• 63% of grades awarded at A*–A and 84% of grades awarded at A*–B
  • 31 pupils achieved a clean sweep of A* and A grades, representing 35% of entries Offers from 21 of the UK's 24 Russell Group Universities

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 13 August 2026: Brighton College Abu Dhabi is proud to celebrate another year of exceptional A-Level results, with pupils achieving impressive outcomes across a broad range of subjects and securing offers from leading universities in the UK and around the world.

Driven by pupils' individual ambition and supported by dedicated teachers and families, the Class of 2026 achieved 63% of grades at A*–A and 84% at A*–B. In 15 of the 22 A-Level subjects offered, 75% or more of grades were awarded at A–B, with standout A*–A attainment in Biology (82%), Psychology (77%) and Mathematics (76%). These results reflect both the academic breadth of the cohort and the strength of teaching across the College. The cohort also recorded strong average value-added score of 1.08 average, reflecting the significant progress pupils made throughout their time at Brighton College Abu Dhabi.

The class of 2026 has received offers from leading universities worldwide, including the London School of Economics, University College London, New York University and University of Michigan , with pupils progressing to study subjects ranging from Politics and International Relations to Civil Engineering.

Through UCAS, Brighton College Abu Dhabi's Sixth Formers applied to 55 UK universities and received offers from 49 of them, with almost every applicant securing at least one offer and more than three-quarters receiving an offer from their first-choice university. Two-thirds of all UK offers (67%) came from Russell Group universities, drawn from 21 of the 24 Russell Group institutions. The University of Manchester was the most popular destination this year, closely followed by the University of Warwick.

Beyond the UK, many pupils received offers from Canadian universities such as University of Toronto, McGill University and the University of Waterloo. Across Europe, pupils have offers from leading institutions including Bocconi, Trinity College Dublin and medical schools including Charles University in Prague. Pupils applying to the US have received acceptances from leading institutions including Penn State, George Washington University and UMass. 

Brighton College Abu Dhabi has also achieved notable success at NYU Abu Dhabi, a highly selective and globally respected institution where at least five pupils have been awarded places. 

The breadth of subjects chosen by Brighton College Abu Dhabi is equally impressive, spanning Law, Mathematics, Dentistry, Engineering, Environment Sciences, Sports and Management, Psychology and Design Management.

31 pupils achieved a clean sweep of A* and A grades, including:

Margaux Louise Renee Spitz – 4A* 1A
Aliaa Aly M Nagy ElMakhzangy – 4A*
Narain Eshaan Ayathan – 4A*
Maria Bashar Shanwar – 3A* 1A
Sangjun Jung – 3A* 1A
Alexander Louhichi – 3A* 
Margarida Rodrigues Simiao – 3A*
Max Samuel Williams – 3A*
Nyle Ali Wahla – 3A*
Sara Barbieri – 3A*

Barney Durrant, Head Master of Brighton College Abu Dhabi, said: "Our pupils have done exceptionally well, in the face of significant adversity, and it is testament to their resilience, flexibility and commitment that they have secured such excellent grades. We are all very proud of them - not just for the grades they have achieved, but for the skills they have developed in doing so, and there is no doubt that these achievements will give them greater confidence in the future. Our excellent results are also indicative of an incredibly committed teaching staff and the strong support of our parents - and we are very grateful for both."

 

Nick Crafts, Head of Senior School at Brighton College Abu Dhabi, added: "I am absolutely delighted for our Sixth Form pupils. To achieve results of this calibre is an outstanding accomplishment in any year, but to do so amidst the challenging and unprecedented circumstances surrounding this examination series makes their achievements particularly special.

Our pupils have demonstrated the Confidence to respond positively to circumstances beyond their control, the Curiosity and intellectual ambition to strive for the best outcomes, and the Kindness and strength of community to support one another.

Following the cancellation of external examinations, I would also like to thank our teaching and support staff for their exceptional professionalism and dedication throughout the Portfolio of Evidence process, and our parents and guardians for their unwavering encouragement. We could not be prouder of our pupils and wish them every success in their next chapter."

This year's results come following an exceptional examination cycle across the UAE, during which alternative assessment arrangements were implemented through a Portfolio of Evidence process. Grades were awarded using a broad range of evidence gathered throughout pupils' courses, reflecting the sustained effort, achievement and progress demonstrated over the course of their Sixth Form studies.