{
  "id": 2107147,
  "title": "UAE pupils celebrate success in GCSEs despite disruption caused by Iran war",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/uae-pupils-celebrate-success-in-gcses-despite-disruption-caused-by",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-20T09:36:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/08/20/uae-pupils-celebrate-success-in-gcses-despite-disruption-of-iran-conflict/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pupils and educators in the UAE expressed satisfaction over surpassing expectations in this year's GCSE exams, despite the challenges posed by the Iran war. The academic year was significantly disrupted due to the conflict, with many exams cancelled when schools were evacuated in early March and remote learning became the norm. Rebecca Gray, chief education officer of Taaleem, noted that students demonstrated remarkable maturity, remaining focused and determined while adapting to circumstances beyond their control. The resilience and strength of character the students showed in the face of disruption made their achievements even more meaningful. Emergency protocols were implemented following Iran's attacks on the Emirates, with overseas pupils moved to hotels and assisted in leaving the country. A senior Gems Education official emphasized that the results were a testament to the students' character, not just academic achievement. Lisa Crausby, group chief education officer, highlighted that the students exhibited focus, determination, and resilience, continuing to give their best during a period of uncertainty and challenge. Gems schools saw a 30% of pupils obtain A* grades and almost half, 48%, receiving A-A* grades. At Jebel Ali School in Dubai, 38% of students achieved A* grades. Head of year Joshua Missen expressed pride in the students' maturity, positivity, and support for one another throughout the year.",
  "summary": "Pupils and school staff spoke of their relief at exceeding expectations in this year's GCSE exams despite the impact of the US-Iran war. The academic year received a significant interruption because of the conflict when exams were disrupted – with many cancelled – because of the war in Iran. Schools were forced to vacate classrooms and switch to remote learning in early March at the outbreak of…",
  "key_points": [
    "UAE pupils outperform expectations in GCSEs despite Iran war disruptions",
    "30% of Gems Education students achieve A grades, 48% achieve A-A",
    "Students demonstrate remarkable maturity, resilience under challenging circumstances"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "UAE pupils celebrate success in GCSEs despite disruption caused by Iran war",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/uae-pupils-celebrate-success-in-gcses-despite-disruption-caused-by-2109098",
        "published": "2026-08-20T09:36:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}