Meet the team
Ali - CEO & Founder
Ali is the Program Leader 👨🏫 for the Creative Media Department at University College Kensington 🏫. During the day he leads & lectures for the undergraduate Computer Games Design 🎮 course. He has more than 15 years of experience and has worked on many different projects with many different companies such as Siemens, London Underground and Royal Air Force (RAF). In the eyes of his 12 year old nephew, he’s the coolest uncle in the world 😎, because he makes games! One day his nephew (who was 9 years old at the time) asked to learn games design. He was surprised 😮 to see how quickly his nephew learnt the same tools his adult students use. “You’re a lot more capable than I thought!” he said. He then taught the same techniques to his 8 years old niece who also learnt just as quick. This gave him the idea 💡 to set up Software Academy, so kids as young as 6 can start learning how to code 💻 and make 3D games.
Saeed - Operations Manager
Saeed has Master’s degree 🎓 in Digital Media Design from the University of Edinburgh (👀 number 16 in world’s university ranking!🌎).
Saeed was a lecturer 👨🏻🏫 on the games design course at West Herts College 🏫 Now he is our Operations manager, the go to guy for any problem parents and tutors may face! He is our own version of Superman always ready for action!🎮 Saeed enjoys sports 🏃🏻 & music 🎵. He’s described as a dedicated manager by all of our staff!
Ana - Head of QA
Ana is the Head of Quality assurance at Software Academy and lectures 3D Games and Development part-time at higher education🏫. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Games Design and a 🎓 Master’s degree in Digital Media Design from the University of Edinburgh (👀 number 16 in world’s university ranking!🌎) . She enjoys working with kids and has been described as a “caring tutor” by our students. Ana is also a true artist 🎨 with a creative mind. Besides being an experienced user of contemporary designing technologies, she is also a fantastic artist with traditional methods of drawings and illustrations👩🎨.
Marjan - Head of QM
Marjan is our Head of Qualification Management, she graduated with a 🎮Computer Games Design and Development Diploma 🎓 , she specialised in Unreal Engine and 3ds Max. She has always worked with young children👩🏻🎓 and has a passion for education. She loves Persian music 🎵and world foods!
Jane - Lead Admin
Jane (Janie) is a 3D artist and 2D illustrator 🎨 . She has a bachelor’s degree in Games Design and digital media and has taught overseas for 9 years (Japan) 🇯🇵. She has taught English, Maths, Science, P.E, STEAM classes and even Judo 🥋. In her free time, she enjoys character design, environments and illustration, as well as running. 🏃
Marley - Admin
Marley has graduated with a Bachelor’s in Digital Media 🎨 and Games Art 🎮 from the University of Huddersfield. She has a background with freelancing in graphics design, illustration and 3D modelling 🖼️. She loves self-learning and has learnt web development and is currently enjoying learning how to code ⌨️ for games whilst creating her own passion project game in her spare time. She loves playing games as well as making art for them and aside from her time spent on the computer she loves reading and hiking with her dog 🐶!
Ciara - Admin
Ciara graduated with a degree in Illustration 🎓 with a concentration in Concept Art for Games and Animation from Savannah College of Art and Design in the United States. She is a published children’s book illustrator 🎨 with a proficient understanding of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and creating Animated GIFS. Ever since a young age, Ciara has used digital platforms as a means to create artwork and bring to life colourful worlds and characters. 🐉🖌️ When she is not working, you can find her volunteering in Gaming Communities to host safe spaces for tournaments, exploring the United Kingdom, playing cosy video games or brainstorming her own passion game projects! 🌱
Jojo - Admin
Jojo is very creative, having graduated from Technological University Dublin with a BA Hons in Creative Arts 🎨 and furthering her studies completing a PGDip in Interior Design 🏡. When not dreaming up an ideal layout for different spaces, she can be found watching (and thoroughly analysing) films 🎥 , playing piano 🎹, practicing yoga 🧘♀️, or playing video games 🎮.
Matin - tutor
Matin was also Ali’s student, however unlike others, he wasn’t an official student of his. Ali has known Matin since he was 12 years old as he used to teach him games design privately! Matin started working at Software Academy as a teacher assistant at the age of 17, and now at the age of 18, he’s become one of our tutors and we’re proud to have him! At Software Academy, Matin is mainly famous for the fact that he has the same IQ score as Albert Einstein!
