UAE train for World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan in Abu Dhabi
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Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Horizon International School Celebrates Student Progress and Growth in 2024-25 GCSE results
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Horizon International School (HIS), is delighted to announce that the Class of 2025 has celebrated another year of strong academic progress across all levels. This progress reflects students' hard work, ambition and the school's nurturing environment. Guided by the ethos, everyone counts, everyone contributes and everyone succeeds, HIS remains committed to helping every student realise their full potential. With a key focus on Value-Added performance, a measure of students' progress from their academic starting point, HIS is proud to celebrate its students' achievements. In English Language, the average value added was +1.5 grades, in English Literature the value added was + 1.5 grades added and in Maths, the value added was +0.8 of a grade. Exceptional performance in Geography and History, achieved +1.6 grades and +1.5 average value added, respectively. These outcomes reflect HIS's commitment to empowering students from all starting points to exceed expectations through targeted support, high-quality teaching. HIS nurtures an inclusive environment where meaningful academic progress is consistently achieved and students within the cohort now go onto secure their first choice A Level option subjects. Overall, the class 2025 cohort delivered strong results, with 92% of students achieving grades 9-4/A*-C across their GCSEs, 71% achieving grades 9-6/A*-B, 46% achieving grades 9-7/A*-A, and 32% achieving the highest grades 9-8/A**-A*. In addition, 98% of students attained grades 9-4/A*-C in English Language, English Literature, and Triple Science, whilst 95% of students attained grades 9-4/A*-C in Maths. Horizon International School, Principal, Stephen Quinn, commented:"We are incredibly proud of what our students have accomplished, not only in terms of grades but also in the personal growth they've demonstrated throughout their academic year. At HIS, we are committed to supporting every student's journey to achieve their full potential. Their progress and results reflect our students' hard work and determination, as well as the strong support from our educators and parent community throughout the academic year.' Following its 15th year anniversary celebration last year, Horizon International School proudly continues to mark its journey with standout achievements, including the prestigious NACE Challenge Award and the recent Platinum certification from the Best School to Work programme. HIS continues to excel in academic outcomes while remaining committed to personalised, high-quality education and a strong focus on Value-Added performance. Through its support, the school empowers students to grow, exceed expectations, and prepare confidently for A-levels, top university placements, and successful careers. For more information about the educational pathways and admissions for 2025/26 or to schedule a school tour, please visit or contact +971 4 348 3314. For more information and media enquires please contact: Plus 1 Communications / nachwa@ About Horizon International School Horizon International School (HIS) is a supportive, student-focused international community school following a British style of education. Centrally located in Umm Al Sheif, the school caters to pupils aged three to eighteen years old. Its highly qualified UK-trained teachers and purpose-built facilities enable the school to give each and every child the opportunity to thrive. Horizon International School prides itself on providing an effective balance between academic rigour and creative and sporting pursuits. The school places a strong emphasis on its values and community spirit, which underpins its mission 'Everyone Counts, Everyone Contributes, Everyone Succeeds. 'The staff at Horizon International School strive to challenge and inspire all learners to develop their skills and nurture values through a love of learning, so that they can responsibly embrace the diverse challenges of tomorrow. Horizon Internal School also holds a Very Good Rating from KHDA. About Cognita Launched in 2004, Cognita is an extraordinary community of schools that span 17 countries and share one common purpose: to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. With over 100 schools in Europe and the US, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia, Cognita employs over 18,000 teaching and support staff in the care and education of more than 90,000 pupils. Together, Cognita schools provide a uniquely global education that goes beyond grades, to develop all-round academic excellence – equipping young people with the agency, adaptability and positive attitudes that prepares them to grow, thrive and find their success in a rapidly evolving world.
The National
3 hours ago
- The National
UAE school pupils look to the future with strong GCSE results
Pupils across the UAE received their GCSE grades on Thursday morning, with many schools reporting record-breaking results. Young people across the country anxiously logged into the results portal to receive their grades at 11am. About a third of the UAE's roughly 600 private schools follow the British curriculum. This makes it one of the largest private school markets in the world, and a major outpost of British education. At Jebel Ali School, one of the country's oldest, secondary head Eleanor Wade said 40 per cent of grades were awarded at levels 9 and 8, formerly A and A*. She called it 'a truly outstanding accomplishment.' The school now looks ahead to the expansion of its Sixth Form, aiming to build on this year's success. It saw 107 pupils sit 927 exams this year, up from 80 children and 681 exams in 2024. Most schools in the city have grown on the back of a population boom. Brighton College Dubai said it celebrated its best-ever GCSE results. This year, 25 per cent of all results were Grade 9, while 45 per cent were at Grades 9–8. Among the top achievers was Ibrahim Chatha, who earned 11 Grade 9s. He also scored A* in A-Level Further Mathematics. Rudayna Yassin secured 10 Grade 9s, alongside excelling as an international volleyball player and gifted musician. Headmaster Simon Crane described the results as 'a wonderful tribute to the brilliance of our pupils and the dedication of their teachers". Gems Education, the largest private school operator, announced its largest-ever GCSE cohort, with over 4,000 pupils sitting 28,227 exams across 23 schools. There were 26 per cent of entries who achieved Grades 9–8 or A*, while 45 per cent secured Grades 9–7 (A*-A). It said this significantly outperformed the UK national average for the 12th consecutive year. Group chief education officer Lisa Crausby credited the results to 'high expectations combined with genuine care and personalised support,'. Jumeirah College and Wellington International were among its top-performing schools.
