The Aquila School celebrates outstanding GCSE and IGCSE examination results

Students at The Aquila School are celebrating an outstanding set of GCSE and IGCSE examination results, marking an important milestone for the Class of 2026.

This year, 31% of grades were achieved at 9–7, while 87% of grades were achieved at 9–4, with students achieving a 100% overall pass rate across GCSE and IGCSE. BTEC students also achieved a 100% pass rate, with 70% achieving Merit or better.

These results reflect the hard work, determination and resilience of our students, supported by their teachers and families throughout their learning journey.

2026 results at a glance

• 31% of grades achieved 9–7
• 87% of grades achieved 9–4
• 100% overall pass rate in GCSE and IGCSE
• 100% pass rate in BTEC
• 70% achieved a Merit or better in BTEC

Celebrating our community

Wayne Howsen, Principal of The Aquila School, said:

“We couldn’t be prouder of our students. They’ve shown resilience, determination and plenty of Aquila spirit to achieve these fantastic GCSE results! Behind every result is a student who kept going, teachers who never gave up on them, and families cheering them on. Today, we celebrate the whole Aquila community and, of course, our students who absolutely smashed it!”

Subject excellence

The results highlight the breadth of achievement across the curriculum, with students delivering particularly strong performances in several key subjects.

English

In English, 97% achieved grades 9–4, demonstrating a strong performance across the cohort.

Mathematics

In Mathematics, 85% achieved grades 9–4.

Science

Science was a particular area of strength. In Physics, 100% achieved grades 9–4, with 80% achieving grades 9–7 and 50% achieving grades 9–8.

In Biology, 65% achieved grades 9–7, while 94% achieved grades 9–4 in Science.

Additional subject successes

Students also achieved excellent results across the wider curriculum:

• 100% achieved grades 9–6 in Arabic A
• 100% achieved grades 9–5 in Art
• 100% achieved grades 9–4 in Drama
• 100% achieved grades 9–4 in Geography
• 100% achieved grades 9–4 in Psychology
• 92% achieved a Merit or better in BTEC Hospitality
• 91% achieved a Distinction or better in BTEC Performing Arts

Celebrating our students

Behind every grade is a story of perseverance, growth and achievement. Among this year’s standout performances:

• Anahita Vikram achieved nine grades at 9–7, including three grade 9s, and will continue her educational journey by studying the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Year 12.
• Maryia Elizarova achieved seven grades at 9–7, including four grade 9s, as well as achieving the school’s first result in Statistics. She will study the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Year 12.
• Maria Elias achieved seven grades at 9–7, including three grade 9s and two grade 8s, and will progress to the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Year 12.
• Rhys Bello passed three Level 2 BTEC courses, including a Distinction Star in BTEC Hospitality, and will continue into Year 12 to study Performing Arts.

Supporting every student to succeed

Mrs Yasmine Dannawy, Head of Secondary at The Aquila School, said:

“We are incredibly proud of our students and their GCSE, IGCSE and BTEC results. Their achievements reflect their hard work and the dedication of our teachers in helping every student make progress and achieve their best. We have focused on developing confident, resilient and independent learners alongside strong academic outcomes. These results provide an excellent foundation for their next steps, and we look forward to seeing them continue to thrive in Year 12 and beyond.”

Rory Galvin, Regional Director of Learning, ISP Middle East, said:

“GCSE and IGCSE results represent an important milestone in every student's educational journey, recognising not only academic achievement but also the personal growth, resilience and determination they have developed along the way. This year, those qualities have been particularly evident. Our students across the Middle East have navigated an exceptionally challenging and unusual period, including disruption to learning and the implementation of non-exam contingency measures, while continuing to approach their studies with remarkable focus and maturity.”

“Across our ISP schools, we are incredibly proud of how students have responded to these circumstances, embracing challenges, pursuing their ambitions and achieving outcomes that reflect their individual potential. Their results are a testament not only to their hard work, but also to the resilience and adaptability they have shown throughout the year.

“My congratulations go to every student, and my sincere thanks to our teachers, school teams and families, whose expertise, preparation, encouragement and partnership ensured that our students remained supported and able to succeed even in such unusual circumstances. We look forward to seeing these young people take their next steps with confidence, carrying with them not only their qualifications, but the resilience and determination they have demonstrated so strongly this year.”

Looking ahead

Students are now preparing for the next stage of their educational journey, progressing into Year 12 and pathways including the IB Diploma Programme and BTEC qualifications, where they will continue to build on these strong foundations.

As the school community celebrates these achievements, The Aquila School, part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), looks forward to supporting every student as they continue to grow, achieve and pursue their ambitions.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026, and to the teachers, families and wider Aquila community who have supported them every step of the way.