Deira International School - News. Youssef Al Koud receives the school’s Exceptional Teacher Award

Largest ever I/GCSE cohort delivers Deira International School’s strongest top grades in four years

136 students, 1,145 entries and 36% of all grades at 9 or 8, achieved in a year of regional disruption and in the school’s 20th anniversary year.

Celebrating 20 years of excellence this year, Deira International School (DIS) has achieved its strongest top grades in four years, with its largest cohort ever, cementing its reputation as one of Dubai’s Outstanding schools.  Thirty-six per cent of the 1,145 entries sat by 136 Year 11 students were awarded a 9 or an 8, ahead of 35% last year and 29% in 2023. The gains ran deep across the year group. A massive 60% of the cohort achieved five or more subjects at 9–7, passing sixty for the first time in this period, and 95% achieved five or more passes at 9–4 including English and Mathematics, level with last year.  As a fully inclusive school, every child was entered for examinations, as in each of the previous three years.

Celine, Tala, Aekuss, Asia and Rohaan led the year group. Asia took eleven subjects and passed every one at grade 7 or above, and all nine of Rohaan’s grades came back at that level.

Celine opened her envelope with her mother, Dana, standing next to her. Nine of her ten grades came back at 8 or above, four of them 9s, including Drama and Spanish, her two favourite subjects. “I knew I would do well because I have been consistent all the way through,” she said. Dana had already settled the evening. “She has a pass tonight. She is going out with her friends.”

Tala credited the study methods she was taught in class, and named her Psychology teacher as the one who kept her going. “Mr Shakoor is my favourite. I used every technique the school gave us.” Every one of her ten subjects came back at grade 7 or above, five of them 9s. She takes Biology, Chemistry and Business into Year 12. Her mother, Sarya, said the family closed ranks whenever the pressure showed. “Whenever she felt stressed, all of us lifted her up. She has made this family very proud, so she is choosing the hotel and we are taking her to dinner.”

Aekuss was in India on results day, so his father, Mr Mandeep Lamba, opened the envelope on his behalf. All ten of his subjects came back at grade 7 or above, five of them 9s, among them Physics. Both of Aekuss’s parents are doctors, and his father was clear that this is not a family business. “I am elated. He has not decided on a career yet, and that is fine. He will choose his own path. His mother and I are doctors, and we will not push him into medicine.”

An Al-Futtaim Education Foundation school, DIS is rated Outstanding by both the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and British Schools Overseas (BSO).

Results earned the hard way

Ian Thurston, Director of Deira International School, pointed to what the year group carried with them. “These are once again outstanding academic results for students at Deira International School, setting our students up for future applications to the world’s best universities.  I am delighted by the grades achieved, especially given the upheaval and uncertainty that they faced due to the regional situation, and by the progress each student has made over and above their own potential. Behind every grade there is a story of dedication, perseverance and personal achievement.”

He added: “These results reflect our culture where high expectations are matched by strong personalised support from teachers and parents, and a belief that every student can succeed. We are incredibly proud of our students for what they have achieved academically, and for the young people they have become through the process.”
 

Character alongside grades

Emma Hannon, Acting Secondary Headteacher, praised a year group that stayed steady. “I’d like to congratulate all of our Year 11 students on their fantastic I/GCSE results. They have worked incredibly hard and shown real resilience, particularly during what has been a challenging time for our students and families given the wider geopolitical situation.  They have remained focused, positive and determined to do their very best. We are extremely proud of what they have achieved, and of the character they have shown along the way.”

Sheikh Iqbal, Assistant Head Teacher, Academic, joined DIS in the same year this group started secondary school. He spoke to the students directly. “Congratulations on your exceptional results, achieved under some of the most challenging circumstances.  These are results of which you should be immensely proud. It has been a privilege to watch your growth, resilience and determination throughout these years. I look forward to seeing you embrace the next chapter of your journey in the IB and all that lies ahead.”

Vocational learning grows

The school’s BTEC Level 2 programme carried 37 students this year, up from 11 in 2025, with entries rising to 47. BTEC Level 2 is a double award, so each entry carries two grades. A third of the 94 grades awarded came back at Distinction or Distinction*, ahead of 21% last year, and Distinction* alone reached 17%. With last year’s figures drawn from a cohort of 11 students, the school is reporting the growth of the programme rather than reading the year-on-year percentages as a trend.

1. I/GCSE Results 2023–2026

Year 11 candidates with Cambridge IGCSE, Oxford AQA and Pearson Edexcel International GCSE entries combined.

2. BTEC Level 2 Results 2025–2026

BTEC Level 2 is a double award, so each entry carries two grades. Percentages are calculated across 94 grades in 2026 and 24 in 2025.