Parents and students at Light International School in Nairobi are grappling with a distressing situation after the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) unexpectedly withheld the results of the IGCSE, AS, and A-Level examinations. The school administration, in a letter addressed to parents, expressed their deep concern over the situation and outlined the steps being taken to resolve the issue.
The withholding of these critical examination results has caused anxiety among students, particularly those who are in the process of applying to universities or awaiting final grades to determine their next academic steps. The school was informed of this decision by CAIE, and immediately took action by engaging two legal teams, one in Kenya and another in the UK, to appeal the decision. The formal appeal was lodged on August 9, 2024, and the school expects a response from Cambridge within 28 days from the date of filing.
Light International School has also been in close communication with the Kenya Association of International Schools (KAIS), providing them with detailed information regarding the situation. The school is working hand-in-hand with KAIS to ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved for the affected students.
The school administration has devised a comprehensive plan to mitigate the impact of the withheld results. Given the uncertain duration of the appeal process, the school is advising students to prepare for retakes of the examinations during the October/November 2024 Exam Series. The deadline for application for these retakes has been set for September 14, 2024.
In a bid to alleviate the financial burden on parents and students, Light International School has decided to cover the full costs associated with exam registration and preparation for all students retaking the exams. The school will also organize a comprehensive revision program to ensure that students are thoroughly prepared for the exams. These revision sessions, which will be fully funded by the school, are intended to give students the best possible chance of success in their retakes.
The school has identified The Nairobi Academy as a suitable center where students can sit for their retakes if the appeal process is not resolved in time. This proactive approach ensures that students are not left stranded as the appeal continues.
Furthermore, the school has committed to providing scholarships to current Year 12 and 13 students, based on their predicted grades for the 2023/2024 academic year. This gesture aims to support students who might be facing financial difficulties due to the ongoing situation.
Understanding that some students may require letters from the school for university admissions or transfers, the school has encouraged parents and students to reach out directly for assistance. The school is aware that the current situation could impact university admissions for some students, and they are doing everything in their power to mitigate these effects.
Beyond the academic implications, the school has also emphasized the emotional and psychological impact this situation may have on students and their families. In response, the school has pledged to offer counseling services to affected students and any other members of the Light International School community who may require it. The well-being of students remains a top priority for the school administration.
While the school is hopeful that the appeal will yield a positive outcome, they are also preparing for all potential scenarios. They have assured parents that they are deeply committed to resolving the issue and are even engaging external investigators to conduct a thorough review of the situation.
The broader impact of this incident extends beyond Light International School. With Cambridge Assessment International Education being one of the most prestigious international examination bodies, the decision to withhold results is likely to cause ripples across the international school community in Kenya. Other schools that use CAIE for their examinations may also be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.
For parents and students at Light International School, the next few weeks will be critical. As they wait for a resolution, the school remains focused on supporting its students both academically and emotionally, ensuring that they have every opportunity to succeed despite the challenges they are facing.
In conclusion, Light International School has demonstrated a proactive and supportive approach in dealing with this unprecedented situation. By engaging legal teams, covering exam retake costs, and providing additional support, the school is working tirelessly to protect the interests of its students and ensure their academic futures remain on track.
