Raheem Zafar

I'm a Senior Lecturer in International Education at the University of Sunderland and Module Leader for the PGCE Education (French Medium), the first distance learning PGCE programme delivered entirely in French. I'm leading the design, development, and global implementation of this innovative programme, scheduled for international launch in February 2027.

I'm an experienced international education leader with over 25 years of experience across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and international school systems. My work focuses on global teacher education, distance learning, leadership development, curriculum innovation, and inclusive international education.

I'm also an International Inspector with the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), contributing to quality assurance and international school standards. I'm currently completing the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) with UCL while preparing to begin a PhD in International Education.

I'm an international educator, academic, and school leader with extensive experience in teaching, leadership, and global education systems. My academic journey began in Paris, France, where I completed the French Baccalaureate and pursued higher education in Law, International Studies, and European Geopolitics before completing a Master of Arts in International Studies at the University of Birmingham.

I hold UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and multiple National Professional Qualifications in leadership, including NPQML, NPQSL, and NPQH, and I'm currently completing NPQEL with University College London. My career spans leadership roles including Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher, Assistant Head Teacher, Head of Faculty for Modern Foreign Languages, and PGCE mentor. I have worked extensively with underprivileged and diverse student communities and have led major school improvement, curriculum development, and teaching and learning initiatives across international education settings. My professional philosophy centres on providing an Exceptional Educational Experience (3Es) and promoting equity, access, and global citizenship through education.