BWA's Governance Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the direction and success of our school. They provide oversight and strategic guidance, helping to implement policies that support student safety, well-being, curriculum and achievement. 

By working closely with our school leadership team, they ensure that our curriculum, resources, and practices are continually refined to meet the needs of all students, ensuring academic excellence and personal growth.

BWA Governance Committee Members 2024/25

Representative		Name	Role	Status	Status office	Election	Term of office
1	Bloom CEO	Nilay Ozral	Chair	Standing	Permanent	No	On-going
2	Bloom Director of QA	TBC	Advisory member	Standing	Permanent	No	On-going
3	Principal	John Bell	Member	Standing	Permanent	No	On-going
4	Safeguarding VP	Nicola Upham	Member	Standing	Permanent	No	On-going
5	Administration	Medina Malik	Member	Standing	Permanent	No	On-going
6	Parent	Jurriaan Altena	Member	Invited	Fixed-term	Yes	Two years
7	Parent	Maha Hasan	Member	Invited	Fixed-term	Yes	Two years
8	Parent	Adeline Saliba	Member	Invited	Fixed-term	Yes	Two years
9	Parent	Laura Cannizzo	Member	Invited	Fixed-term	Yes	Two years
10	Community	Ben Tobitt	Member	Invited	Fixed-term	No	Two years
11	Community	Stephen Munnery	Member	Invited	Fixed-term	No	Two years
12	Emirati Community Representative	TBC	Member	Invited	Fixed-term	No	Two years
13	Teacher (Junior)	Ilham Najibi	Member	Invited	Fixed-term	Yes	One year
14	Teacher (Senior)	Nicholas Kilty	Member	Invited	Fixed-term	Yes	One year
15	Student (Senior)	Nora Majiti	Member	Invited	Fixed-term	No	One year
16	Student (Senior)	Marco Cannizzo	Member	Invited	Fixed-term	No	One year

Nilay Özral, CEO Bloom Education

Governance Responsibility: Chair

Nilay Özral joined Bloom Education in January 2019 as the Chief Executive Officer, responsible for the management and operations of Bloom Education’s UAE Charter Schools and New Generation Schools awarded to Bloom Education by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education (ADEK) and The Emirates Schools Establishment (ESE). Nilay is also responsible for the development for Bloom Education’s ‘own-brand’ premium IB school Bloom World Academy and nursery portfolio.

Prior to joining Bloom Education, Nilay was the CEO of Aldar Academies from 2014, where she was responsible for developing their educational portfolio from 1,200 student to over 16,000 students during her eight-year tenure. In addition to overseeing Aldar Academies, during 2010 – 2013, Nilay successfully managed a number of Aldar’s major assets on Yas Island, including hotels, marinas,  Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Links Golf Club. Before that, she was the Strategic Planning Director at Sorouh.

Nilay has over 30 years of strategic management and leadership experience in some of the world’s leading multinational companies.

John Bell, Principal and BWA Parent (Grade 9)

BWA Join Year: 2022/23

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 East London, UK, John graduated with BA double honour'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 before that led a team of over 200 advisers responsible for the quality of all schools England’s largest local education authority. This role also included responsibility for the training and development of Governors.

John has also served in an advisory capacity to national governments and 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, Bahrain and Singapore.

Nicola Upham, Vice Principal – Student Development 

Governance Responsibility: Safeguarding

BWA Join Year: 2022/23

Nicola Upham, Vice Principal of Student Development, has more than 19 years of teaching experience and eleven years’ experience as a Senior Leader in both UK and Dubai based schools. In her previous 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 puts student well-being at the forefront of everything the school does to allow for the rollout of customised curriculums which promotes the discovery and celebration of each student’s unique talents. Her leadership ensures 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

Governance Responsibility: Clerk to Governors

BWA Join Year: 2022/23

Medina Malik, Head of School Administration, has more than 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 and with a personal touch.

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.

Ilham Najibi, Leader and Advanced Practitioner: Languages and BWA Parent (Pre-KG, Grade 1 & Grade 6)

Governance Responsibility: Teacher Governor

BWA Join Year: 2022/23

Ilham Najibi is a dedicated language educator with significant experience gained in Morocco and France. She holds a bachelor's degree in French and English Literature, along with a master's degree in Linguistics. Proficient in five languages, Ilham relocated to the UAE in 2012 to further her teaching career. Over the past 12 years, she has taught at various International, American, British, and IB schools, acquiring extensive knowledge of different curricula.

