are finalized, educational institutions are expected to maintain regular communication with students and parents, ensuring that the transition to these new assessment models is managed with care and precision. The focus remains on delivering a high-quality education that allows students to progress confidently despite the external challenges.

This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here