Repton Al Barsha Celebrates the Graduation of its Inaugural A-Level Class

Repton Al Barsha celebrated the graduation of its first-ever A-Level cohort of 27 students, with graduates securing offers and scholarships from leading universities across the UK, Canada and the United States.

Held on 23^rd May at Raffles The Palm Dubai, the ceremony brought together students, families, staff and distinguished guests including Mrs Chandini Misra, Principal of Repton Al Barsha, Glen Radojkovich, Managing Director of Cognita UAE and Johnny Croall, School Improvement Partner for Cognita UAE.

As pioneers of the school’s Sixth Form, the graduating students helped shape the culture, ambition and identity of A-Level life at Repton Al Barsha. Their university destinations reflect both the strength of the school’s academic offering and the determination of the students themselves, with offers from globally recognised institutions including University College London, King’s College London and Durham University.

Their achievements came during a challenging academic year for students across the UAE and wider region, as the cohort navigated uncertainty with resilience, adaptability and a strong sense of community.

Among the cohort’s standout success stories was Haniya Mirza, Principal’s Prefect, who secured offers to study Biomedical Engineering from Imperial College London, King’s College London, Durham University, the University of Sheffield and Queen Mary University of London. Deputy Head Girl Aarushi Das received offers from Durham University, the University of Bristol, Newcastle University, the University of Leeds and the University of Birmingham and plans to pursue Engineering with aspirations of specialising in Aerospace Engineering.

Head Girl Laila El Rafey secured admission to the University of Waterloo in Canada to study Kinesiology, alongside a President’s Scholarship, as well as offers from York University and the University of Toronto. Meanwhile, Head Boy Iasonas Romanos earned admission to New York University to study Civil Engineering.

The cohort also celebrated several notable individual accomplishments. Deputy Head Boy Ismail Al Rantisi received the prestigious BSME Ed Goodwin Award for Exceptional Service, while Principal’s Prefect Sophia Takey achieved a perfect score of 100 UMS in Pure Mathematics 1 and secured the highly competitive Lester B. Pearson Scholarship at the University of Toronto.

Mrs Chandini Misra, Principal of Repton Al Barsha, congratulated students on their outstanding achievements, saying: “Watching our first Year 13 cohort graduate has been an incredibly proud moment for the entire Repton Al Barsha community. They have helped shape the spirit of our Sixth Form and set a wonderful example for the students who will follow. Beyond their academic success, they have displayed curiosity, character, integrity and determination throughout every part of school life. It has been a privilege to watch them grow into confident young adults, and we send them forward with every confidence in what lies ahead.”

Reflecting on the students’ journey, Janice Williams, Head of Sixth Form and Careers University Guidance Counsellor at Repton Al Barsha, shared: “This cohort’s journey has been defined by determination in the face of uncertainty, innovation in adapting to a changing assessment landscape and a deeply compassionate regard for one another. Despite challenges beyond their control, our students remained focused, resilient and ambitious, supported every step of the way by a school community that responded with flexibility, care and clarity. I am immensely proud of how they have grown, not only academically, but as individuals ready to face the world with confidence and integrity.”

Students also spoke about the emotions of completing their final year at school and preparing for the next stage of their lives.

Sophia Takey, Principal’s Prefect, said: “The final year of school is simultaneously the most stressful and the most enjoyable. While so much of the year is shaped by high-stakes decisions and exam preparation, it’s often the quiet, small moments in between that form the most meaningful memories, the ones I know will carry the most weight when I look back on this chapter.”

Aarushi Das, Deputy Head Girl, added: “My final school year has been filled with many firsts and lasts. While the future can feel uncertain at times, I’m excited to begin this next chapter and pursue Aerospace Engineering, while cherishing the past four years at Repton and the memories and friendships that came with them.”

Since establishing its Sixth Form, Repton Al Barsha has cultivated an ambitious and student-centred environment designed to prepare young people for success beyond the classroom. The graduation of its inaugural A-Level class marked a defining moment in the school’s journey and an important step forward in the continued growth of its senior school community.