Dr Tim Hughes

Director of Academic Quality Assurance & School Improvement - Bloom Education

I have worked as a principal of high performing schools and as a corporate leader spearheading school improvement in the UAE, KSA, Oman, India, Malaysia, and the Philippines, covering the UK, US, and CBSE curriculum.

From 2014-2018 I was Principal of Al Yasmina Academy, Abu Dhabi, the flagship school of Aldar Academies. During this time, I led the school to outstanding inspection outcomes, secured its status as a world’s top 10 benchmarking academy in Reading & Literacy, the top-ranked school in Abu Dhabi in Maths & Science, and a school amongst the world’s best organisations in the prestigious Investors in People Award, achieving the gold level accreditation.
In the UK I co-led Nunthorpe Academy to outstanding inspection outcomes in all categories and supported its accreditation as a National Teaching School, the Investors in People gold level accreditation, Investors in Careers status, and National Parent Partnership awards.

I am fortunate to have won UK National Awards for both teaching and STEM business / industry partnerships, for being distinguished by the Royal Academy of Engineering for contributions to its Engineering Education Scheme, and for receiving a prestigious lifetime achievement award for contributions to the betterment of contemporary society.

I am passionate about educational research and have mentored over 100 projects during the past 30 years. I became an accredited Visible Learning consultant in 2017 and school inspector in 2022.

Speaker Sessions

Creative Futures: Education for the Next Economy 1978

Nov 13 2025 | 11:15am - 12pm

Panel Session: The Role of Creative Education in Future-Proofing Careers

Session Summary:

This panel will explore how creative education prepares students for emerging careers, emphasizing digital innovation, media, and entrepreneurship. It will feature experts from academia and industry who can provide diverse perspectives on bridging education with industry needs.

Speakers:

Dr. Carlos Montana | Program Coordinator - New Media Design - Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai
Baz Nijjar | Vice President – Education Technology & Digital Innovation – GEMS Education
Dr Tim Hughes | Director of Academic Quality Assurance & School Improvement - Bloom Education
Professor Subia Mojib | Adjunct Professor in Art History at RIT - American University of Dubai & Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai
Muna Al Falasi | Director, Esports & Games Strategy - Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism