Dubai, Thursday 21/08/2025 – Deira International School, currently celebrating 20 years since its founding, has marked the milestone with a set of GCSE results that place the Class of 2025 among the school’s strongest cohorts to date.
Rated Outstanding by both the KHDA and BSO, and managed by the Al Futtaim Education Foundation, DIS continues to affirm its reputation as one of Dubai’s leading schools.
Benchmark pass level
An excellent 35% of all exam entries were awarded the top grade of A*/9–8, reflecting the quality of teaching and learning across the school. More than half of all entries, 56%, were graded at A*–A / 9–7, while 78% reached at least A*–B / 9–6.
At the benchmark pass level, 96% of entries achieved A–C / 9–4, ensuring that students leave Year 11 well prepared for the next stage of study. Collectively, the results demonstrate not just high attainment but consistency across the year group, with 95% of students achieving five or more A–C (9–4) grades including English and Mathematics.
With a full cohort of 126 students entered this year, the outcomes speak for themselves:
- 35% of entries awarded the very top A*/9–8 grades
- 56% achieved A*/A / 9–7
- 78% secured A*–B / 9–6
- 96% reached A–C / 9–4
- 95% of students achieved five or more passes including English and Mathematics
Alongside these results came notable individual success stories. Among the top performers were students Vivaan and Adnan, who each achieved 11 A*s, while Arav and Sophia both secured 10 A*s. This year also saw a record number of students achieving 10 or more A* grades, and one student achieved a perfect 100% in Mathematics.
Sustained hard work
Simon O’Connor, Director of DIS, who is also the CEO of Al-Futtaim School Management Company, praised the Class of 2025 for what he described as a collective triumph of effort, resilience, and support.
“These results reflect the dedication of our young people, supported so ably by their teachers and families. While the headlines highlight the very top outcomes, every grade represents a personal achievement. Each student has faced challenges and shown real commitment to their learning, and every one of them should be proud.”
He added that success on this scale is always the result of time and effort: “It comes from sustained hard work by students, the care and skill of our staff, and the encouragement of families. Together, these elements have created outcomes that will allow every member of this cohort to move forward with confidence. I wish them all my congratulations.”
It was an emotional morning for student Vivaan, who walked into the results hall with his mother Neha and walked out with 11 A*s. Looking ahead, he hopes to pursue a path in finance or software engineering.
“I kept a steady routine and pushed myself to improve. Having my family by my side made all the difference.”
For Arav, the celebration was shared with his mother Vidya, who hugged him tightly as they connected with relatives across the world via video phone, to share the news of his 10 A*s. Arav is keen to build on these results by preparing for a career in either finance or engineering.
“Consistency was my key, revising a little every day. These results give me confidence for Sixth Form and beyond. I thank my mum and family for their support.”
Similarly, Sophia, who also achieved 10 A*s, was especially proud of her Science marks as she sets her sights on becoming a Botanist.
“I studied hard and stayed consistent in the two months before exams. My Science grades mean a lot as I want to be a Botanist. I’m grateful to my parents, my biggest cheerleaders.”
Maturity and resilience
Sheikh Iqbal, Assistant Head (Academics), described the results as both well-deserved and hard-earned.
“Our Year 11 students, the Class of 2025, have achieved results that reflect their determination and perseverance. Throughout their journey they have embraced challenges, showing academic strength alongside maturity and resilience.”
Drawing on his experience teaching Mathematics to the year group, he added: “To watch them grow as Mathematicians has been a privilege. Their grades reflect the effort they have invested, and it has been inspiring to see their progress. As they now step into their IB studies, we look forward with pride to all that they will accomplish.”
Encouragement of families
Doug Pettitt, Head of Secondary, highlighted the commitment behind the statistics.
“Behind every number lies a story of persistence and steady effort. At Deira International School, our students have shown that consistent hard work pays off, and today we are proud to celebrate their GCSE results.”
He noted that the achievements also reflect the wider school community: “These results came through early mornings, late nights, and challenges overcome. They show that success is built over time, supported by skilled teaching and the encouragement of families.”
“Together, this has created an environment where young people can do their best. Their journey continues as we welcome most back into their IB programmes, ready to take on new challenges and write the next chapter of their success,” Mr Pettitt added.
Exam Results
| I/GCSE results | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Name of School | Deira International School | ||
| No. of students in I/GCSE level cohort: | 126 | 117 | 118 |
| % of cohort entered for I/GCSE exams | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| No. of exam entries | 1110 | 930 | 1000 |
| % of exam entries graded A*/9-8 | 35% | 31% | 29% |
| % of exam entries graded A*-A /9-7 | 56% | 53% | 57% |
| % of exam entries graded A*-B /9-6 | 78% | 75% | 79% |
| % of exam entries graded A*-C /9-4 | 96% | 94% | 94% |
| % of students achieving 5 A*-C/ 9-4 including English and Maths | 95% | 91% | 89% |
| Overall student pass rate A*-C (9-4) | 96% | 98% | 90% |
| % Students with 3 or more I/GCSE subjects at A or higher | 67% | 62% | 65% |
| % Students with 5 or more I/GCSE subjects at A or higher | 59% | 48% | 53% |
| % Students with 8 or more I/GCSE subjects at A or higher | 30% | 22% | 32% |
| Highest number of grades by individual students | 11A* | 10A* | 10A* and A |