Our Senior
Leadership Team

John Bell

Principal

John Bell is a highly experienced, senior educationalist who brings significant experience from the education sector across the United Kingdom, Europe and the Middle East. He has been a successful Headteacher and Executive Headteacher of outstanding schools in the UK and Spain and, most recently, he was a Director of Learning responsible for the quality of education across a highly successful group of schools in Dubai.

Born and educated in London, UK, John graduated with BA double honor’s degree in Politics and Geography from Keele University and an MA from the University of Cambridge. Prior to arriving in Dubai in 2018, John was Director of Education for a worldwide international schools’ group and a large local authority in the UK.

John has also served in an advisory capacity to national governments and also co-chaired a working group of the Council of International Schools on safeguarding. Besides having worked extensively across Europe, John has a long track record of leading school inspections and training teachers and school leaders around the world including the UAE, Jordan and Singapore.

Nishi Saran

Senior Vice Principal - Nexus & Senior School

Nishi Saran, Senior Vice Principal of Secondary School and the Nexus Pre-University Centre has worked in education for over 20 years across Canada, the UK and the UAE, bringing a rich secondary school experience in the British, IB and American/AP curriculums to his role.

Nishi holds a Bachelors in Kinesiology (B.H.K) and Bachelors in Education (B.Ed) from the University of British Columbia and also a Masters in Education (M.Ed) from Cambridge University with expertise in independent learning. In addition to senior leadership roles held in Dubai, Nishi has also carried out inspectorate (Ofsted)  work and consultancy to the Crown Prince Court, Education Strategic Office (Abu Dhabi) where he project managed a nationwide initiative.

He is regularly recognised for his exceptionally dynamic, positive and proactive leadership approach and has an integral role in helping Bloom World Academy develop personalised student-centred pathways so all learners aspire to reach their chosen university or career ambitions.

Nishi’s work beyond the school setting stretches to philanthropic initiatives, governance and mentorship within the UAE Oxbridge Society, all of which are highly valued at Bloom World Academy.

Damien Marshall

Vice Principal - EEC, Primo & Junior School

Damien Marshall is Vice Principal of the Primo Centre and Junior School, bringing 15 years’ experience in the education sector to the role, including nine years in the United Arab Emirates.

Damien has extensive experience in the IB curriculum through his previous role as a Senior Leader at a well-established IB school in Dubai and as Head of Digital Learning for a large UAE-based educational group. Damien has a Masters in Educational Leadership, as well as expertise in educational assessment, digital learning, and educational policy and has a proven track record in developing and overseeing programmes and initiatives within schools to improve teaching, learning and student well-being.

Passionate about developing strong relationships between students, parents and teachers, Damien plays an integral part in implementing Bloom World Academy’s family-first approach.

Nicola Upham

Vice Principal - Student Development

Joining the school as Vice Principal of Student Development, Nicola Upham has more than 18 years of teaching experience and ten years’ experience as a Senior Leader in both UK and Dubai based schools. In her most recent role in Dubai as whole school inclusion, safeguarding and well-being lead, Nicola introduced well-being lessons as part of the curriculum which resulted in the school’s climate being highlighted as a strength in the BSO outstanding rating.

Before moving to Dubai in 2018, she was an integral part of the transformational leadership team at Hammersmith Academy in the UK, an Inner London Academy that has been nationally recognised for highly effective well-being initiatives.

In her role at Bloom World Academy, Nicola will put student well-being at the forefront of everything the school does to allow for the rollout of personalised curriculums which will promote the discovery and celebration of each student’s unique talents. Her leadership will also ensure that the school has the ideal components needed for each student to reach their full potential and personal goals.

Graham Walmsley

Senior Deputy Vice Principal - Primo & Junior School

After completing his degree at the University of Cardiff, Graham began his teaching career in South Wales. He then returned home to Coventry, West Midlands, as his career progressed, and began to climb the educational and leadership ladder.

After 10 years of teaching in the United Kingdom, Graham moved to Dubai to begin his international teaching journey at Emirates International School – Jumeirah. He has held Senior Leadership roles in Dubai for over 10 years, with the previous 5 years as Head of Primary at Dubai International Academy, Emirates Hills.

Graham is passionate about building teams, empowering people, and enabling both staff and students to be the best they can be. He recognises how working with and trusting people within the School Community leads to ‘Outstanding’ outcomes. He loves an educationally noisy, vibrant and active school, which offers children pathways to learn and grow in as many different directions as possible, from Mathematics to Mechanics and PE to the Performing Arts.

