Outstanding Exam Results for Cranleigh Abu Dhabi

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi’s GCSE pupils performed exceptionally well despite the disruptions of COVID -19, with 32% grade 9, 53% grades 8 and 9, 72% 7 – 9 and 86% 6 - 9. 

Tim McConnell-Wood, Headmaster of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, congratulated the students and remarked on their acquisition of life skills, and hard work pays off.  He said “Given the circumstances that they faced through the last two years, we are absolutely thrilled with IGCSE results achieved by our Cranleighans. They are a remarkable group of young men and women and the skills they have gained, in particular, resilience and independence, will stand them in excellent stead as they embark on the next stage of their education and beyond.

I would highlight not just the top scholars but also the many students for whom academic study does not come so easy.  Many of our students achieved significantly beyond expectations and I offer them my warm congratulations.  Recognition should also go to their teachers who have also gone above and beyond to support our students and constructed their pathway to success.”

Although the pandemic disrupted the GCSE journey for this cohort,  the success reflects Cranleigh Abu Dhabi’s commitment to a holistic approach to education.  The value placed on  confidence, creativity, and collaboration is equally as important as academic success. 

Damien Ward, Vice Principal, Academic remarked: “Huge congratulations to all students who completed GCSEs this summer. The results are impressive but do not tell the whole story. In normal times the two years leading up to GCSEs are stressful for students.  Students across the world have been unable to do the things that help manage this stress such as participate in sports, after school activities and socialise with friends. Finding healthy replacements for these activities has been a challenge. I would encourage all students, regardless of their results, to reflect on the resilience developed and use this positively moving forward.” 

Upon receiving seven straight 9 grades, Manuela Y was thrilled with very impressive results. She is proud of her efforts in her revision process. “After receiving my results, I am most proud to see that all of the effort and time I invested into my revision paid off. In sixth form I plan on studying economics, psychology and maths in order to help pursue my dream career in marketing. I would also like to take the time to thank all my teachers and my parents who supported me along this stressful but gratifying process.” 

Delighted student Isabella G gained a phenomenal eight straight 9 grades.  She said her strong results would not have been possible without such robust support. Isabella commented “I am pleased with my results as they will help me to continue my desired studies which will then set me up for the start of my journey in the Royal Navy. I would like to thank all my teachers but especially my English teachers for the help and support they gave me. The care and guidance from my teachers impacted both my dedication and learning to be able to achieve these grades.”

Arta M received incredible results with seven grade 9s and two grade 8s. “During the course of my GCSEs, I have discovered the most impactful revision techniques for myself and I was able to develop on these techniques. This and the addition of hard work is how I was able to achieve these high grades. On top of that, I really could not have done this without the aid and support of each of my Cranleigh teachers who were available for me whenever I needed them. I’m very excited to start my new journey, as I’m heading into sixth form aspiring to take: Economics, Psychology and Maths. 

Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude and thank Cranleigh Abu Dhabi for providing top class education as well as Mr Stenner for being an amazing Tutor and of course all my teachers, especially Ms. Washbrook, Mrs. Groves and Ms. Dale.”

The impressive GCSE results also mirror the brilliant performances of A Level students who received their grades last week with nearly 50% of all grades in the A*- A category. The thrilled Cranleigh Community are delighted with the performance of their Sixth Formers with a record-breaking 48% A*A grade, 71% A* A B and 90% A*A B C. The overall pass rate was 100%. Students also performed brilliantly in their BTEC exams with a 75% Distinction.  

Cambridge Calling

Cranleigh’s talented students have all been awarded their first-choice university offers at top destinations worldwide. These include Cambridge University, University of Edinburgh, SOAS University of London, University of Warwick, UCLA, Pratt Institute New York, and the University of Amsterdam across a wide range of subjects including Law, Medical Sciences, Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science, Architectural Engineering, Economics and International Business, Fashion Design and Innovation.

Student Anabelle Hewartson was awarded an A* A A plus A* EPQ to secure her place at Cambridge University to study Law. She said, “The feeling of getting to study Law at Cambridge is indescribable. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m eternally grateful to all who supported me and look forward to joining my sister, also a Cranleighan, there soon.”

There have been several brilliant individual performances this year. Maximilien Glendinning achieved A* A* A A, Hisham Dimashkieh gained A* A A B and Chantelle Freeman achieved A*A* A.  

Headmaster, Tim McConnell-Wood, said, “This year’s cohort has displayed the resilience and fortitude of much older students in dealing with the disruption to their Sixth Form Education. Their results reflect their dedication and willingness to adapt, and we could not be prouder of their achievements. Students showed a genuine willingness to support each other throughout their A Level journey, which led to an upward spiral of academic excellence. I applaud their accomplishments wholeheartedly.”

After a complex and uncertain two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was the first year since 2019 that students could sit in-person exams. The success reflects Cranleigh Abu Dhabi’s exceptional personalised learning environment that supports and motivates every pupil. 

Head of Senior, Damien Ward, commented, “We are extremely proud of all students who have completed exams this summer. The grades achieved, whilst excellent, only tell part of the picture. The Class of 2022 were instrumental in helping to transition to normality. Their daily routines were constantly disrupted, but they demonstrated resilience and humility in their approach. Moreover, they acted as role models to the rest of the school. No grade can reflect this, but these qualities will stay with them and potentially be more useful in the future.” 

This year’s A Level results continue to demonstrate the momentum of the Cranleigh Sixth Form which opened in 2016 and has since more than doubled in numbers. It offers university-style teaching, enriching work placements and leadership programmes. Emphasis is placed on critical life skills, citizenship, and governance for successful and fulfilling futures beyond school.

ENDS

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About Cranleigh Abu Dhabi

Opened in September 2014, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is the sister school to the prestigious Cranleigh School in Surrey, UK. The two schools share the same family-based community ethos and an educational philosophy that focuses on the whole child. Based in Abu Dhabi's Cultural District on Saadiyat Island, the school offers a British international curriculum. Now in its eighth year with a pupil population of over 1,700 from more than 72 nationalities, spanning FS1 Nursery to Year 13. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi was awarded the International School of the Year 2019 at the Tes Independent School Awards, the best for Theatre & Performing Arts by SchoolsCompared and the Red Crescent Charity, School of the Year.  Cranleigh Abu Dhabi was also named among the Top 100 Private Schools in the world, and ranked within the top 5 Private Schools in the Middle East by Spear’s Schools Index.