If you’re a parent in the Middle East with a child sitting IGCSE, International A-Level, or IB exams this year, you’re likely grappling with the same urgent questions: Will exams go ahead despite the geopolitical situation? If they do—how will they run? If they don’t—how will my child receive their results?

This guide brings together the latest information from Cambridge International, Pearson Edexcel, and the International Baccalaureate (IB), plus what we know from past disruptions such as COVID-19 and regional conflicts. Our aim is to give you clarity, reassurance, and clear next steps.

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At a Glance: What the Exam Boards Are Saying (as of March 2025)

Exam Board	Will Exams Go Ahead?	Key Adjustments	If Exams Can’t Run
Cambridge International	Planning for exams; monitoring	10-day extension for coursework deadlines in affected areas	Special consideration, portfolio of evidence
Pearson Edexcel	Proceeding on basis exams will go ahead	Support for entry deadlines, NEA extensions, moderation alternatives	Contingency processes (e.g. portfolio of evidence)
IB	Reviewing implications; no final decision yet	Coursework deadline extended (March → April) for 12 Middle East countries	Deferral, transfer to another school, full refund

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Cambridge International (IGCSE & International A-Level)

Current Stance

Cambridge International has extended coursework submission deadlines by 10 calendar days for schools in the Middle East affected by conflict. For example, coursework marks and samples for the June series that were due in late April are now due in early May for eligible schools.

Cambridge has also asked schools to familiarise themselves with contingency measures, including:

• Special consideration – for students who were present but disadvantaged, or who missed a component for acceptable reasons
• Portfolio of evidence – an alternative assessment when exams cannot be held

If Exams Are Cancelled: What Happened Before

COVID-19 (2020): Cambridge cancelled all May–June 2020 exams globally. Students received grades based on their acquired knowledge and skills, using evidence from schools.

Saudi Arabia & Qatar (2021): Cambridge cancelled IGCSE and International A-level exams for June 2021. Students received school-assessed grades instead. The UAE had already cancelled exams that week by order of the Ministry of Education.

What This Means for Your Child

If exams cannot go ahead, Cambridge has established processes to award grades without exams. Schools work with Cambridge to submit evidence (e.g. mock exams, coursework, class performance) so students still receive qualifications.

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Pearson Edexcel (International GCSE & International A-Level)

Current Stance

Pearson has stated it is proceeding on the basis that exams will go ahead as planned. If circumstances make that impossible, it has long-standing contingency processes ready.

Key support already in place:

• Exam entries: Schools should continue entries as normal. If the 21 March entry deadline is at risk, schools should contact their Regional Development Manager or Pearson support immediately.
• Non-examined assessments (NEAs): If school closures affect marking, standardisation, or speaking exams, Pearson asks schools to contact them early for guidance.
• Moderation: Moderation visits may move online where necessary.
• Transfers: Students who move to another country can be transferred to another centre to sit exams.

If Exams Cannot Run

Pearson’s International Contingency guidance (used in situations such as warfare or civil unrest) allows eligible centres to use portfolio of evidence as an alternative when traditional exams are not possible. Special consideration is also available where students sat at least one component but were disadvantaged.

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International Baccalaureate (IB)

Current Stance

The IB has recognised the challenges affecting schools across the Middle East and has:

• Extended the coursework deadline from 15 March to 15 April for schools in 12 countries: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
• Offered students several options:
  • Transfer registration to another IB World School
  • Defer May examinations to a later session at no extra cost
  • Withdraw from the May session with a full refund

The IB has also made Inclusive Access Arrangements and its Adverse Circumstances policy available for students affected by serious, unforeseen events during assessment. The IB continues to review what the current situation may mean for broader exam arrangements.

If Exams Are Disrupted

The IB has clear options for students who cannot sit exams as planned: deferral, transfer, or withdrawal with a refund. These give families flexibility without losing the chance to complete the programme later.

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What Happened During COVID-19: Lessons for Parents

During COVID-19, exam boards worldwide had to cancel exams and award grades differently. The following patterns emerged:

How Grades Were Awarded Without Exams

1. School/teacher-assessed grades – Schools submitted grades based on evidence such as:

   • Mock exams
   • Class tests and assignments
   • Non-exam assessments
   • Teacher judgment of expected performance

2. Quality assurance – Exam boards reviewed school policies, grade profiles, and samples of work to ensure consistency.

3. Results timing – In many cases, results were still released on or close to the original scheduled dates.

4. Appeals and retakes – Students could appeal grades or sit autumn/winter exams in some systems.

Relevance for the Middle East Now

Exam boards already have proven ways to award qualifications when exams cannot be held. They have used portfolio of evidence, school-assessed grades, and special consideration in the past, so there is precedent for awarding valid grades even in difficult circumstances. Tutopiya supported thousands of students through the COVID-19 disruptions with online tutoring, revision resources, and continuity of learning—and we’re here to support Middle East families in the same way.