Jaymez - Tutor
Jaymez has been studying game design 
and programming 
for the last 4 years, whilst perusing his master’s degree in computer science 
, Although his experience with games design extends far beyond his academic career. He has a lot of experience with Unreal Engine’s blueprint system and C++ reflection system 
, Other than Unreal Engine; Jaymez has a lot of experience with Native C++, x86 Assembly, Java, C#, JavaScript, NodeJS and Python. Aside from programming, he also likes to create his own game music, whether it be playing the piano 
or a guitar 
. Jaymez is always excited to share his knowledge with students!
William - Tutor
Will has been developing games since he was a teenager and has always had a passion for gaming 🎮 and coding . He studied Games Development at Norwich University of the Arts 🎓 where he focused on games development with Unreal Engine ⚙️. After he left university he went on to create two games, first one for phones 📱 and the second for consoles and computers 🖥️. He then went back into education at the University of East Anglia 🎓 where he earned his Masters degree in Advanced Computer Science 👨💻. Aside from making games in his spare time he also enjoys playing them 🕹️ and tinkering with all sorts of tech! 🔧
Isabella - Tutor
Bella is a graduate 🎓 from Nottingham Trent University with a BA(Hons) in Animation 📽 . She specialises in 2D Digital Design in Photoshop and Illustrator ✏, and 2D animation with a focus on character creation . She has been studying digital 2D design since she was young and loves using digital programs to help her create new magical creatures and worlds , often inspired by nature ! She has directed and animated several short films that have been featured in festivals across the UK. When she isn’t working on a new project, you can usually find her out in the wilderness trying to spot different animals , or playing video games!
Jakub - Tutor
Meet Jakub, a recent masters graduate 🎓 from Teesside University 🏫 in Computer Game Design! Jakub has studied Computer Game Design 🎮 for the past 4 years, with his interest in Unreal engine going beyond that, he knows Unreal’s blueprint system like the back of his hand. With a background in Creative Digital media 🎨, Jakub can visualise any design be it in 3D, or 2D. With his passion for art going past work and becoming a deep part of his hobby! He also enjoys games 🕹️ in his spare time, and loves the opportunity to combine his passion for design with the ability to share his knowledge .
Nayan - Tutor
Nayan graduated with a first class degree in Automotive and Transport Design from Coventry University🚗. It was at Coventry University that he was introduced to Blender, which he used to create 3D renders and animations🎥 throughout his degree, as well as teaching his course mates some helpful tips and tricks in the software. Apart from Blender, Nayan is passionate about swimming🏊♂️, mountain biking🚵♂️ and playing games🕹️.
Sami - Tutor
Sami Graduated from Teeside University in Computer Games Design 🎮 studying extensively in Unreal Engine and being ‘Lead Level Designer’ in his team 🆙️ with extensive knowledge of most recent games especially MMO Sami is your go to guy if you want to know what to play next 🎯 in his spare time Sami loves Swimming 🏊♂️ and believes he is the fastest in the world 🏆
Goncalo - Tutor
Gonçalo has a deep passion for game design and development 🎮. He thrives on programming in languages like C and Odin, often building game engines from the ground up 🦾. Additionally, he enjoys working with established engines such as Unity, Godot, and Unreal. Beyond game development, Gonçalo is enthusiastic about robotics and Arduinos 🤖. Gonçalo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Bath. In his spare time, he enjoys playing a variety of games with his friends, with recent favorites including League of Legends 😶🌫️.
Daniel - Tutor
Meet Daniel, an indie game developer with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree 🎓 in Computer Science with Games Programming at the University of Huddersfield🏫. Based in Wakefield, Daniel is a director of his own indie games company, currently deep in development of their first commercial title 🎮! His bread and butter is game design, sound design, and programming in Unity. In his spare time he loves hosting Dungeons & Dragons🐉 , airsofting, mountain biking 🚵♂️, and doing game jams.
