Mark David Hughes

Mark David Hughes has served as a senior leader of specialist schools, colleges, and services for children and young people with complex, severe, and profound learning difficulties, as well as Autistic Spectrum Conditions, since 1989. His career has been distinguished by a wide range of diverse and challenging leadership roles — including as the head of several schools, Executive Director of Education for two leading UK charities, and Chief Executive. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in developing new educational provisions, opening schools and colleges, and establishing residential care homes for children and adults with learning disabilities.

As the Executive Director of Qatar Foundation’s Special Schools and SEN Services, Mark represents one of the most diverse student populations in Qatar. The students under his care have a wide range of learning needs and disabilities. His division operates within Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education, collaborating with a family of 13 schools united by the philosophy that everyone belongs and that every learner can succeed, regardless of the challenges they face. Under his leadership, the team is deeply committed to building an inclusive ecosystem that makes a real and lasting difference in the lives of all Qatar Foundation students, while advancing new services and provisions for students with special educational needs across the country.

Since August 2025, Mark has also served as the SEN Specialist Advisor to the President’s Office of Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education. In this role, he focuses on developing new schools and services for children and adults with special educational needs and disabilities. He continues to lead the expansion of the unique Qatar Foundation–MOEHE partnership at Warif Academy and supports national initiatives dedicated to advancing SEN education and the development of innovative programs and services.