Arabian Business
3 hours ago
- Arabian Business
EXCLUSIVE: Gaming industry faces risk of ‘burning out' without Saudi-style infrastructure, says ESL FACEIT CEO
In the rapidly evolving world of competitive gaming, few moves have been as strategically significant as ESL FACEIT Group's establishment of operations in Saudi Arabia. As the esports industry grapples with sustainability challenges and seeks new growth markets, the Kingdom has emerged as a leader actively shaping the future of esports. 'Saudi Arabia has moved beyond participating in the industry, it is actively shaping and leading its future,' said Niccolo Maisto, CEO of ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business. 'EFG's presence in Saudi Arabia is both a reflection of this momentum and a catalyst for further growth.' Building a global gaming hub The Kingdom's approach is in contrast to the gaming industry's boom-bust cycles, with investments focused on long-term ecosystem development rather than a short-term spectacle. EFG, formed through the merger of ESL and FACEIT under Saudi Arabia's Savy Games Group, has established a regional headquarters and broadcast hub in the Kingdom as part of this strategy. 'Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the most influential players in the gaming and esports industry, driven by its rapid growth and significant investments in community development and education,' Maisto said. The Kingdom's National Games & Esports Strategy targets 39,000 new jobs and a SAR 50 billion ($13.3 billion) GDP contribution by 2030. While other markets have focused on individual tournaments or team acquisitions, Saudi is building a foundational infrastructure for the sector. EFG is localising platforms like FACEIT and Mobalytics for Arabic-speaking audiences, hosting domestic competitions and recruiting extensively across functions to establish what Maisto calls a 'meaningful long-term presence.' 'We're not just delivering world-class experiences, we're contributing to the transformative vision of the Kingdom,' Maisto said. 'Our efforts align well with its broader goals of economic diversification and youth empowerment, helping to build a sustainable ecosystem that nurtures talent, inspires innovation, and positions the Kingdom as a global hub for gaming and esports.' The strategy addresses persistent challenges in the esports industry, where unsustainable growth models have led to high-profile failures. 'The biggest risk over the next five years is failing to build sustainable sports ecosystems,' Maisto warned. 'Without long-term support for players, teams and tournament organisers, we risk burning out the very foundation of the scene.' The acquisition of ESL and FACEIT by Savvy Games Group, under the Public Investment Fund (PIF), valued the combined entity at over $1 billion and marked what industry observers consider a watershed moment for esports legitimacy. 'It underscored the growing recognition of esports as a mainstream form of entertainment and a key driver of cultural and economic growth globally,' Maisto said of the transaction, which he led from the FACEIT side. Traditional media and investors have historically viewed esports as a niche market focused on tournament prize pools and viewership metrics. Maisto disputes this characterisation, 'In reality, esports is a thriving, multifaceted ecosystem, encompassing content creation, digital communities, live events, and cultural influence.' With 640 million fans worldwide, the sector presents opportunities for sustained engagement that extend beyond competition formats, according to industry data. Geopolitical implications Saudi Arabia's systematic approach to esports development is reshaping global industry dynamics, with the Kingdom moving from participant to agenda-setter. EFG's regional operations support both localised content creation and international events like the Esports World Cup, creating pathways for Saudi talent to compete globally while positioning the Kingdom as a convergence point for international publishers and brands. 'By investing heavily in infrastructure, talent development and international events through initiatives like Vision 2030 and a dedicated national gaming and esports strategy, Saudi Arabia has moved beyond participating in the industry, it is actively shaping and leading its future,' Maisto said. The company is exploring opportunities to develop Saudi-born esports intellectual property, building on the success of localised tournaments like the ESL Saudi Challenge. 'Saudi Arabia is already home to some of the most passionate gamers and talented players in the world, so it's only natural for us to explore ways to develop esports initiatives that are born from this vibrant community,' Maisto explained. For investors considering esports exposure, Maisto asserts the sector's infrastructure requirements and long-term growth trajectory. 'The truth is, esports isn't a short-term play, it's an infrastructure- and IP-driven industry with the potential to become one of the defining pillars of global entertainment,' he said. 'Those who recognise this transformation and invest with a long-term view are already seeing the upside.' 'Esports won't thrive on hype alone. We need to build systems that support lasting careers, thriving communities, and business models that work for everyone in the ecosystem,' Maisto concluded.
