We are delighted that our students have been rewarded with grades that reflect their ability, hard work and determination in what has been for them an unsettling and challenging set of circumstances this year. 

Following the issues with the methods used to determine A Level grades, the School welcomes the UK Government's decision to now award all 2020 A Level and GCSEs by the Centre Assessed Grades (CAG). In the current situation the CAG, we feel, represents the only viable and the fairest way to award this year's examination grades. 

The Centre Assessed Grades were determined through a rigorous and robust process at BSAK. The CAGs were set by teachers using all of the data and evidence available to them including the results of wide-range of ongoing assessments, mock examinations and coursework grades (where applicable). The grades went through a careful review process at departmental and Senior Leadership levels and were carefully checked and re-checked before being sent to examination boards.  

Despite widespread concern in the press about significant grade inflation with the use of CAG, we believe that our results demonstrate the integrity and professionalism of our staff in setting realistic and accurate grades based on their in-depth knowledge of students. Although this year’s results are higher than previous years, the overall average increase on last year's results, is around 4% across all grades. Over the last three years of GCSE results (2017-19) BSAK’s performance has improved by an average each year of between 2 and 4%. The fact that this year’s results are supported by the wider data picture over a sustained period further testifies to what is, in the circumstances, an accurate, fair and justified set of GCSE for our students. 

Headmaster, Mark Leppard MBE commented ‘I am extremely proud of the results that have been achieved. There are individual success stories from so many students, and I am delighted that students have been awarded for their work over the 2 year course. We must not forget just how focused our students have been through this unprecedented time and I am excited as they move onto the next stage of their academic journey.’

We caught up with a few our students, immediately after they had received their results, to find out their reactions.

James Taoutaou.

James was one of 11 BSAK students who achieved 9 or more grade 9s, the highest result possible. He was delighted with his results and will be going on to study A Levels in Economics, Business Studies and History in the Sixth Form. ‘After so much uncertainty in the run up to results day, my reaction is nothing short of elation.’

Marian Al Dhaheri

Marian’s household were celebrating her success when we called, and they were excited that she will now be able to progress to study Economics and Psychology at A Level, in addition to a third A Level, not yet chosen. 

Rahmah Lorgat

‘Over the moon’ was the expression from Rahmah Lorgat and a great sense of relief that her path is now open to study the BTEC Diploma in Engineering plus a Graphic Design A Level. Rahmah achieved 9s, 8s and a couple of 7s for her results.

Antoni Crouchman

With his sites set on A Levels in Maths, Chemistry and Physics, Antoni was very happy with his results and looking forward to starting the new term. ‘I was actually very disappointed that I couldn’t take the exams, as I had worked hard and I wanted to be able to demonstrate this, but I’ve achieved my predicted grades and I think this outcome is fair.’

Jessica Kelly

Jessica received 8s, 7s and 6s and will be starting a BTEC Diploma in Sports plus Psychology A Level in September. She was very pleased with her grades and looking forward to a ‘worry free day’ with her grades now secured.

Highlights:

As always BSAK is fully open and transparent in sharing results with our community and we are one of only a few Schools in the UAE to make all of our examination’s results publicly available on our website: 

1,118 GCSE results for 121 students

9 grades - 26%

9/8 grades (A*) - 48%

9-7 grades (A*/A) - 69%

9-5 grades (A*-B) -94%

Teresa Woulfe, Head of Secondary reflected ‘It has been a difficult 6 months for our Year 11 students and the uncertainty of the last few weeks focused around examinations results have added further pressure. I am just delighted that faith and trust have been shown in teachers to award grades, we feel as professionals, are accurate and that our students have that certainty and that they can now focus on the next steps in their education.’

BSAK’s outstanding and award winning Sixth Form offers the largest selection of A Level and BTEC Diploma options in Abu Dhabi. For more details and information on how to apply, please contact [email protected]