The British International School Abu Dhabi (BIS Abu Dhabi), part of Nord Anglia Education, is celebrating an outstanding year of academic achievement, with students delivering exceptional results across GCSE, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and BTEC Level 3 qualifications.
From impressive GCSE outcomes to record-breaking BTEC performance and another year of strong IB results, the Class of 2026 has demonstrated the resilience, ambition and determination that define the BIS Abu Dhabi learning community.
These achievements reflect not only academic excellence but also the school’s commitment to personalised learning, ensuring every student is supported to follow the pathway that best matches their strengths, interests and aspirations.
Strong GCSE Performance Across the Cohort
This year’s GCSE and IGCSE cohort comprised 161 students who collectively completed 1,366 examinations across a broad range of subjects.
Students achieved impressive outcomes across all grade levels, with:
- 20% of all grades awarded at Grade 9, the highest possible grade
- 36% of grades awarded at Grades 9 to 8
- 57% of grades awarded at Grades 9 to 7
- 93% of grades awarded at Grades 9 to 4
The results highlight both the depth of academic achievement across the year group and the effectiveness of the support students receive throughout their secondary education.
Following GCSEs, most students will continue their studies at BIS Abu Dhabi through either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or one of the school’s BTEC Level 3 pathways in Business, IT or Sport.
Continued Success in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
At post-16 level, BIS Abu Dhabi celebrated another successful year in the IB Diploma Programme, with the school’s average score improving for a third consecutive year while remaining well above the global average.
The school’s largest-ever IB cohort, consisting of 95 Diploma candidates, achieved:
- A 98.9% Diploma pass rate
- An average Diploma score of 34.69 points
- 20% of students achieving 40 points or higher
- 48% achieving 35 points or higher
- 87% achieving 30 points or higher
- Three students awarded the prestigious IB Bilingual Diploma
Several students achieved exceptional individual results. Alexander and Hyeonmin each scored 44 points out of a possible 45. Pranav, Abigail and Leena earned 43 points, while Alexandra, Nathen and Sergei achieved 42 points.
Many students also exceeded their predicted and target grades, demonstrating remarkable growth and commitment throughout the programme.
Record-Breaking BTEC Results
Alongside the school’s IB success, BTEC students achieved their strongest results to date.
The Class of 2026 recorded:
- A 100% pass rate
- 56% of students achieving Distinction*
- 33% achieving Distinction
- 11% achieving Merit
Five students achieved the highest possible qualification outcome of D*D*D*.
Among the top-performing students, Fatma, Shamsa and Keldan achieved D*D*D* in Business, while Amelia and Griffen achieved D*D*D* in Sport.
These results demonstrate the growing strength of vocational pathways at BIS Abu Dhabi and the school’s commitment to providing diverse routes to university and future careers.
Global University Destinations
The outstanding results achieved by the Class of 2026 have opened doors to some of the world’s leading universities.
Graduates will continue their education at prestigious institutions including the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), Durham University, the University of Warwick, the University of Bristol and the University of Bath.
Students have also secured places at internationally renowned universities including New York University (NYU), the University of California San Diego, Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Toronto, IE University, KAIST, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the University of Hong Kong and the University of Queensland.
The cohort will pursue a diverse range of disciplines, including Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Economics, Architecture, Psychology, Law, Business and Media.
Preparing Students for Future Success
Reflecting on this year’s achievements, Principal Alan Cocker praised the determination and character of the graduating cohort.
“Our students have achieved exceptional results across every pathway, demonstrating not only academic excellence but also resilience, ambition and a commitment to personal growth. Whether through GCSEs, the IB Diploma Programme or BTEC qualifications, they have embraced opportunities, challenged themselves and achieved outcomes of which they can be immensely proud.”
“At BIS Abu Dhabi, we believe education is about much more than examination results. We strive to develop confident, compassionate and globally minded young people who are ready to make a positive difference in the world. These outcomes are a reflection of that commitment and of the outstanding partnership between our students, teachers and families.”
As BIS Abu Dhabi celebrates the achievements of the Class of 2026, the school looks forward to seeing its graduates thrive at leading universities and in future careers around the world, equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to create their futures and make a meaningful impact wherever they go.
For more information about The British International School Abu Dhabi’s curriculum, please visit our Academic Excellence page.