Douglas - Tutor
Douglas is a Masters Graduate 🎓 of Falmouth University where he studied Games design 🎮, with a focus on Unreal Engine and Blender. He has been running his own independent games company since then, with three released titles so far! In his spare time he enjoys painting and building model kits 🛠️ and of course, video gaming 🕹️!
Alan - Tutor
Alan is a Masters student at the University of Birmingham 🎓. He studies Cyber Security 🖥🔐, where he learns about cyber attacks and defence. He was introduced to programming in high school, where he started learning Python 👨💻, and has been learning more by participating in online challenges. During his degree 📚, his research project included making an iris recognition program 👁 using Python. When he’s not programming and learning more about cyber security methodologies 📂, he plays sports such as badminton 🏸, cricket 🏏 and football ⚽️.
Ahmad - Tutor
Ahmad is doing a bachelor’s at Kingston University 🏫 . Studying in the field of Computer Science, specializing in Python as a programming language 💻 for over 5 years. Keen on actively trying to branch out and learn other creative and innovative programming languages 🧠. In his free time, Ahmad loves to play video games 🎮 and playing 🏐. With 3 plus years of experience in teaching Python 🧑🏫, Ahmad is looking forward to helping and spreading his passion for programming.
Aisha - Tutor
Aisha is an interior architect and design graduate🎓. She has specialised in sketchup and AutoCad for three years now which she enjoys as it enables her to bring her creative designs together 🎨. Having previously worked in a primary school 🏫, Aisha understands the exploration students have amongst design and wants to help her students explore their creativity . In her spare time she likes to balance her workload by participating in sports like badminton 🏸, martial arts and also travelling 🚆.
Jack - tutor
Jack has a bachelor’s degree in physics ⚛️ from the university of Southampton. Programming for 6 years, specialising in python 🐍 and recently picking up JavaScript, he is passionate about using code for problem solving and data modelling. In his free time, Jack enjoys playing guitar 🎸 and playing games on his pc 🖥️
Joseph - Tutor
Joseph has a background in creative design and a degree from Norwich University of the Arts 🎓.
He has previously worked as an electrical tech ⚡, a drone pilot 🎮 and a sound engineer on TV shows 🎬.
In the past he has created lots of 3D printed equipment for TV and drones 🛸.
Joseph is knowledgeable about the linux operating system 🐧with lots of experience writing code in 🐍 Python, C++ and bash / shell.
Cameron - Tutor
Cameron graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 3D Game Art 🎓 where he specialised in Blender, Unreal Engine and Substance Painter. A big fan of self-learning, he is also studying Front-End Web Development in his spare time, utilising a combination of technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript and React. 💻 Away from the computer, he enjoys being active at the gym 💪 and playing football! ⚽
David - Tutor
Meet David, the game design virtuoso from Bournemouth University 🎮! With 4 years of Unity and Unreal sorcery, Jack crafts captivating worlds through level and narrative design🪄. Ever swung by “Spiderman: Miles Morales”?🕷️ Well, Jack sprinkled some magic on the facial animations there! Beyond pixels and polygons, catch Jack cruising on a longboard or diving into epic TTRPG adventures🐉🧙♂️
Lee - Tutor
Lee started as a hobbyist map maker 🎨 as a teenager as a 3D artist and went on to study games design 🎮 where he received a BA Hons degree 🎓 in Grimsby. He has 10 years experience in Unreal Engine and has published over a dozen projects. Lee has worked on building VR training simulators 🥽 in Unreal for laboratories 🧪 and released two games.
Alastair - Tutor
Alastair has three interests: coding, animation and dragons 🐉. He has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Animation Technical Arts from Bournemouth University, and enjoys spending time developing games 🎮. He had dabbled with programming and game development growing up, but it was during the course that he fell in love with coding ♥, quickly finding he was spending every free moment to code in Lua, Python 🐍 or C++. Patient and thorough, quality and creativity in the details is his goal. That, and making dragons a reality, but he is unsure how to do that just yet 🐲.
Asiyah - Tutor
Asiyah is a Computer Science student 🎓 at King’s College London, passionate about programming, especially in Python 💻. For her A-level project, she created a 2D environment-themed 🌳 platformer game featuring Stanley, a cute plant character!! In her free time, Asiyah enjoys baking sweet treats 🧁 and playing Nintendo games. 🏍
Fran - Tutor
Fran is a second-year computer science student who loves programming, problem-solving, and maths! They have always been fascinated by technology 👾 and, fuelled by this curiosity💥, enjoy learning and discovering more about cybersecurity ⚛️, machine learning 🤖, and all things computers 💻.
