The press release is attached for your consideration.

Left to right: Ian Wilson, Futures Counsellor and Exams Officer at Brighton College Dubai; Arvand Zare, Year 13 pupil; Adam Jama, Senior Regional Manager, Pearson Edexcel; Jane Clewlow, Head of Senior School at Brighton College Dubai; Rudayna Yassin, Year 11 pupil

United Arab Emirates, Dubai, 17 March 2025: Brighton College Dubai is proud to celebrate the achievements of its three exceptional pupils who have received the prestigious Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards (OPLA) for their excellent results in the Pearson Edexcel examinations.

These awards recognise the highest-achieving international pupils who attained the highest marks in their subjects at the country, regional, and global levels. This year, Brighton College Dubai pupils have excelled at all three levels, earning recognition in the Highest Mark in the World, Highest Mark in the Region, and Highest Mark in the Country categories.

Among this year’s distinguished recipients, Arvand Zare earned the Highest Mark in the Middle East for Pearson Edexcel GCE A-Level Persian, showcasing his linguistic proficiency and subject mastery. Rudayna Yassin demonstrated remarkable versatility, securing the Highest Mark in the Middle East for GCSE French, the Highest Mark in the UAE for International GCSE Computer Science, and the prestigious Highest Mark in the World for International GCSE Mathematics A. Notably, she sat her International GCSE Mathematics A exam a year early in November 2023, making her achievement even more extraordinary. Additionally, Ryan Ghasemi achieved the Highest Mark in the Middle East for GCSE German, reflecting his outstanding performance in language studies.

Mr. Simon Crane, Head Master of Brighton College Dubai said: 'We are incredibly proud of our pupils for their impressive achievements in the Pearson Edexcel examinations. The Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards are a reflection of their dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence. We also extend our gratitude to our dedicated teachers and supportive parents, whose guidance has been instrumental in this success.”

Year 11 Pupil Rudayna Yassin commented: 'I’m really pleased with this achievement - it still feels a little surreal. Maths has always been a subject I’ve enjoyed, and sitting the exam a year early was both challenging and a great learning experience. It required focus and dedication, and I’m grateful for the support of my teachers and family. I hope this encourages others to take on new challenges with confidence.”

Brighton College Dubai pupils have been recognised for their outstanding results in the 2023/2024 examination series. They are among more than 2,200 learners from 750 schools across 82 countries who have been honoured out of thousands of candidates who sat for Pearson Edexcel exams in 2023/24. To be eligible for the OPLA award, pupils must have achieved:

• Grade A* for UK GCE A Levels
• Grade 9 for International GCSE and UK GCSE

The Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards highlight the talent, determination, and strong educational foundation demonstrated by Brighton College Dubai pupils, who have competed against thousands of learners worldwide.

Award recipients were honoured with an Outstanding Pearson Learner Award certificate from Pearson Edexcel, and Brighton College Dubai hosted a special ceremony to celebrate their achievements.