36% of our tutors are Oxbridge educated

Meet some of the tutors from across our Colleges...

Meet our student support network...

Dr Eric Boston FRSA

Head of History

A University of Cambridge graduate, Eric achieved a Double First in History followed by a PhD in Medieval History at Jesus College. Eric oversees the Oxbridge programme and Gifted and Talented cohort, he is a Senior Examiner for two major Exam Boards and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

"What’s special about CATS College is that it provides a genuine preparation for university - a real learning path towards being the type of independent learner that any university wants."

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Leanne Hitchmough BA (hons)

Economics and Business

A fluent Russian speaker, Leanne holds an Honours degree in Economics and Russian from Keele University and has spent extended periods of time in Tver, Russia and New York. Leanne has a wealth of experience teaching at a number of leading independent and grammar schools in the UK.

"Every student is an individual and it is my job to help them learn in their own way. I enjoy developing new and interesting ways of ensuring students learn complicated economic theories, whilst developing their enjoyment of Economics using their experiences to bring theory to life. Here at CATS College it’s all about the whole student and getting them ready for the world that lies outside that door."

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Guilly Lassman MSB, MSc

Medics Programme Leader

As a member of the Society of Biology, Guilly holds a First Class Honours degree in Zoology and an MSc in Shellfish Biology from Cardiff University. A native Portuguese speaker, Guilly also speaks French, Italian and Spanish and with over 20 years experience, she successfully prepares intending Medics for the rigours of their future career.

"CATS College Medics Programme is designed to stimulate, educate and challenge potential doctors to develop their skills in several areas – academic, creative and social. Our students share the passion and determination required to succeed on the Medic pathway - ambition and motivation – and we provide the ideal environment for that success at CATS College."

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Mark Algar MA

Head of Business

A Business and Finance graduate and a former independent school Housemaster, Mark brings his enthusiasm for Business to the international study environment at CATS College.

"I am amazed by our students' level of drive, ambition and determination to succeed during their time at CATS College. With a diverse nationality mix, they are able to draw upon a fascinating repertoire of anecdotal evidence and quite unique life experiences which help bring theory to life and I am pleased to be able to support and develop this through activity such as the Young Enterprise Programme and Leadership Scheme."

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Shirley Brazier MA, BEd

Head of English

Having graduated from the University of Cambridge, Shirley has an enviable success rate with students progressing to some of the leading universtities such as Durham University, University of Cambridge and University of Oxford. With an MA in English Literature from Sussex University, Shirley has taught with passion for over 16 years at CATS College.

"It is wonderful to be able to enthuse students from all over the world about literature written in English. To learn about rhythm in poetry, to create characters, to draw pictures of the imagery we find in poems and write newspaper reviews of our Shakespeare plays. My hope is to establish a lifelong hobby as well as discerning literary critics in our students."

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Dr David Mannion PhD

Head of Science; Gifted & Talented Programme Leader

With a PhD from Durham University, an MSc from Edinburgh University and a BSc from University College London in Astronomy, David’s passion for Physics and Astronomy cannot be underestimated. He is an elected Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a member of its Education Committee.

"I have never taught such polite, hard-working and cultured students than those at CATS College and it is a real privilege to work in such an outstanding environment. CATS College offers the very best of a British liberal education, with passionate teaching and a wonderful international atmosphere."

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Personal Tutor

At CATS College you will meet with your Personal Tutor every day, so they quickly get to know you well! As well as this regular contact and support, our Personal Tutors provide:

• assessment feedback
• academic reports
• direct parent contact
• delivery of Personal, Social and Health Education programme.

"I love working with the students we have and helping them to get the best out of their time here." - Christabel Dunbar, Head of Humanities & Personal Tutor

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Student Care Team

Each of our Colleges has a dedicated Student Care Team who are the first point of contact for:

• non-academic issues or concerns
• general settling in and happiness
• induction week delivery
• visa renewals.

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Accommodation Managers

Each of our Residences has a live-in Accommodation Manager providing:

• accommodation supervision and support
• utility servicing and maintenance
• direct communication with College on student welfare.

"I look after all the student accommodation and manage the residential Hall Supervisors. The College is a lovely environment to work in and I am lucky that we have great students and staff." - Andrea Milner BA (Hons), Residence Hall Manager

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Nurse

Our fully trained College nurses manage the College sick bays, providing physical and emotional support.

"We look after the overall health and wellbeing of students. We see students at their lowest ebb, but take great satisfaction in returning them to full health and happiness!" - Kirsty White, College Nurse

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Higher Education Team

We offer a fully integrated programme of Higher Education advice and support including:

• advice on all degree and university options
• help with UCAS applications and personal statements
• additional reading advice
• mock interviews
• delivery of College University fair
• university visits and seminars.

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