Schools across the UAE are celebrating their best-ever GCSE results in 2024, with thousands of students setting new records for Grade 9 — the highest mark on the scale — across a network spanning the UAE and Qatar.
Record UAE GCSE Results Across the Board
More than 3,800 students from 23 schools sat their GCSEs through the GEMS Education network this year, producing 3,617 Grade 9s across subjects. Overall, 22% of all entries were awarded grades 8–9, 40% achieved grades 7–9, and 83% secured grade 4 or above — the standard pass benchmark.
The GCSE numerical grading system, introduced in 2017 to create a wider spread between high achievers, runs from 1 (lowest) to 9 (highest):
- Grade 9 — above an A\ - Grade 8 — between A\ and A - Grade 7 — equivalent to an A - Grade 6 — slightly above a B - Grade 4 — equivalent to a C (standard pass)
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi Posts School-Record 28% at Grade 9
At Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, 28% of all grades awarded were Grade 9 — the school's best performance on record — with 86% of scores falling between grades 7 and 9.
Principal Tracy Crowder-Cloe said the results laid a strong foundation for students' next steps. "This year 28 per cent of the grades our pupils achieved were a grade 9, the highest ever seen here at our school. These grades set a foundation for their progression, including the choice of A-level subjects or BTEC routes," she said.
Brighton College Dubai: 40% at Grades 8–9
Brighton College Dubai saw equally impressive outcomes. Head Teacher Simon Crane described the results as "spectacular," noting that 22% of all grades were Grade 9 — up from 21% the previous year — and that 40% of grades fell in the 8–9 band, up from 37%.
"We have consistent improvements year on year, which are critical for our university placement," Crane said.
Strong Showings Across GEMS Education's Network
The strong performances extended across GEMS Education's wider network:
- Jumeirah College Dubai — 27% of entries awarded Grade 9 - GEMS Wellington International School — 26% of entries at Grade 9, with 81% scoring grades 6–9 - GEMS Cambridge International Private School Sharjah — 45% of entries achieved grades 8–9
Why GCSE Results Matter for UAE University Admissions
GCSE grades are widely used as the gateway to A-levels and vocational qualifications such as BTECs, which are in turn required for admission to top universities worldwide. The Grade 9 distinction — introduced in England in 2017 to differentiate the very highest performers — has become a key benchmark for leading university programmes globally, including those in the UK, US, and across the Gulf region.
