gcse exams cancelled — UK exam boards have confirmed the cancellation of international GCSE and A-Level papers affecting schools in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Lebanon, with the move announced for the Summer 2026 session. Schools and awarding bodies say the pause follows disruption tied to the Iran war and is intended to prioritise safety and assessment integrity. As of Apr 3, 2026 ET, alternative assessment routes and portfolio processes are being finalised and schools are awaiting formal guidance.
Gcse Exams Cancelled: Scope, Boards and Rationale
The decision impacts multiple UK exam authorities and covers international GCSE, IGCSE, O Level, International AS & A Level and related qualifications in the affected states. Pearson has cancelled international GCSE and A-Level exams in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Lebanon, citing disruption from the Iran war. Cambridge Assessment International Education announced a portfolio of evidence route for its June 2026 sessions in the UAE, covering Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level, Cambridge International AS & A Level and Cambridge IPQ. OxfordAQA has cancelled specific IGCSE subjects, including English as a Second Language, among other subjects assessed by the board.
The cancellations follow earlier decisions that affected International Baccalaureate and CBSE examinations in the region. For IB candidates, the organisation will award grades through a non-exam route using cumulative assessments in exceptional conflict-related circumstances. Education authorities and awarders frame the steps as responses to a situation that continues to disrupt schooling across parts of the Middle East.
Immediate Reactions from Officials, School Leaders and Awarding Bodies
Emma Whale, Vice President of International Schools at Pearson, said: “We have long-standing, tried-and-tested contingency processes to support schools through any exam disruption. Our priority will always be to support student progression through their courses, and ultimately to the grade that reflects their performance. We’ll stay in regular contact over the coming months to make sure you are supported at every stage. ” Pearson is the body in charge of Edexcel curriculums in international centres.
Simon Jodrell, Principal at Jebel Ali School, described the school response: “We’re continuing to approach this period with a calm, measured focus on both student well-being and academic integrity. ” Natalia Svetenok, Principal of Woodlem British School, Ajman, said: “Our priority is calm, clarity, and continuity. Following official confirmation, we will assess students through a carefully curated portfolio of evidence, ensuring every learner’s progress is fairly recognized and externally validated. “
Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the International Baccalaureate, emphasised the exceptional nature of the change: “These are complex circumstances that require difficult decisions. The examination route remains our preferred approach but our focus is to ensure every student can continue their education and progress with confidence. ” The IB noted the non-exam assessment route is used when authorities decide exams cannot be conducted because of conflict.
What Schools Will Do Next and What Students Should Expect
Schools have been instructed to prepare portfolios of evidence or to follow cumulative-assessment routes where specified; formal details are pending from the awarding bodies. Officials say gcse exams cancelled in these states will be replaced by alternative arrangements that aim to preserve academic standards and allow certification without sitting formal papers. Schools are convening assessment panels and curating student work for external marking where the portfolio route applies.
Education leaders warn of ongoing uncertainty while also emphasising support systems: gcse exams cancelled has prompted daily communication between schools and parents, emotional and academic support for candidates, and coordination with ministries and exam boards. Expect further guidance in the coming weeks as awarding organisations finalise processes and publish timelines for submission and grading. The immediate priority remains safety and ensuring students receive valid, externally moderated results despite the disruption.
As the situation evolves, stakeholders will watch for formal instructions and deadlines from awarding bodies so that affected learners can progress with certified outcomes once alternative assessment arrangements are confirmed; gcse exams cancelled and the transition to portfolios and non-exam routes will dominate the next phase of preparations.