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How Will My Child Receive Results If Exams Are Cancelled?

Based on precedent and current guidance:

1. School-assessed grades – Your child’s school will submit grades and supporting evidence to the exam board. Evidence may include mock exams, coursework, and class performance.
2. Portfolio of evidence – Some boards (e.g. Cambridge, Pearson) can use a portfolio of work instead of formal exams when this is approved.
3. Special consideration – If your child sat some components but missed others for acceptable reasons, the board may adjust grades accordingly.
4. Results and certificates – You should still receive results. Physical certificates may be delayed; boards can usually provide proof of qualification directly to universities or colleges if needed for applications.

Important: Keep records of mock exams, coursework, and any work completed under supervised conditions. Schools may need these if alternative assessment is used.

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Timelines: When Might We Hear More?

Exam boards generally make decisions and communicate through schools. Approximate timelines (these can change):

Milestone	Typical Timing
Coursework / NEA deadlines	March–April (some extended for Middle East)
Final decisions on exam format	Often 4–8 weeks before exam start, but can be sooner if needed
May/June exam period	Usually May–June
Results release	Typically July–August
Autumn/winter series	Available if students need to retake or sit deferred exams

Practical advice: Your child’s school is the main channel for official updates. Schools receive direct communication from exam boards. Ask the school how and when they will share any changes.

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Channels Parents Should Monitor

1. Your Child’s School (Primary Source)

Exam boards communicate mainly with exam officers and school leadership. The school will:

• Share deadlines and format changes
• Explain contingency arrangements if exams cannot run
• Tell you how to access results

Action: Stay in contact with your child’s school and attend any parent briefings on exams and results.

2. Official Exam Board Resources

Board	Resource	What to Check
Cambridge International	cambridgeinternational.org/news	News and updates (updated twice yearly, with ad-hoc updates as needed)
Cambridge International	Candidates and families	General information for students and parents
Pearson Edexcel	Support for centres – Middle East conflict	Dedicated page for centres affected by Middle East conflict
IB	ibo.org/news	Assessment updates and announcements

3. Local Education Authorities

In some countries (e.g. UAE), the Ministry of Education has previously made decisions about exam cancellations. Check your country’s Ministry of Education or equivalent for national guidance.

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What You Can Do Right Now

1. Stay in touch with the school – Confirm how and when they will share exam board updates.
2. Keep evidence of your child’s work – Mock exams, coursework, and supervised assessments may be needed for alternative grading.
3. Check official board pages – Bookmark the Cambridge news page, Pearson Middle East support page, and IB news page for occasional checks.
4. Support your child’s learning – Even with uncertainty, continuing revision and coursework puts them in the best position whether exams go ahead or not. Tutopiya offers online tutoring, online schooling, and the world’s largest IGCSE and A-Level online resources bank—so your child can keep preparing no matter what happens.
5. Explore flexibility – If your child is with the IB, ask the school about deferral, transfer, or refund options if that would help your family.

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Summary: Key Takeaways

• Exams are currently planned by Cambridge and Pearson, with the IB still reviewing broader implications.
• Adjustments are in place – extended coursework deadlines, special consideration, and contingency processes.
• If exams cannot run, boards have used school-assessed grades and portfolio of evidence before; they have procedures to award valid qualifications.
• Your child’s school is your main source of official updates, deadlines, and next steps.
• Monitor official board websites for announcements, and keep records of your child’s assessed work.

We will continue to monitor exam board updates and will revise this guide as new information becomes available. Tutopiya can assist with online tutoring, online schooling services, and access to the world’s largest IGCSE and A-Level online resources bank. We also have a partnership with the British Council for seamless IGCSE and A-Level exam registration at centres globally—so if your child needs to sit exams in a different country, we can help streamline the process. Explore Tutopiya’s programmes.

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Last updated: March 2025. Exam board guidance can change. Always confirm details with your child’s school and the relevant exam board’s official communications.

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