Meet our staff...

At CATS Cambridge you will enjoy being taught by tutors with high academic qualifications and rich life experiences. Here are just a few of them...

Laurence Staig
Film & Media Tutor

Former Arts Council of England Officer, Laurence was educated at Manchester University and studied post graduate at London University Institute of Education and Goldsmiths College. He has directed many major UK Arts and Media Festivals and worked in the USA for seven years with the Spoleto USA Festival in South Carolina. He is Trustee of the Promotion of English Charitable Trust and has held several Writer in Residence posts including teaching Story Structure at Madingley Hall, Cambridge. He also writes for The Independent newspaper and produces the occasional thriller novel. He played a villain in a James Bond film when much younger.

Antonio Notarnicola-Harwood
ELT Tutor 
Antonio trained in Developmental Biology at Edinburgh University. He has taught EFL at a number of international business language schools, and spent over four years teaching English in Japan and China before joining CATS Cambridge. As well as holding an MA in Applied Linguistics, Antonio is studying for an MA in Chinese and Business Studies and his familiarity with Asian culture helps him relate to international students.

Nicholas Gracey
Philosophy, Law and ESOL Tutor
Cambridge graduate Nicholas Gracey has lectured at the University of East Anglia and is an examiner for the AQA exam board for Philosophy A level. He also has experience in Politics, Economics and Law. He chairs the Philosophy and Debating Society, traditionally held in the Cambridge Union Chamber, where guest speakers include politicians and leading academics.

Max Mazzoli 
EFL tutor 
Max has taught at UCL Language Centre, as well as primary classes and groups of asylum seekers. He has four published books of poetry in Italian. He regularly presents his work at LSE and London events and has a particular interest in the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda.

Diane Best
Biology tutor
Diane wanted to be a teacher from the age of three and trained at a London University college. She first taught in the East End of London and worked in state schools teaching GCSE Biology and Coordinated Science. Diane also has pastoral experience as a Head of Year and developed and coordinated PSHE courses in other schools.

Lesley Annand
Sociology tutor 
Lesley has taught Sociology at CATS Cambridge for 13 years and particularly enjoys witnessing how Sociology opens students’ eyes to the world. She also finds it rewarding helping students achieve the success that grows their confidence and opens doors for them.

Tim Joseph
Head of EAP 
Tim has worked in EFL for 25 years in Europe, the Far and Middle East. He holds an RSA diploma, a BA in French and English and a Master’s in Applied Linguistics. He has been an IELTS examiner and currently heads the EAP Department at CATS Cambridge and Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts (CSVPA).

Dorothy Hawkins
Set up and ran a successful business in the textile trade before joining us. Her interest in what motivates a team to learn led her to train as an adult education teacher. She completed a Master’s degree in Training, Development and Motivating to Learn at City University in London. In her spare time she co-founded and runs German Shepherd Homefinders, which rescues and re-homes German Shepherd dogs.

Mark Whittaker
Head of Maths & Science faculty
Mark gained a degree in Physics and Theoretical Physics at Durham University, before working in the materials science industry and carrying out R&D work; particularly in semiconductor materials. This also developed his Chemistry and Engineering skills. He began teaching at CATS Cambridge 12 years ago and is now a head of faculty.

Shirley Brazier
Head of GCSE; Language & Literature tutor
Shirley was a Police Officer and a VSO volunteer in Jamaica before completing a B Ed at Hughes College, Cambridge. After a Master’s in 19th Century Literature at Sussex University she joined us 14 years ago. As joint head of GCSE, Shirley teaches both GCSE and A-level students Literature, and Language and Literature. Having dyslexia herself, Shirley is particularly keen to support dyslexic students and appreciates how this impacts their studies.

Sophie Smith
Head of Music
Sophie specialises in vocal performance and composition. She has worked as a producer, sound engineer and in A&R for a record label.

Vivian Choi
Music and Piano
Vivian studied music at the Royal College of Music and King's College in London. She has won many awards as a pianist and has performed in the Far East, USA and Europe.