In 2015, Ilham became an IGCSE examiner and a DELF examiner for L'Alliance Française, which is associated with the French Ministry of Education.

As a founding staff member and parent at BWA, where her three children are enrolled, Ilham with her strong commitment has played a crucial role in shaping the school's culture, values, and academic vision from its inception. She has not only taught students but also contributed to building the foundations of a vibrant learning community, developing the language curriculum, and setting standards that will benefit future students. 

Currently, Ilham teaches French across all educational levels (PYP, MYP, and DP) and leads the languages department. Her responsibilities include developing the languages curriculum and profile throughout the school, engaging with parents, and training the Language acquisition team in various teaching and learning methodologies.

Nicholas Kilty, Teacher: Design Technology and BWA Parent (Grades 4 & 7)

Governance Responsibility: Teacher Governor

BWA Join Year: 2022/23

Nicholas Kilty is a highly experienced educator with nearly two decades of expertise in leading Design and Technology, and vocational courses. Now in his third year in Dubai, he serves as the Lead Practitioner for Design and Head of Vocational Programmes at BWA.

As a founding teacher and a parent of two children in the Junior and Senior sections of the school, Nicholas is deeply rooted in the school community. He also began serving as Staff Governor in July 2024, a role through which he aims to drive meaningful improvements across the school. His passion lies in creating enriching vocational experiences, particularly for students in the IBCP programme at the Nexus Centre.

Outside of work, Nicholas values spending time with his family and enjoys engaging with his interests in Design and Technology. He is a respected leader and educator, committed to making a lasting impact on his students and the broader school community.

Jurriaan Altena, BWA Parent (Pre-KG & KG2)

Governance Responsibility: Parent Governor

BWA Join Year: 2022/23

Jurriaan Altena is a proud father of three (two already at BWA and a 1-year old aspiring BWA student). Jurriaan and his family have been part of the Bloom World Academy community since August 2022, and he has been actively involved as a class representative since joining. 

Professionally, Jurriaan has been working as a Finance Manager at a leading European telecommunications company since 2015, overseeing operations in the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Jurriaan is excited to take on the role of Parent Governor at BWA and looks forward to collaborating with the Senior Leadership Team to contribute to the school’s growth and future success.

Maha Hasan, BWA Parent (Grades 5, 7 & 8)

Governance Responsibility: Parent Governor

BWA Join Year: 2022/23

Dr. Maha Hasan is a proud mother of three, and is a founding parent at BWA. Deeply committed to the school community, Dr. Maha has played an active role in organising UAE National Day events and has been instrumental in facilitating the Grade 5 PYP exhibition interviews with prominent leaders and specialists. 

Professionally, Dr. Maha is a distinguished healthcare leader with over 15 years of experience in health policy and strategic project management in the UAE. She served as an advisor in the Prime Minister's Office, contributing to national health initiatives and working closely with various government entities to advance strategic healthcare projects. Dr. Maha co-founded the Tobacco Free Dubai initiative, and played a key role in establishing the first smoking cessation clinic within the Dubai Health Authority. She has also collaborated with international organisations such as the (WHO) and the World Bank. Currently, Dr. Maha serves as a Board Member at a family owned business where she oversees the company's vision and direction. 

Dr. Maha holds a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Management from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and is a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP). With her passion for both health and education, she remains a key advocate for progressive policies and development in both sectors.

Adeline Saliba, BWA Parent (Grades 8 & 9)

Governance Responsibility: Parent Governor

BWA Join Year: 2022/23

Adeline Saliba is a proud mother of two children enrolled at BWA, both in Senior School.

As a BWA founding parent, she has felt a strong sense of collective purpose aligned with the school’s mission ‘First, Best or Different’. She has been fortunate to develop close relationships with other families, the teachers and the leadership. As the school grows, seeing it become an integral part of the community, and witnessing the positive impact on our children’s education has been incredibly rewarding for her. 

Her family’s journey at BWA has been exemplary of partnership and resilience, with an ongoing commitment to making the school a place that nurtures young minds to flourish in a setting of kindness.  Serving as a BWA Parent Governor, she looks forward to collaboratively building a legacy, with the Governance Committee, that will benefit countless students for generations to come.  

