Cambridge International Education has announced the cancellation of all exams scheduled for Friday, May 9, due to security concerns. The decision affects students across several regions in Pakistan, including Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Islamabad Capital Territory, and the Punjab province.
Safety of Students a Priority
The announcement follows a thorough review of the current security situation, conducted in collaboration with local authorities and the British Council.
According to Cambridge International Education, the primary concern is the safety of students and staff. In light of recent developments, the organization made the difficult decision to cancel exams in affected areas.
Cambridge has made the decision to cancel exams in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Islamabad Capital Territory, and the Punjab province on Friday, May 9. This measure applies to both Cambridge Direct and British Council Schools.
The cancellation applies to Cambridge O Level, IGCSE, International AS & A Level exams that were set to take place on Friday, May 9. The decision impacts all Cambridge Direct and British Council Schools in the specified regions.
Cambridge emphasized that this measure is only for the stated date, and exams scheduled for Monday will be reviewed, with updates expected by the evening of Sunday, May 11.
Exam Plans for Other Regions
Cambridge International Education noted that exams in other parts of Pakistan, scheduled for Friday, May 9, are expected to proceed as planned if the security situation does not change. The organization assured students and parents that any updates or changes would be communicated promptly.
In the event of exam cancellations, Cambridge has established processes to ensure that students receive fair grades, minimizing disruption to their academic progress. The organization has extensive experience handling such situations and aims to support students as much as possible.
While the official statement did not specify the exact reasons behind the decision, it comes amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and India. Reports indicate that drone activity and strikes were observed in various areas of Pakistan earlier today. This development has heightened security concerns, possibly influencing the decision to cancel exams.
Reactions and Impact
Students, parents, and educators have expressed concern over the sudden change, as many had prepared extensively for their exams. However, there is also a general understanding that safety must take precedence. Cambridge International Education’s commitment to fair grading processes aims to alleviate some of the anxiety surrounding the cancellations.
Schools and parents are urged to stay updated through official Cambridge and British Council channels to receive the latest information regarding the status of upcoming exams. Cambridge remains dedicated to prioritizing student safety while ensuring academic continuity during these uncertain times.