Record IB results crown Deira International School’s 20th anniversary year
The Class of 2026 delivered a 100% pass rate across both programmes, an average of 35.7 points, well above the global average, and the school’s largest ever IB Diploma cohort of 82 students…
Twenty years after opening its doors in Dubai Festival City, Deira International School (DIS) has marked its anniversary in fitting style: its largest ever International Baccalaureate cohort has produced its strongest results in four years.
All 82 students registered for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) passed, achieving a 100% pass rate for the second consecutive year with a cohort larger than any before it. The average score climbed to 35.7 points, up from 34.5 last year and well above the global average. Three students, Tiziri, Mohsin and Hussain, each achieved 44 points, one point short of the maximum possible score of 45. Rated Outstanding The depth of achievement is just as striking. 60% of the cohort scored 35 points or more, up from 49% last year, and 98% reached 30 points or more. The average grade across all subjects rose to 5.7, with over 90% of all Diploma grades at 5 or above and nearly 60% at 6 or above. |  |
 | The school’s International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) matched that success. All 18 IBCP candidates passed, continuing the programme’s 100% pass record, with an average BTEC grade of Distinction*Distinction and half the cohort achieving Distinction* across the Level 3 diploma pathways in Business, Sport, and Travel and Tourism. Every member of the IBCP cohort has secured a place at their chosen university. |
 | Exceptional academic results Ian Thurston, Director of Deira International School, welcomed a landmark set of results. “We are delighted to see DIS IB Diploma students achieving exceptional academic results once again, setting new school records in the process for academic achievement, university offers and scholarships. It is a wonderful privilege to be part of a tight-knit, international community that supports students into top universities around the world, whilst developing life skills and strong character.” |
Helen Wallis, the Acting Secondary Deputy Head, praised a cohort that earned its results the hard way. “As a cohort, they have navigated an exceptional and often challenging period, facing uncertainties and obstacles with maturity, perseverance, and strength of character. With 60% of students achieving 35 points or more, these results are a remarkable testament to the dedication of our students, the unwavering support of our teachers, and the encouragement of families and the wider school community.”
IB culture at DIS
Emma Hannon, the Acting Head of Secondary, highlighted the breadth of the achievement. “With a 100% pass rate across both the IBDP and IBCP, an impressive average point score of 35.7 at IBDP, and our largest ever IB cohort, this year's achievements are truly exceptional. These results not only reflect academic excellence but also the strength of our IB culture at DIS.” |  |
 | Kimberley Aurakzai, the school’s Head of IBCP and Vocational Learning, celebrated her students' progression. “These results represent far more than academic success. They reflect the value of vocational education in developing both subject knowledge and the practical, transferable skills that prepare students for higher education and future careers. I am incredibly proud to share that every member of this year’s IBCP cohort has secured a place at their chosen university.” |
1. International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) Results 2024-2026
| IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME results | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | |
| Name of School | Deira International School | |||
| No. of candidates registered in the session | 60 59 Passed | 76 76 passed | 82 82 Passed | |
| No. of subject entries in the session | 420 | 455 | 492 | |
| No. of candidates who passed the Diploma | 98% | 100% | 100% | |
| Average points obtained by candidates who passed the Diploma | 33.7 | 34.5 | 35.7 | |
% of candidates who achieved 40+ points | 14% | 13% | 16% | ||
% of candidates who achieved 35+ points | 44% | 49% | 60% | ||
% of candidates who achieved 30+ points | 75% | 87% | 98% | ||
Highest Diploma points awarded to a candidate | 45 (1) | 44 (1) | 44 (3) | ||
Average grade obtained at the school by candidates who passed the Diploma | 5.3 | 5.5 | 5.7 | ||
Total number of candidates excluded from the statistics | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
2. International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Results 2024-2026
IB CAREER-RELATED PROGRAMME Results | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
No. of candidates registered in the session | 6 | 11 | 18 |
Overall pass rate | 100% | 100% | 100% |
No. of BTEC/technical Level 3 entries | 6 | 11 | 18 |
Name of BTEC/technical Level 3 option(s) | Level 3 diploma in Business, Travel and Tourism | Level 3 diploma in Business, Sport and Travel and Tourism | Level 3 diploma in Business, Sport and Travel and Tourism |
Highest BTEC Score* | D*D* | D*D* | D*D* |
Average BTEC score (Letters plus *)* | D*D | DD | D*D |
% Distinction* | 58% | 32% | 50% |
% Distinction | 34% | 27% | 33% |
% Merit | 8% | 23% | 17% |
% Pass | 0% | 18% | 0% |
% Unclassified | NA | NA | NA |
Highest IB Subjects score | 6 | 7 | 6 |
Average IB Subjects score | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.6 |
Overall highest score for IB CP* | 15 | 19 | 22 |
*where available