Pearson Edexcel and the British Council Egypt hosted the Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards (OPLAs) 2025 at the British Embassy Garden in Cairo, celebrating exceptional academic achievement across Egypt’s Pearson-approved Schools. Honouring and co-hosting the ceremony were, Mark Bryson-Richardson MBE, British Ambassador to Egypt, Mark Howard, Country Director, British Council in Egypt and Kathryn Booth, Director, Pearson School Qualifications MENA and South Asia Region.
This year’s event marked a record-breaking milestone, with 124 awards presented to 109 outstanding learners from 56 schools nationwide. The awards honour students who achieved the highest examination results nationally, regionally and globally in Pearson Edexcel qualifications.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mark Bryson-Richardson, British Ambassador to Egypt, said: ‘It is a privilege to celebrate the outstanding achievements of young people in Egypt who are excelling on a global stage. These awards reflect not only individual brilliance, but the strength of UK-Egypt educational collaboration and our shared commitment to empowering the next generation.’
The ceremony underscored the enduring partnership between Egypt and the UK in advancing educational excellence. The event brought together senior education leaders, school principals, teachers, parents and learners to celebrate academic excellence and aspiration.
The Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards recognise exceptional performance across Pearson Edexcel iPrimary, iLowerSecondary, International GCSE/GCSE and International A Level qualifications, celebrating not only student achievement, but also the vital role of schools, teachers and families in nurturing high-performing learners.
The awards are presented across three categories:
• Highest Mark in the World
• Highest Mark in Africa
• Highest Mark in Egypt
These categories aim to inspire learners by showcasing what is possible through dedication, resilience and academic ambition.
Mark Howard, Country Director, British Council Egypt, added: ‘The scale and calibre of achievement we are recognising this year is truly remarkable. Honouring 109 learners from 56 schools highlights the growing impact of international qualifications in Egypt and the commitment of schools to delivering world-class education.’
Kathryn Booth, Director, Pearson School Qualifications MENA and South Asia Region, said: ‘Education is a powerful driver of opportunity, social mobility and national development. The Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards celebrate learners who have demonstrated excellence, discipline and determination, and we are proud to recognise their achievements alongside the British Council.’
The OPLAs form part of the British Council and Pearson’s ongoing commitment to supporting Egypt’s education ecosystem through high-quality international qualifications, strong school partnerships and learner-centred pathways that prepare young people for success in a globalised world.
The International GCSE exams were first introduced by the British Council in Egypt in 1990. They represent one part of the wide range of highly distinguished educational systems and programmes offered by the British Council in Egypt in cooperation with Pearson Edexcel and the Ministry of Education.
The latest statistics from the Egyptian education market indicate that the country has the most extensive education system in the Middle East. According to Berkley Research Group, it has more than 60,000 schools, of which only 7,000 are private schools. Egypt’s private sector K-12 student growth has almost doubled in the last five years, and 2.1 million new seats will be needed in private sector schools in Egypt by 2030. Discover more about British Council Partner Schools