Fortes Education Celebrates Outstanding 2026 Exam Results

Fortes Education has announced an exceptional set of 2026 examination results across its two flagship schools, Sunmarke School and Regent International School. Students at both institutions recorded strong outcomes in GCSE, A-level, BTEC and IB programmes, reinforcing the group’s reputation for academic excellence in the UAE.

At Sunmarke School, 67 per cent of all GCSE grades were awarded at 9-7 (equivalent to A*-A). Nearly half of all entries (46 per cent) achieved grades 9-8, while 24 per cent of entries secured the highest possible grade 9. Overall, 86 per cent of grades fell within the 9-6 range and an impressive 99 per cent were graded 9-4. In addition, 97 per cent of students achieved five or more grades at 9-4, including English and Mathematics.

Core subjects delivered particularly strong performances. In Mathematics, 82 per cent of students achieved grades 9-7, with one-third of entries awarded grade 9. Science results were equally robust: 85 per cent of Biology grades, 90 per cent of Chemistry grades and 93 per cent of Physics grades were at 9-7. One student achieved an extraordinary clean sweep of 11 grade 9s across every subject taken.

Senior pathway results maintained the same high standard. Sunmarke recorded a 100 per cent pass rate in both A-level and BTEC qualifications. Eighty-five per cent of all A-level and BTEC grades were A*–B, placing the school in Dubai’s Outstanding category. Sixty per cent of A-level results were graded A*–A, while 79 per cent of BTEC grades were Distinction or Distinction*.

The school’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, released earlier in the summer, also produced excellent outcomes. Students achieved an average of 36.4 points, well above the global average, with 67 per cent scoring 35 points or higher. Graduates secured places at leading universities worldwide.

Mr Nicholas Rickford, Principal of Sunmarke School, attributed the results to sustained commitment across the school community. “Seeing such excellent academic results is a testament to the long-term journey our students make from early years through secondary school. Achieving this level of success amidst the widespread disruption to learning across the Middle East highlights the true determination of our school community. We remain deeply committed to excellence at every grade level, ensuring our students are thoroughly prepared to thrive in the next chapter of their education.”

Regent International School also posted outstanding results. At GCSE, the school achieved a 100 per cent pass rate, with 93 per cent of entries graded 9–4 (A*–C), 74 per cent graded 9–6 (A*–B) and 55 per cent graded 9–7 (A*–A). At A-level, the overall pass rate reached 99 per cent. Ninety-seven per cent of grades were A*–C and 82 per cent were A*–B. Students recorded 100 per cent A–B grades in Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Economics and Product Design.

Three students in the 2026 A-level cohort achieved particularly exceptional individual results, reflecting sustained hard work and commitment throughout Sixth Form.

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Mr David Williams, Principal of Regent International School, praised the cohort’s character as much as their grades. “Today is a really special moment for our students and the whole Regent community. Behind every one of these results is a story of hard work, ambition and students who continued to believe in what they could achieve, even when they were challenged along the way. I could not be prouder of this group. They have approached their studies with maturity and determination, supported every step of the way by exceptional teachers and families who have encouraged and believed in them.

While we are delighted to celebrate such excellent academic outcomes, what makes me most proud is the young people our students have become. They leave Year 11 ready for what comes next – confident in themselves, ambitious for their futures and excited about the opportunities ahead. For many, that next chapter will be here with us in Sixth Form, and I cannot wait to see what they achieve next.”

The results at both schools reflect Fortes Education’s long-standing emphasis on academic excellence combined with Positive Education, student wellbeing and holistic development. The group’s approach integrates expert teaching, personalised guidance and a deliberate focus on resilience and character. This model aims to prepare students not only for university entry but for the broader challenges of higher education and future careers.

Fortes Education, founded more than 40 years ago by Mrs Shakuntala Mankani, operates Sunmarke School, Regent International School and the Jumeirah International Nursery network. With a team of over 900 educators, the organisation positions itself as a provider of world-class, values-based education. Regent International School offers an enriched British curriculum that balances academic achievement with personal growth. Sunmarke School is recognised for its ambitious, values-driven programmes that consistently secure places at leading universities. Jumeirah International Nursery, with nine branches across the UAE, focuses on early years excellence.

Positive Education remains the cornerstone of the group’s philosophy. The approach blends Positive Psychology with high-quality teaching practices to help students, schools and communities flourish. School leaders credit this framework with supporting students through periods of regional disruption while maintaining high academic standards.

The 2026 results arrive at a time when families in Dubai continue to seek schools that deliver both strong examination outcomes and broader personal development. By recording high proportions of top grades across GCSE, A-level, BTEC and IB pathways, Sunmarke and Regent International demonstrate the effectiveness of Fortes Education’s dual focus on rigorous academics and student wellbeing.

As the new academic year approaches, both schools will build on this year’s achievements. Students progressing into Sixth Form or university will carry forward the habits of determination and resilience highlighted by their principals. For Fortes Education, the results serve as further evidence that its model of Positive Education continues to produce strong outcomes in one of the region’s most competitive education markets.

The group remains committed to maintaining high standards across all year groups and to preparing students for the next stage of their educational journey with confidence and ambition.