The Arbor School, Dubai Celebrates Outstanding GCSE Results

The Arbor School, Dubai is proud to announce another year of outstanding GCSE results, reflecting the hard work and commitment of its students and teachers.

This year, 95% of exam Arbor School, Dubai exam entrants achieved 9-4 (A* – C) with 47% of entrants achieved grades 9–7 (A* – A equivalent), and with exceptional performances across a wide range of subjects including Mathematics, Sciences, and English. Many students also excelled in creative and modern disciplines, including the humanities and Global Perspectives, demonstrating the school’s commitment to a holistic and eco-focused education.

Principal Gemma Thornley praised the achievements:

I am immensely proud of our students for their GCSE results this year. Beyond the grades themselves, these outcomes reflect the dedication, resilience, and curiosity that sit at the heart of our school. At Arbor, academic success is only one part of the story.  We nurture young people who think critically, act compassionately, and carry forward a deep sense of responsibility for the world around them. These results are a testament to both their hard work and the unique ethos of Arbor, where excellence in learning goes hand in hand with our mission of ‘Enough for all, forever.’

Among the standout achievements were 10x GCSES received by one student – (4x 9’s, 4x 8’s, 1x 7 and 1 A), amongst an impressive cohort in which 95% of students achieved 5 or more A*- C (9-4) grades, including English and Maths.

Many students are now preparing to continue their educational journey at the Arbor School, Dubai in the Sixth Form, pursuing A Levels and BTECs as a pathway to world-leading universities.

Sarah Ward-Khan, parent of one of this year’s GCSE graduating cohort who achieved 5 9s 2 8s, 1 A and 1 7, thanked the school for its efforts:

I’d just like to say thank you to all the team here at Arbor helped my child transform. His future is bright with options ahead and I know he would not be in this position without the support he has received. We are both very grateful and look forward to the next two years in sixth form. I am so glad we chose Arbor – a truly life-changing choice for him and we could not be prouder. 

Highlights of this year’s result, include: GCSE Overall Pass Rate

  • 95% pass rate for 5 GCSEs including English and Maths Highest Grades Pass Rates
  • A** – A (9-7) 47% pass rate
  • A** – B (9-6) 69% pass rate

Top Performers

  • Sabir: 9x GCSE’s – 5x 9’s / 2x 8’s / 1x A / 1x 7
  • Iman: 10x GCSEs – 4x 9’s / 4x 8’s / 1 x A / 1x 7 (inc. Further Maths) Science
  • A** – A (9-7) 53% pass rate

Global Perspectives

  • A** – B (9-6) 69% pass rate Separate Sciences
  • A** – A (9-7) Biology 75% pass rate, Physics 100% pass rate Mathematics
  • A** – A (9-7) 40% pass rate
  • A** – B (9-6) 61% pass rate

Further Mathematics

  • A** – A (9-8) 100% pass rate

English Language

  • A** – B (9-6) 68% pass rate
  • A** – C (9-4) 100% pass rate

English Literature

  • A** – A (9-7) 54% pass rate
  • A** – B (9-6) 77% pass rate
  • A** – C (9-4) 100% pass rate

Head of Secondary, Frances Powell, commented on this outstanding achievement:

I am delighted to celebrate our second year of outstanding GCSE results. Once again, our students at Arbor have shown that with the right care, support, and high expectations, they can achieve exceptional outcomes. 

I am incredibly proud of the dedication, resilience, and purpose our young people have demonstrated on their journey. These results are not only a reflection of their academic strength, but also of the Arbor difference; our commitment to nurturing students with the heart, courage, and sense of responsibility needed to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

The Arbor School, Dubai continues to build a reputation as one of the city’s leading international schools, offering students a challenging academic environment, strong community values, and outstanding outcomes.

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The Arbor School

At Arbor, we believe in the transformative power of education that nurtures both the mind and the spirit. Our school is more than just a place to learn, it’s a vibrant community where students, educators, and families unite in a shared journey of growth, discovery, and purpose.

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