Academic Leadership Team

Karin has a first-class science degree in Photographic Sciences and a Masters of Philosophy from the Royal College of Art. She has held senior management roles in highly QS ranked UK Universities including Dean at University of the Arts, London. A photographic practitioner by origin, Karin’s practice as a photographer has resulted in her work being exhibited nationally and internationally at world leading institutions such as the Tate Britain.

Joe joined the organisation in 2018. Joe oversees the management and operation of both CATS and CSVPA in Shanghai. Joe has 15 years' experience in international education programmes. As a pioneer of international education in China, he has extensive understanding of the Chinese market and knowledge of government policy. Joe has an MA in Education from the University of Leipzig

Severine Collins has 28 years' experience as an educator. An Honours graduate in Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Sciences at Sussex University, Severine completed her Masters degree in ICT and eLearning Education at Kings College London in 2012. She has extensive experience in academic leadership roles, and in the last eight years, she has been Vice Principal in both CATS London and CATS Canterbury before being appointed Principal at CATS Canterbury in 2019. Prior to working for CGS, some of Severine’s leadership roles included being Head of the Modern Languages Department at Brighton College and the MYP Coordinator in a Bilingual International School in Vevey, Switzerland.

Benson has led St. Michael’s School since 2017, following Deputy & Assistant Head posts in other independent schools. He holds a Master’s degree in Education, along with postgraduate certificates in educational research methods and mentoring & coaching. Before teacher training, Benson worked in accountancy and later held a music scholarship at university. He is a school inspector and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors.

Jason joined Bosworth Independent College in August 2020. He is an experienced Head of School having served as Principal in three different countries and is also an ISI Team Inspector. Jason started his teaching career as Geography Teacher in North Wales, after a few years as Head of British International Schools in East Africa, Jason joined CGS on his return to the UK.

Connor hails from Ireland where he completed a Masters and a PhD in Education at Trinity College Dublin. He has worked in the field of language education since 2002, initially as a teacher, and then as a teacher trainer, in Ireland, the UK, Poland, France, Italy, Slovenia, Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Russia and Vietnam, as well as online. He has worked at Stafford House London since 2016 and became principal in 2019.

Pat started teaching English in 1995 and has been at Stafford House Canterbury since 2001, becoming Principal in 2002. He chairs two committees within Stafford House, The Standards and Quality Assurance Board and the Designated Safeguarding Oversight Team. He is also a member of ASAC, the British Council Accreditation Scheme Advisory Committee.

Jeffrey joined CATS Academy in 2022. He is an experienced senior boarding school administrator with a career in the US sector. Jeff holds a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Harvard Business School and is currently studying for a Doctorate in Education at Northeastern University. Jeff is a certified Ice Hockey Coach and earned the Eagle Scout award, the highest available rank in the Boy Scouts of America.

Russell joined Bournemouth Collegiate School as Headmaster in 2015. Before that he was part of the management team at Reading Blue Coat School. He started his academic career as a Geography teacher and worked in a variety of roles including Boarding Housemaster. He also participated in a teacher exchange at Brisbane Boys College in Australia. Russell holds a degree in Geology from Durham University and a Master’s in Education from the University of Cambridge.

Currently serving as the Principal at CATS London, James was previously the Vice Principal at CATS Canterbury. James is an ISI Team Inspector, a trustee for a charity, a NED for a social enterprise, a school governor and warranted Scout Leader. Prior to CGS, James held leadership positions in charitable, proprietorial, and private equity owned independent schools. He taught Economics and Business Studies at King’s College, The Canterbury School, Millfield School and King’s Alfred’s School. James has a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, a PGCE and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education. James continues his professional development with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, having recently gained a Certificate in Business Accounting.

Dominic was appointed as Principal of CATS Cambridge in 2019 having been the College’s Vice Principal since 2016. He has extensive experience as a teacher of Economics, Business, Physics and Mathematics. This reflects his eclectic academic background; Dominic holds a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences and Masters’ degrees in Economics and Education. Before joining CATS Cambridge, Dominic worked as a boarding Housemaster, Head of Department and he has been a school lead for university applications. Prior to becoming a teacher in 2005, Dominic worked in a range of senior roles in the logistics and telecommunications sectors, having previously served as an Officer in the British Army’s Corp of Royal Engineers.

Michael spent 10 years teaching overseas in Turkey, Italy and South Korea, including 5 years with the British Council. Since returning to the UK in 2001, he has held the posts of Trinity Teacher Trainer, Director of Studies and Regional Academic Director. Michael has also been an ISI inspector. He is TEFL Diploma qualified and has a postgraduate certificate in management. Michael joined as Principal of Stafford House Cambridge in January 2019.