By Urban Shihemi, March 7, 2026

In a remarkable feat of academic excellence, Maryama Ali Mohamed, a student at Andalucia Academy, has been awarded the highest mark in Kenya for the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE in Human Biology. This achievement marks the 10th consecutive year that Andalucia Academy in Nairobi has produced top performers in the Pearson Edexcel International exams, underscoring the institution's consistent commitment to educational superiority.

Maryama's outstanding performance highlights her dedication and the rigorous preparation provided by her school. "We are immensely proud of Maryama's accomplishment, which not only reflects her hard work but also the collective efforts of our entire community," said Faisal Ibrahim, the founder and director of Andalucia Academy. He attributed the school's ongoing success to "the discipline exhibited by both teachers and learners, as well as the close collaboration between the school and parents."

Andalucia Academy, located in Nairobi, has built a reputation for fostering an environment where students thrive in international curricula. Over the past decade, the school has repeatedly seen its students excel in subjects ranging from sciences to humanities in the Pearson Edexcel framework, setting a benchmark for other institutions in Kenya.

In 2025, Khadija Mohammed Ibrahim, from Andalucia Academy was awarded the Outstanding Pearson Learner Award after topping the country in Science during the 2024 Checkpoint Examinations. 

Her exceptional performance earned her the prestigious award, presented by Pearson, The Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards that recognise top-performing international students worldwide who achieved the highest mark for all levels of Pearson Edexcel qualifications; iPrimary, iLowerSecondary, IGCSE, International GCSE, A Levels, International AS/A Levels.   

In 2024 Ruqaiyo Abdalla from Andalucia academy was awarded the Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards as the best student in Mathematics Globally cementing Andalucia Academies commitment to academic excellence.

Pearson Edexcel, the awarding body behind this recognition, is a leading provider of academic and vocational qualifications. Formed in 1996 through the merger of the Business & Technology Education Council (BTEC) and the University of London Examinations & Assessment Council (ULEAC), Edexcel became fully owned by Pearson plc in 2005. 

Pearson, a British multinational education company with roots tracing back to 1836, is the UK's largest awarding organization and offers globally recognized qualifications such as GCSEs, A levels, International GCSEs, NVQs, and Functional Skills. 

These programs emphasize a progressive approach with international content, enabling learners to reach their full potential in a global economy.

This latest accolade for Andalucia Academy and Maryama Ali Mohamed serves as an inspiration for aspiring students across Kenya, demonstrating the rewards of perseverance and a supportive educational ecosystem. As the school continues its streak, it remains a beacon of excellence in international education.

Andalucia Academy in partnership with Jamia Tv will be starting a season 2 educational program titled Smart Learning, aimed at transforming how students, teachers, and learners engage with knowledge in the digital age.

Smart Learning at Andalucia is a 30-minute educational TV program featuring teachers from Andalucia Academy, South C, Nairobi. The show presents interactive lessons using a smart board, making learning engaging and accessible.