Pearson and British Council Honour Bangladesh’s Top Achievers at 12th Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards

Dhaka, November 22, 2025 — Pearson Edexcel, the United Kingdom’s largest awarding body and a global leader in international education, in partnership with the British Council, celebrated the achievements of Bangladesh’s brightest students at the 12th Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards (OPLA) held on Thursday, November 21, 2025.

The prestigious ceremony took place at the Hall of Fame, Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka, where outstanding learners from across the country were honoured for their remarkable performance in the International Primary, International Lower Secondary, International GCSE, and International A Level examinations of 2025.

736 Students Honoured for Academic Excellence

This year’s event recognized an impressive 736 high-performing students. Among them:

• 24 students earned World Highest awards,

• 4 received Asia Highest awards, and

• 41 students achieved the Highest Marks in Bangladesh.

The awardees included:

• 21 iPrimary students,

• 1 iLowerSecondary student,

• 456 International GCSE students, and

• 183 International A Level learners — signifying the growing strength of Pearson Edexcel pathways in Bangladesh.

Dignitaries Praise Students’ Dedication and Global Potential

The ceremony was graced by key figures from the education and diplomatic community.
Kathryn Booth, Director of Pearson School Qualifications, attended as the chief guest, alongside special guests:

• Maxim Raimann, Exams Director Bangladesh, British Council

• Sakib Ershad, Director of Trade and Investment, British High Commission Bangladesh

Senior representatives from Pearson Bangladesh, including Abdullah Al Mamun Liton and Jannatul Ferdous Sigma, also addressed the audience.

“A Certificate of Excellence and a Credential for the Future” — Pearson Director

In her inspiring speech, Kathryn Booth emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and encouraged students to use their knowledge to drive positive change.

“Today, we are celebrating the success of the bright young minds of Bangladesh. The recognition you receive today is both a certificate of excellence and a credential for your future,” she said.
“As you move forward, keep an open mind and a curious spirit. Stay connected with your teachers, and use your talents to make a difference in the world around you.”

British Council Stresses Shared Growth Across Generations

British Council’s Maxim Raimann highlighted the value of learning across ages, noting:

“Youth brings curiosity, adaptability, and purpose; age brings experience, stability, and wisdom. When we learn from one another, we all grow. At the British Council, we build bridges of understanding through education, helping every generation rise together.”

Pearson Bangladesh: A Decade of Expanding Educational Pathways

Representatives from Pearson Bangladesh, Abdullah Al Mamun Liton and Jannatul Ferdous Sigma, spoke about the growing global opportunities available to Bangladeshi students through Pearson Edexcel qualifications. They noted that learners holding Pearson certificates continue to gain admission to leading universities worldwide, maintaining Bangladesh’s reputation for academic excellence on the global stage.

Since its inception in 2012, the Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards has honoured more than 8,000 achievers, making it one of the most prominent international academic award ceremonies in the country.

A Celebration of Achievement and Inspiration

The 12th OPLA concluded with applause, photographs, and an atmosphere of pride shared among students, parents, teachers, and education leaders. As Pearson and the British Council reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing talent, the event served as a reminder of the growing academic potential of Bangladeshi youth and their readiness to compete on a global platform.