Conflict in the Middle East: Examination Disruption
Ongoing Conflict
Disruptions to assessments and examinations
Last updated 23 April 2026
We understand that the ongoing conflict in parts of the Middle East may be disrupting schooling and examinations for some applicants. We appreciate that this uncertainty can be challenging, especially during a period when exams and assessments are a key priority. Please be assured that we are aware of these difficulties and remain committed to reviewing all applications fairly and thoughtfully.
We also recognise that exam arrangements differ between countries, schools, and examination boards, and that some applicants may still be able to sit their exams as planned.
This page sets out the information we have received from examination boards so far and explains our approach to the different arrangements that may be in place. We will update this page as further information is received from examination boards.
Where examinations cannot proceed as planned, Cambridge International will be using their established contingency measure of the portfolio of evidence route to award grades.
Currently they have confirmed this approach for candidates in;
Bahrain
Kuwait
Qatar
United Arab Emirates.
We will be recognising grades awarded through this portfolio of evidence route for IGCSEs, Cambridge O Levels and Cambridge International AS & A Levels to meet conditions of an offer.
For applicants taking the International Baccalaureate, we can confirm that we will accept grades awarded through the IB鈥檚 Non-Exam Contingency Measures (NECM) in order to meet the conditions of an offer.
Where applicants have been unable to sit all examinations and are issued with an IB 鈥楲etter of Support鈥�, we will endeavour, where possible, to consider this in lieu of a full IB result following a holistic review of the application. As part of this review, we may take into account factors such as:
the availability of places on the chosen course
the applicant鈥檚 overall academic profile, including any previously achieved qualifications
any other relevant extenuating circumstances of which we are aware
Please note applicants will still be required to meet our English Language requirements where this is a condition of offer. Please see our English Language webpage for further information on the qualifications we accept.
Grades awarded through Pearson鈥檚 contingency grading arrangements for International A Levels and GCSEs will be accepted in order to meet the conditions of an offer.
This includes grades determined through enhanced grading based on existing assessed components, or through Pearson鈥檚 International Contingency Grading process where portfolios of evidence are used.
Where applicants have been switched from an Ofqual鈥憆egulated Pearson GCSE or A Level to the Pearson International GCSE or International A Level equivalent as an exceptional contingency arrangement, the University of 糖心TV will accept these qualifications for entry.
We will also accept grades awarded under JCQ special consideration arrangements for Ofqual鈥憆egulated Pearson GCSEs and A Levels, where certification has been made possible using eligible assessed evidence.
Applicants studying with other examination boards may also experience disruption. We are monitoring developments and announcements from examination boards closely and will update this page with further guidance on our approach as information becomes available.
Applicants do not need to notify us of their examination board's assessment arrangements. These are considered centrally as part of our admissions processes.
Extenuating Circumstances Form
Applicants who firmly accept their offer, will be contacted in June and given the opportunity to complete our Extenuating Circumstances Form B.
This form is intended to allow applicants to provide information about specific personal circumstances that may have affected their performance in final examinations or assessments. It should not be used to report general examination board arrangements or wider disruption, which are covered on this page.
If examinations or assessments are affected as a result of general disruption, no immediate action is required.
