Cranleigh Abu Dhabi Class of 2026 Marks Strongest A Level Results toDate with Emirati Pupils Among the Top Performers.
32% of entries awarded A* and 89% A*–B, with an overall pass rate of 100%
A* grades more than doubled over three years, rising from 13% of entries in 2024 to 32% in
2026
Two Emirati pupils recognised among the top performers, reflecting UAE National achievement within internationally benchmarked academic pathways
Abu Dhabi(News Desk):: – Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, established in partnership with Aldar Education, has recorded its strongest A Level performance results to date, with almost two-thirds of examination entries achieving A* grades and the Class of 2026 securing a 100% overall pass rate across 310 examination entries.
Across the cohort, 32% of examination entries achieved the highest A* grade, compared with 22% in
2025 and 13% in 2024. A further 65% of entries were awarded A*–A, representing a 13% increase year-on-year and a 23 % increase since 2024. Overall, 89% of entries achieved A*–B grades.
The outstanding results have opened doors to students at some of the worlds leading universities
in the UAE, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, South Africa and Hong Kong.
Among the most popular destinations for this year’s cohort are Imperial College London, University
College London, the London School of Economics, Durham University, King’s College London, the
University of Saint Andrews, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Toronto, McMaster University, Brown University, New York University, MBZUAI, NYU Abu Dhabi, the University of Manchester and IE University.
The breadth of these destinations reflects the varied academic interests and ambitions of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi pupils, spanning disciplines including medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence, mathematics, science, economics, management, politics, architecture and the creative industries.
Emirati pupils were also among this year’s leading performers, an achievement that reflects the growing strength of UAE National talent within rigorous international pathways and Cranleigh Abu Dhabi’s commitment to developing young Emiratis with the academic foundations, confidence and leadership capabilities to contribute to the UAE’s future.
Standout achievers included, Parijat Bhattacharyya, who attained 5 A*s in Chemistry, Maths, Further
Maths, and Physics, and will study Physics at Imperial College London, Tan Giai Tuyen, who also attained 5A*s in Biology, Chemistry Maths, Physics and EPQ, and will study Medicine at Cardiff University, Charlotte Holden who scored 4 A*s in History, French, Politics & EPQ and will specialize in
Politics and International relations at St Andrews University; Hamza O’Brien who achieved 4 A*s in
Biology, History, French and Mathematics and an A in EPQ, and will study Mathematics and History
at Brown University in the United States; Deema Al Athba who scored 4 A*s in Chemistry, Maths,
Further Maths, EPQ and will study Mechanical Engineering at NYUAD. Ama Mensah who achieved
3As in Economics, Mathematics and Further Mathematics and will study Mathematics at the University of Manchester. Millie Matheron who secured 3A*s in Economics, Mathematics and EPQ and will progress to the London School of Economics to study Management. Mohammed Al Nahyan who secured 2A*s in Maths and Economics and a Distinction in BTEC Entrepreneurship and will study at New York University. Elyazya Almarzooqi who achieved 3As in Business Studies, Geography and EPQ, alongside a Distinction* in BTEC Entrepreneurship and plans to pursue Economics and Politics at the University of Toronto.
Sarah Matthews, Principal of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, said: “At Cranleigh, we are boldly ambitious for our students in every sense as they develop the knowledge, skills and habits of mind that ensure they are ready to thrive beyond our gates and become worthy leaders in any field they choose.
Today we celebrate their phenomenal success and are incredibly proud of the excellent results
achieved, which are a just reward for the hard work they have committed to their studies, alongside
the dedicated efforts of their teachers and the careful support of their parents.”
Damien Ward, Head of School and Head of Senior School at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, said: “Our A Level students have achieved a truly exceptional set of results, reflecting not only their academic ability but also the consistent hard work and determination they have shown over the past two years as they completed their modular courses. What makes this cohort particularly special is that their success extends far beyond the classroom. Alongside their academic achievements, they have excelled in sport, launched their own businesses, served as outstanding ambassadors for the school, and made meaningful contributions to our wider community.”
Reflecting on her achievement, Elyazya Almarzooqi, Head of school Majlis and an active leader within the school community said: “Cranleigh has taught me that success is not just about the results you achieve, but also about the person you become along the way. The support of my teachers and the opportunities I’ve had to contribute to the school community have given me the confidence to aim higher than I ever thought I could.”
Millie Matheron said: “My results came from maintaining a balanced approach, combining a strong focus on my studies with sport and life outside of academics. Cranleigh provided a supportive and enriching environment that encouraged me to make the most of every opportunity.
I look forward to studying Management at LSE, with interests in strategy and finance and aspirations for a career in corporate leadership.”
The results come as Cranleigh Abu Dhabi prepares for its next phase of growth. In June of this year,
Aldar Education announced an AED 385.8 million investment in a new purpose-built Prep and Senior campus on Saadiyat Island, scheduled to open during the 2027–2028 academic year. With capacity for up to 2,178 pupils, the new campus will significantly expand specialist academic, Sixth Form, sporting and creative provision while preserving the personalised educational experience for which Cranleigh is known.
Rated Outstanding by both ADEK and British Schools Overseas, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi draws on more
than 160 years of educational heritage from Cranleigh School in the UK. Its philosophy of Thinking,
Being and Giving combines academic ambition with opportunities across sport, music, drama, the arts and service, supported by a strong House system and personalised pastoral care.- END-
www.aldareducation.com