James - Tutor
James is a programmer with a master’s degree in AI for games🕹️ from Falmouth University. Since graduating he’s worked as a contract programmer🧑💻 for several projects while working with a team of graduates on a game of his own🎮. James likes to pick up hobbies from all over the place, including crochet, aerial silks and karate🥋. He can’t decide on his favourite game series between 🐉Dragon Quest and Yakuza.
Katie - Tutor
Katie is an undergraduate digital media student 🎓✏️ from Bristol. She’s been studying for the past 2 years however her experience with the adobe suit and HTML goes beyond this. Along side her studies, Katie is a avid netball player🏐, loves playing games🎮and getting creative🎨
Sean - Tutor
Sean has a bachelor’s degree in Architecture ✏️📏 from the University of Nottingham, where he specialised in orthographic drawing, technical detailing, 3D modelling, and architectural visualisation, using AutoCAD, Revit, Photoshop, and InDesign. Using these programmes, he is able to create architectural proposals for sustainable, healthy built spaces 🏠, which often use natural environments as focal points for his ideas🌳. In his spare time, Sean volunteers his time with a local homeless charity🍴.
Nishka - Tutor
Nishka is currently studying Computer Science at the University of Wolverhampton. She enjoys programming in Python and Java and has experience making 3D games 🎮 in Unity. She is also a maths and science tutor 📚 and loves problem solving 🧠. In her spare time she does karate 🥋, creates projects using her Raspberry Pi and likes to draw and paint 🎨.
Alex - Tutor
Alex is a final year student at the University of Exeter 🏫, studying Computer Science👨💻. With a comprehensive understanding of languages such as Python and C# 💻 using skills learnt over six years, he enjoys building applications to help with his everyday life. He also enjoys designing games 🎮 with the Unity Game Engine. Whilst not programming, Alex pursues a great interest in History and playing the Guitar🎸. He is always happy to share his knowledge, and demonstrate how useful computing and programming can be.
Saul - Tutor
Saul is an aspiring data scientist and a passionate educator 📊👨🏫. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree 🎓 at Swansea University 🏴 while also juggling his love for sports 🏉🥊. Saul’s coding journey began at the age of 13, and since then, he has developed a knack for solving complex problems and thinking outside the box to communicate ideas effectively 🧩. His dedication to teaching is evident through his role as a teaching assistant at the university, where he excels at simplifying intricate topics for better comprehension 📚.
Wajiha - Tutor
Wajiha is a third year computer science student at Goldsmiths University of London💻 she has been studying computer science for 6 years! 🎆 She has also been a tutor for 3 years teaching both online and in person. Away from her studies she loves to travel and explore new places and cultures ✈️☀️ and loves trying new food and cuisine!🥘
Alfie - Tutor
Alfie is currently studying for his masters degree in advanced computer science at Swansea University 📚. Where he also graduated with a first class degree in computer science 🎓. He has been studying in this field for the best part of a decade and has experienced many programming languages such as Python, Java, C# and Kotlin 💻. Which he has used to develop a range of systems, computer games 🎮 and mobile apps📱. When he’s not glued to his computer screen he enjoys keeping active by running 🏃♂️, skateboarding 🛹 and climbing 🧗♂️.
Luke - Tutor
Luke graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Games Development at John Moores University🎓 where he specialized in Unreal Engine and C++🤖. He’s been using Unreal Engine for 5 years and programming for 8 years, starting at 14 where he found his passion. In his free time, Luke enjoys playing Crown Green Bowls, Walking🚶, and playing computer games 🖥️
Fun Fact About Our Staff
Most of our tutors are Ali’s previous students! After graduation, they became the family members of Software Academy.
This means the staff are carefully selected and trusted individuals. We’ve known them for years, truly believe in their talents, skills, and believe are the right tutors to train our students!
Even though we have known our tutors for many years, we still run an enhanced DBS background check for all tutors!