As a proud family man, Graham’s life outside school revolves around his children, Theo and Olivia. In his spare time, he actively trains for triathlons and is completing his first full Ironman in July.

Medina Malik

Head of School Administration

Medina Malik, Head of School Administration, brings with her 10 years of parent and community focused admissions and administrative experience from the education sector in Dubai.

Raised in Dubai, Medina graduated with a BA double honours degree in Criminology and Psychology from Westminster University in London, UK. Her passion for life-long and life-changing learning, and making a difference, led her down a career within education.

With her natural talent for creating and sustaining meaningful customer relationships, coupled with her keen attention to detail and experience within education, and the IB Curriculum in particular, she brings to the school a unique skillset to be able to run its’ day-to-day administrative operations effectively.

Having completed the IB Diploma Programme herself, Medina is motivated by the opportunities, outcomes and holistic development the IB Curriculum fosters for every child, and is especially passionate about representing a family-first school that places a strong emphasis on student and staff well-being, underpinned by strong moral values.

Amy Fenton

Deputy Vice Principal - Primo & Junior School

Amy Fenton is a distinguished educational leader with over 16 years of experience, specialising in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) and neuroscience in learning. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from Monash University Melbourne Australia, complemented by a Bachelor of Education in Primary Education that she completed through the University of New England Armidale Australia.

Amy’s career blends advanced research in brain science with practical teaching methodologies, shaping innovative educational practices globally. As a coordinator and head of department, she empowers students within the PYP framework to take impactful action based on their learning, fostering environments of inquiry and real-world engagement.

Beyond education, Amy enjoys playing musical instruments, exploring culinary arts, photography, and traveling to immerse herself in diverse cultures. She has a passion in brain-compatible learning and educational leadership, guiding educators to enhance learning outcomes through curiosity, critical thinking, and empathy.

In 2023, Amy moved to Dubai with her family. She is married with two young children, and she is excited to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to Bloom World Academy, joining a dynamic team committed to educational excellence and student empowerment. Her holistic approach to education, rooted in neuroscience and family values, continues to influence educational paradigms globally.

Lara Dale

Deputy Vice Principal - Senior School

Lara holds an MA(hons) in Medieval History from the University of St Andrews and a PGCE from the University of Oxford. Having started her teaching career in and around Oxfordshire, she returned to her home city of London as Head of a History Department, and then as Head of the Humanities Faculty. Lara moved on to become an Assistant Principal and then the Director of Sixth Form in a large, over-subscribed all-through school, also in London.

In 2017, Lara and her husband decided to have a short adventure and move overseas. Seven years later, and having taught at two schools in Abu Dhabi, the UAE has now very much become home.

For the previous five years, Lara has been a key member of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi’s Senior Leadership Team. As Director of Student and Staff Development, Lara was known for her dedication to the school community and was instrumental in driving up standards and outcomes across both the academic and pastoral spheres. Lara is passionate about providing young people with access to high-quality education and wide-ranging experiences, supporting students in becoming well-informed, open-minded and articulate individuals.

Outside school, Lara enjoys being on the move. Once a marathon runner, Lara has now taken up cycling and is enjoying taking part in duathlons when time allows. Skiing, hiking, cycling – Lara and her husband are most relaxed when they are outside and active.

Lara also holds the UK National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).

Sean Duffy

Deputy Vice Principal - Senior School

Sean Duffy is an accomplished educator with over a decade of experience teaching English. He obtained his degree from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, as well as a PGCE in English teaching, QTS, and NPQSL. Throughout his career, he has held various senior leadership roles, including overseeing curriculum, safeguarding, pastoral care, and literacy programmes.

Sean is particularly dedicated to supporting post-16 students and leading pre-university programmes. He was responsible for a unique programme that significantly increased the number of students transitioning to Russell Group universities in the UK. This initiative provided tailored support and guidance to post-16 students, ensuring they were well-prepared for the rigours of university life. His outstanding work in this area earned the post-16 programme the prestigious Pearson Award for Collaboration through Partnership.

He is passionate about reading and instilling a love of learning in his students. Sean is known for his dedication to his craft and his ability to inspire young minds. Outside of work, he prioritises spending time with his family, which includes two children, and pursuing his hobbies of golf, football, and other sports.

Overall, Sean is a well-respected and accomplished educator who is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of his students and his community.