As Principal of Nord Anglia International School Al Khor, Mr. Jamie Hughes isn’t just leading the school; he’s shaping its future with an inspiring mix of passion, experience, and a vision that bridges continents and cultures. Mr. Hughes has a single, clear mission: to provide an inclusive, dynamic, and globally relevant education that empowers every student. With a career that has spanned across the globe, from the UK to China and now Qatar, Mr. Hughes brings an unparalleled depth of experience to his role, driving change and growth at every turn.
A Passion for Education and Growth
Mr. Hughes' journey in Qatar has been both impactful and transformative. Having spent nearly 12 years in the country, NAISAK marks his third school in Qatar, where he continues to make a significant and lasting difference. His international leadership journey began at the British School of Beijing in China, where he developed the foundation for his global educational vision. Since joining NAISAK during the pandemic, Mr. Hughes has been instrumental in rejuvenating the school’s curriculum, always keeping students at the core of every decision and initiative.
“When I first started as Head of Primary, it was about creating a curriculum and a learning environment that was right for all our students,” Mr. Hughes recalls. “One of the things that struck me was that the curriculum wasn’t alive, wasn’t really as exciting, and perhaps not as challenging as it could be. The first step we took was to completely overhaul the curriculum. We began developing topics and themes that were not only taught by our class teachers but also aligned with the students' interests. This approach had a remarkable impact on their academic performance, focus, and engagement.”
Mr. Hughes' dedication to creating an engaging and dynamic learning environment has been fundamental to NAISAK’s success. In 2023, following a few years of impactful work in the Primary School, he was appointed Principal. Despite this achievement, his focus remains on driving continuous improvement and notable across all aspects of the school and community: “I truly believe we are the best school,” Mr. Hughes states with confidence. “But believing we are the best doesn’t mean we stop striving for more. We’re always working to create an even richer and more engaging environment for our students.”
Global Partnerships and Opportunities
Mr. Hughes is a strong believer in providing students with unique global opportunities, reflected in NAE’s and NAISAK’s strategic partnerships with prestigious institutions like Juilliard, IMG Florida, and MIT Boston. These collaborations offer NAISAK students exclusive access to world-class experiences in the arts, sports, and technology, equipping them for the demands of a rapidly changing future. As Mr. Hughes explains, “Through our partnerships with Juilliard, IMG Florida, and MIT Boston, we are giving our students opportunities they will not get anywhere else. These experiences will help them develop the skills and attributes they need to thrive in a challenging, dynamic world. We want our students to be ready for a world that’s different from today. When they leave us, they should have the skills to survive and flourish in that world.”
Education and School Facilities: Constant Improvement
Under Mr. Hughes’ leadership, NAISAK is expanding not only academically but also physically. The development of a new early years center and a state-of-the-art sports pitch are just the beginning. These upgrades reflect Mr. Hughes' broader vision to enhance the school’s physical and academic environments, ensuring the best possible experience for students.
“My background is a big part of who I am, and I am a huge fan of sports. As a child, I played in many competitive teams, and I have run marathons around the world. So, creating excellent sports facilities is important to me,” Mr Hughes explains. “Enhancing our facilities is a priority. A stand-alone early years school and a new sports pitch are two main focuses right now. They’re critical in helping us offer a better, more complete experience for our students.”
Commitment to Teachers: Building a Strong Faculty
Attracting and retaining top-tier educators is another key focus for Mr. Hughes. He understands that a great school starts with great teachers. "Education is at the heart of everything we’re doing here. Every year, we look to bring in better teachers. Our priority is to ensure that we have the best teachers from around the world, predominantly from the UK, who are committed to the success of our students,” he says. “We want to make sure that our students have the best education possible, and to do that, we need to ensure we have an exceptional teaching staff.”
Family at the Heart of It All
Outside of his professional life, Mr. Hughes is a devoted family man. Two of his children attend NAISAK, and his youngest is set to join when he reaches school age. This strong family bond only enhances his dedication to creating an environment where all students feel supported and valued. As Mr. Hughes shares, “Family is incredibly important to me. My connection to the school strengthens my commitment to creating a space where all students feel supported and valued. I’ve seen firsthand the impact that a great school can have on a child, and that’s why I’m so dedicated to the work we’re doing here.”
Looking Forward: A Bright Future
As he looks to the future, Mr. Hughes is determined with his commitment to NAISAK’s continued growth. “We’re constantly looking to improve. I want NAISAK to be not just the best school in Al Khor, but one of the best schools in the Middle East. There’s always more we can do to offer our students, and we’ll keep pushing for excellence in everything we do,”
Under his leadership, NAISAK is on a clear trajectory towards becoming a leading institution in Qatar—one that not only focuses on academic success but also prioritises the development of students as confident, well-rounded individuals. With a strong commitment to growth in both facilities and opportunities for students, Mr. Jamie Hughes is shaping the future of education at NAISAK—where every child has the chance to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
