By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: Repton Dubai celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2026 at Dubai Opera last week, with 142 students taking to the stage in front of proud families, school leaders and distinguished guests from across the UAE’s leadership, education, philanthropic, business and government sectors.
The ceremony was held in the presence of Mr Khaled Al Mheiri, Founder and Honorary Chairman of the Repton Family of Schools.
Representing the school’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), A Level and BTEC pathways, the graduating cohort was recognised during an evening that reflected the ambition, academic excellence and strong sense of community that define Repton Dubai.
Senior members of the school’s leadership team attended the ceremony, including Michael Bloy, Principal; Annette Drake, Vice Principal and Head of Senior School; and Matthew Whittaker, Assistant Headteacher and Head of Sixth Form, as well as Cognita Middle East representatives Glen Radojkovich, UAE Managing Director; Darren Gale, GCC Managing Director; and Ian Wallace, Director of Education.
This year’s graduating class has collectively secured more than 110 offers from universities ranked within the QS World Top 100, including a best-ever US outcome for Repton Dubai with an Ivy League placement at Columbia University.
Students have also received offers from leading global institutions including Duke University, Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University, New York University, UCLA and UC San Diego in the United States, alongside Russell Group universities including Imperial College London, UCL, King’s College London, the University of Edinburgh and the University of Manchester.
Additional offers were received from internationally recognised specialist and creative institutions including Parsons School of Design, University of the Arts London (UAL), Bocconi University, IE University, the University of Toronto, the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney. Alongside university pathways, several graduates will also pursue gap years and military service, reflecting the diverse ambitions and future pathways of the Class of 2026.
Michael Bloy, Principal of Repton Dubai, applauded the graduating cohort, saying: “We proudly congratulate our Class of 2026 for embracing every opportunity presented to them during their time at Repton Dubai and navigating a period of uncertainty with exceptional perseverance and character. Watching them grow into thoughtful, globally minded young people has been a source of great pride for the entire school community.”
Mr Matthew Whittaker, Assistant Headteacher and Head of Sixth Form at Repton Dubai, added: “This cohort has shown real resilience, maturity and ambition throughout their time in Sixth Form. They have supported one another, embraced opportunities beyond the classroom and grown into confident young people who are ready for the next stage of their lives. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and look forward to seeing the contributions they will make in the years ahead.”
The evening also featured a keynote address by Dr Zaki Rakib, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board at BioHarvest Sciences, alongside speeches from the school’s student leaders.
Reflecting on the occasion, Mira Binlahij Al Falasi, Year 13 student and Head of Repton Dubai’s Emirati Council, said: “My final year at Repton has been a really memorable one. Alongside completing assessments and university applications, it has been a privilege to serve as Head of Emirati Council and represent such a supportive and diverse student community. Graduation is a proud moment, but it is also a chance to reflect on the friendships, opportunities and experiences that have shaped us. I am excited to begin the next chapter and take everything I have learned at Repton with me.”
As the Class of 2026 prepares for the next stage of their academic journeys, the graduation ceremony reflected Repton Dubai’s continued commitment to nurturing globally minded young people equipped with the confidence, character and skills to thrive in an evolving world.