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academic and welfare staff

Alongside our Academic Team we have a dedicated Welfare Team, who work together to ensure that appropriate support is provided when it is needed. 

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Dr. Helen Barsham

Senior Deputy Head – Interim
Helen is in her thirtieth year of educating young people and the last fifteen have been in leadership roles with three school Headships behind her. Recently, Helen completed her Doctorate in Education with the University of Cambridge which was about using cognitive science to prepare for tests and increase self-confidence in taking tests. She has just had two books published about her research. Links here for the full thesis held in the University repository and the books. Helen is dedicated to improving outcomes for young people and passionate about listening to them. She believes in providing an excellent education. She admires the work of Ken Robinson as an educator who believed in creativity and Howard Gardner and promoting curiosity, disciplined thinking, respect, ethical and again creativity.
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Mary Memarzia

Deputy Head - Pastoral
Mary brings a deep commitment to working with young people and considers it a privilege to support students in schools and colleges both as a teacher and as a pastoral leader. Her approach is firmly rooted in care, empathy, and understanding, ensuring that every student feels valued and supported. Mary is dedicated to promoting wellbeing and to fostering a school culture in which diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect are actively celebrated. She is passionate about creating environments where young people feel safe to be themselves, confident in seeking support, and empowered to flourish both personally and academically.
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Dr Nicholas Dennis

Senior Deputy Head – Interim
Dr Dennis brings extensive experience from a number of leading independent and international schools, together with a strong commitment to academic excellence, innovation and pupil wellbeing. Most recently, he served as Senior Deputy Head at St Helen’s School in Northwood and, prior to that, Deputy Head (Academic) at Kellett School, The British International School in Hong Kong. In these roles, he led significant developments in curriculum, teaching and learning, co-curricular provision and whole-school improvement. Dr Dennis holds a PhD from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, where his doctoral research explored racism and British humanitarian discourse, as well as an MSc in Learning and Teaching from the University of Oxford, where he specialised in cognitive psychology and long-term learning retention. He is currently completing an MBA at the University of York. His professional interests include curriculum design, cognitive science, diversity and inclusion, and the use of technology and artificial intelligence in education.
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George Leland

Registrar

George has worked for CATS Cambridge for 4 years, as Activities Manager and Physical Education teacher. During this time, he has shown great passion and skill in community building, forging connections with the young people in our care and helping them to belong and find the best in themselves. Prior to joining us, George was a football coach for Norwich City FC and Barcelona Bay FC in San Jose, California.

CATS is a home for George and he is dedicated to helping it be a home for all the young people in our care, promoting a family feel among the students and everyone in our community. Outside of work, George is a dad and a husband, and loves spending time with his family. George will be responsible for the recruitment and retention of students, and for engaging our worldwide community of alumni. George is excited to continue his community building vocation in this new, significant role.
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Philip Bond

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Phil joined CATS Cambridge in August 2023, after returning to the UK following 22 years working in a variety of educational settings overseas, mainly in Southeast Asia. He has held several key positions in private and international schools, including Director of Sport & Enrichment, Head of Experiential Learning, and Deputy Head Co-Curricular. Phil began his teaching career after training as a teacher of PE and English and has published research into total immersion in language learning and Total Physical Response as a method of combining physical movement with language acquisition. As Designated Safeguarding Lead and Senior House Director, Phil plays a vital role in keeping students safe, happy, and engaged with the challenges of studying at CATS. Outside of work, Phil enjoys a variety of sports and fitness activities, and is continually improving his cooking skills—particularly Asian cuisine.
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Sarah Morgan

Deputy Head Co Curricular & Director of Key Stage Four
Sarah is a dedicated and innovative education professional with over 20 years of teaching experience. She has worked at CATS Cambridge for nine years as a Geography teacher and, more recently, as a House Director and KS4 Coordinator. Sarah’s career began in 2000. Since then, she has taught at notable institutions in the UK and abroad, including the British International School of Kyiv and the International School of Milan, where she led the Geography department. She has also expanded her expertise as a leader in extracurricular activities, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and field trip coordination, including international trips to Italy and Switzerland. Sarah is excited to continue developing the Co-Curricular programme at CATS Cambridge to suit our students’ needs and aspirations.