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

Maria has 28 years’ experience in education and started her career teaching Business and Economics. She has held various leadership roles in different areas of school operations and previously specialised in sixth form education. Maria has been with BCS for eleven years. She joined the school as Head of Sixth Form and progressed to Senior Deputy Head, teaching A level Business and leading teacher training. Over the last 15 years, she has been responsible for recruiting and training almost 100 new teachers.

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 School 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.

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.

Nicola joined the Worthgate School (formerly CATS Canterbury) in 2018. Before joining the Worthgate School, Nicola was the Director of Science at a prestigious Grammar School, building on her earlier career as a Research Scientist in the Pharmaceutical industry. Nicola has also been a Research Fellow in epistemology (the philosophical study of the nature, origin, and limits of human knowledge), valuing metacognition and interdisciplinary learning strategies to drive student outcomes.

Kathleen joined CATS Academy Boston in 2016 and has held several positions, including Registrar and Dean of Academics. She has over 30 years’ experience in education and holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Management. Before joining CATS Academy Boston, Kathleen held various academic leadership roles, including Principal, Curriculum Writer, Grants Coordinator and Community Relations Director in the US. Kathleen is also a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

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.

Steve joined Stafford House in early 2023. Steve is a graduate of South Wales University and is both CELTA and Delta qualified. He has taught English in the UK and overseas, and has held management positions at schools in London, Paris and Beirut as well as with leading ELT publishers. Steve was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts following his work on education projects with refugees and their teachers in the Middle East.

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.

Craig is an Oxford University graduate where he obtained a first class degree in Chemistry and a Doctorate. He joined the company in 2014 and has held senior leadership positions in, and across, several of our schools and the University Foundation Programme. Prior to this, he worked internationally in a rapidly growing school in China.