Class of 2026 Achieves Outstanding IB and BTEC Results

The British International School Abu Dhabi is proud to celebrate another year of exceptional student achievement, with outstanding results across both the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and BTEC Level 3 qualifications.

The school's average IB Diploma score improved for the third consecutive year, while remaining comfortably above the global average, and our BTEC students achieved the strongest results in the programme's history at BIS Abu Dhabi. These achievements reflect a sustained commitment to excellence, underpinned by the dedication of our students, the expertise of our teachers and the unwavering support of our families.

Outstanding IB Diploma Programme Results

This year's IB cohort, our largest ever with 95 Diploma candidates, achieved a remarkable 98.9% pass rate (subject to two outstanding results) and an average Diploma score of 34.67 points.

IB Diploma Highlights

• 98.9% Diploma pass rate
• Average Diploma score of 34.67 points
• Four students achieved 43 points out of a possible 45
• Three students were awarded the prestigious Bilingual Diploma
• 19% of students achieved 40 points or more
• 47% achieved 35 points or more
• 85% achieved 30 points or more
• Many students exceeded their predicted and target grades

These results continue a sustained upward trend in achievement and reflect the strength of the personalised learning experience at BIS Abu Dhabi.

Record Success for BTEC Students

Alongside our outstanding IB results, we are also celebrating a record year for our BTEC students.

The Class of 2026 achieved a 100% pass rate, with more than half of students attaining the highest Distinction* grade.

BTEC Highlights

• 100% pass rate
• 56% achieved Distinction*
• 33% achieved Distinction
• 11% achieved Merit
• Five students achieved the highest possible grade of D*D*D*

These are the strongest BTEC outcomes achieved at BIS Abu Dhabi to date and highlight the success of our vocational pathways in preparing students for university and future careers.

Celebrating the Class of 2026

Reflecting on this year's results, Alan Cocker, Principal of The British International School Abu Dhabi, said:

"I am incredibly proud of our Class of 2026. For the third consecutive year, our International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme results have exceeded the global average and continued to improve year on year. The BTEC continues to go from strength to strength, with a record proportion of students achieving the highest grades. These outcomes reflect not only academic excellence but also the character and determination of a truly remarkable group of young people.

"At BIS Abu Dhabi, we believe an outstanding education is about far more than examination results. Our students leave us as confident, compassionate and globally minded young adults, ready to make a positive difference in the world. Congratulations to every graduate on this well-deserved success."

Students Heading to Leading Global Universities

Thanks to their achievements, graduates from the Class of 2026 have secured places at some of the world's most prestigious universities.

Students will progress to leading 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.

Beyond the UK, students will continue their studies 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, among others.

The cohort will pursue a diverse range of degree programmes, including Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, Economics, Artificial Intelligence, Psychology, Law, Architecture, Business and Media.

Rachel Batty, University and Careers Counsellor, said:

"These outstanding results have enabled many of our students to meet the conditions of their university offers and secure places at their chosen institutions. The diversity of destinations is matched by an equally impressive range of academic and professional pathways, and we look forward to following their continued success in the years ahead."

Celebrating Individual Achievement

Several students delivered exceptional individual performances this year.

Pranav, Abigail, Hyeonmin and Leena each achieved an outstanding 43 points in the IB Diploma Programme, while Alexandra Box, Nathen and Sergei achieved 42 points.

The school is also celebrating the achievements of its highest-performing BTEC students. Fatma, Shamsa and Keldan achieved the highest possible grade of D*D*D* in Business, while Amelia and Griffen achieved D*D*D* in Sport.

Many students surpassed their predicted grades, while others secured scholarships and places at leading universities around the world.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026, we also recognise the resilience, ambition and determination behind these results. Whether progressing to world-leading universities, specialist training programmes or professional pathways, our graduates leave BIS Abu Dhabi as confident, compassionate and globally minded young people, ready to create their future and make a positive impact wherever life takes them.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We look forward to following your continued success in the years ahead.