On the professional front, Adeline is a healthcare clinician, currently employed as an Advisor at Dubai Health, the Emirate’s first integrated academic health system.

Laura Di Marco, BWA Parent (Grade 11)

Governance Responsibility: Parent Governor

BWA Join Year: 2022/23

Laura Di Marco is a proud founding parent of Bloom World Academy, where her son is currently a student. She has been involved with the school since its inception, contributing to important decisions and initiatives that have shaped its growth and vision. 

Over the past 16 years, Laura has had the privilege of being closely connected to schools in three different countries. This experience has given her a deep understanding of how schools function and the vital role that strong bonds between teachers, students, and families play in a child’s education. She believes that when these relationships are nurtured, students thrive both academically and personally. 

As a Parent Governor, she is passionate about ensuring that our school continues to foster its unique sense of community, collaboration, and trust, so that every child can have the best possible experience in a positive and supportive learning environment. 

Nora Majiti, BWA Student (Grade 11)

Governance Responsibility: Student Governor

BWA Join Year: 2022/23

Nora Majiti is a founding IBDP student at BWA and has had the privilege of serving as Head Girl of BWA in previous years and has now smoothly transitioned into the role of Student Governor. 

Having served as Head Girl, she has gained meaningful insights into how BWA does what it does best: working together to foster a positive environment for all. She has led student forums and facilitated workshops, focusing on making the school a safer, happier, and more successful space. 

With two younger siblings also attending BWA, she is deeply invested in shaping a nurturing community that benefits everyone. As a member of the pioneering NEXUS cohort and now as Student Governor, she looks forward to continuing advocacy for our community by promoting the core values of Primo, Optimus, and Diversum.

Her goal is to ensure that every student’s voice is not only heard but consistently represented to the Senior Leadership Team, fostering a more inclusive and engaged environment for all.

Marco Cannizzo, BWA Student (Grade 11)

Governance Responsibility: Student Governor

BWA Join Year: 2022/23

Marco Cannizzo is in grade 11 and a founding student at BWA. Moreover, he was Head Boy at Bloom World Academy during its first year of operation. 

His role as a founding student has allowed him to witness pivotal shifts made by the school to work towards our vision of customised learning for all students. Additionally, his role as Head Boy for two consecutive years gave him detailed insights on the internal operations of the school and how the BWA system functions. 

Marco is excited to take up the role of Student Governor, as this will give him further opportunity to advocate for his peers, acting as a bridge between the student body and Senior Leadership Team.

Ben Tobitt, Founder and Managing Director of Ben’s Farmhouse

Governance Responsibility: Community Governor

BWA Join Year: 2022/23

Ben is founder and Managing Director of Ben’s Farmhouse Middle East. He is one of the master minds behind the unique healthy living concept standing behind this promise. Ben’s catering company is delighted to be providing the catering at Bloom World Academy along with many other schools in Dubai. This journey began in January 2023 & since then he has been instrumental in introducing the company’s farm to table concept along with the introduction of two canteens & two coffee shops to BWA. The company also plays its part in events & catering for the school’s various initiatives & activations.

Ben began his professional career as a chef in January 1999 at the London, Park Lane Hilton and spent a number of years at reputable establishments across London & Southeast England, USA & Dubai.

With over two decades of first-class kitchen experience, his role with JRG Dubai saw the Briton assume overall responsibility for the Group’s entire kitchen portfolio across 15-plus fine dining venues.

Prior to joining JRG Dubai, He worked at some of London’s most prestigious restaurants, including Le Caprice, London, Brasserie Roux, The Thomas cubitt, London, Soho House’s Café Boehme, The Ivy, London, Wabi & Mirai, Dubai. He has also worked with a selection of the world’s most renowned culinary artisans, including Jacque Roulanski & the Michelin-starred Roux brothers, where Ben honed his flair for innovative gastronomical techniques. 

Stephen Munnery, Founder of Viking Surf Sports

Governance Responsibility: Community Governor

BWA Join Year: 2023/24

Biography pending

 

Governors may be contacted through the Clerk to the Governors using the registered office address; Bloom World Academy, Al Barsha South, Dubai, UAE, or by calling +971 (0) 4 371 4777.