Afia holds a BA (Hons) in History from SOAS, a PGCE from UCL, and an MA in Education from King’s College London. She is currently undertaking doctoral research at the University of Oxford on identity and school history. Afia has spent her career in all-through inner-city London schools teaching across the Humanities, and has served as Careers Lead, Deputy Head of History, and Assistant Principal.
Over the past five years, Afia’s work has focused on widening access, cultivating belonging, and raising attainment through inclusive practice and deliberate curriculum design. Her school leadership has included Head of Sixth Form, where she was known for her dedication and energy, converting post-16 ambition into concrete destinations and results.
In 2025 Afia moved to Dubai to join Bloom World Academy to complete her DPhil as a Lead Practitioner in Individuals & Societies (History), where she supports colleagues and drives whole-school improvement. Afia’s educational philosophy rests on access, meritocracy, and belonging. She treats History and the wider I&S disciplines as a pursuit of truth, using inquiry to spark original thought, challenge assumptions, and shine light into obscurity. Her approach blends research and data-informed teaching, careful curriculum planning, and pastoral care that builds psychological safety for holistic student development.
Beyond school, Afia is a published author and serves as Head of Education at the Hussain Foundation. She enjoys writing, long walks, time with loved ones, and is committed to contributing to a fairer society for her own child and for the students she serves.