IGCSE & A Level 2026 in Affected Countries: Enhanced Grading vs Contingency

For students in affected countries such as Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, and Lebanon, the 2026 exam session includes special arrangements confirmed by Pearson. These changes introduce two official grading routes: Enhanced Grading and International Contingency Grading (ICG). Understanding these is essential because your final grade — and your revision strategy — depends on which route applies to you.

Official Pearson Guidance for Affected Countries

According to Pearson, when exams cannot proceed as normal in affected regions:

• Students may receive grades using existing unit results (Enhanced Grading)
• Or through school-submitted evidence (Contingency Grading)
• You can read the official policy here
• This confirms that grading remains structured, evidence-based, and regulated — not estimated or random.

🟣 Enhanced Grading (No Exam Required)

Enhanced grading is the simplest pathway, but only available if you meet specific conditions.

• No exams required
• Based entirely on previous unit results
• Final grade awarded directly by the exam board
• To qualify:
• AS students must have already completed Unit 1
• A Level students must have already completed Unit 4
• If you meet these requirements and choose to cash-in, your grade can be calculated without further exams.
• 👉 In simple terms:
• If you have already demonstrated your level, Pearson may use that performance to award your final grade.

🔵 International Contingency Grading (ICG)

Contingency grading is used when enhanced grading is not possible.

• Schools submit evidence of student performance
• This includes mock exams, past papers, and controlled assessments
• Pearson examiners review this evidence to award final grades
• This applies when:
• You are retaking units
• You haven’t completed required units (Unit 1 or Unit 4)
• You are entering multiple units together without prior results
• 👉 This is NOT predicted grades — it is evidence-based grading under exam conditions.

Key Scenarios You Must Understand

AS Students

• Completed Unit 1 + taking Units 2 & 3 → Enhanced Grading (if cash-in)
• Retaking Unit 1 → Contingency Grading

A Level Students

• Completed AS (Units 1–3) + Unit 4 + taking Units 5 & 6 → Enhanced Grading (full A Level)
• Completed AS but not cashing in → Contingency Grading

Mixed or Full Entries

• Taking all 6 units together → Contingency Grading
• Taking 4–5 units only → Contingency Grading
• 👉 Core rule from Pearson:
• If suitable previous results exist → Enhanced Grading
• If not → Contingency Grading

IGCSE Modular Students

For modular IGCSE pathways:

• Taking both units in the same session → Contingency Grading
• Taking Unit 2 after Unit 1 → Final grade may be awarded directly
• Taking only Unit 1 → Exam postponed to a later session (e.g. October)

Private Candidates (Important Clarification)

According to the British Council:

• Private candidates will still sit exams as usual
• No enhanced or contingency grading applies
• Standard exam route remains in place
• 👉 Exams are still considered the most reliable assessment method for private candidates.

How This Affects Your Revision Strategy

This update is not just administrative — it directly impacts how you should study.

If you are under Contingency Grading:

• Your mock exams are critical
• Every assessment becomes evidence
• You must treat all school tests like real exams

If you qualify for Enhanced Grading:

• Your past results determine your final grade
• Focus on securing strong outcomes in completed units

Final Advice for Students in Affected Countries

The biggest mistake right now is not knowing which pathway applies to you.

Before continuing youar revision:

• Confirm your completed units
• Check if you meet Enhanced Grading conditions
• Speak to your school about your assessment route
• Students who understand this early can adjust their strategy, focus on the right assessments, and maximise their final grade — even under changing exam conditions.