Our Senior
Leadership Team

John Bell

Executive 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

Principal - Senior School and Nexus

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.

Ed Marsden

Principal – Primo and Junior School

Ed joins Bloom World Academy as Principal – Primo and Junior School, bringing nearly 25 years of experience in both UK and international education. Ed gained his first taste of combining his love of culture and teaching early in his career by becoming director of sport in a leading international British school in the Valencia region of Spain.

Ed has gone on to establish success in developing progressive curriculums, building dynamic teams alongside fostering inclusive, happy school communities.

Throughout his career, Ed has served as a teacher, senior leader, head, and school governor. He is deeply committed to empowering both students and staff.

With a love of sport and vast experience leading in both safeguarding and student wellbeing, Ed has a holistic approach to education that prioritises the welfare of all students in his care. With expertise in digital literacy, curriculum design and parental engagement, Ed is excited about what he can add to Bloom World Academy, in the next stage of its development.

Born and raised in Kent, UK, Ed holds a BSc (Hons) and PGCE from the University of Greenwich, London. He is also a Level 7 ICF-accredited leadership coach, supporting governing bodies and school leaders in their professional development.

Currently, Ed is ‘Head of Prep’ at Ryde School, an Outstanding Independent IB World School on the Isle of Wight, U.K. He was drawn to Bloom World Academy’s “first, best, different” ethos, which aligns closely with his own belief that ‘happy children learn best.’ Ed is excited to embark on this new chapter of his career in Dubai, alongside his wife, George, and their two children, Albie (11) and Jonty (9).

Nicola Upham

Principal - Well-being and 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.

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

Vice Principal - Primo & Junior School and PYP Coordinator

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.

Sean Duffy

Vice Principal - Senior School and Nexus

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.

Graham Walmsley

Senior Deputy Vice Principal - Middle 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.