Meet The Team

Ely Cathedral Learning Team

Ely Cathedral Learning Team have serious fun. We want to share our wonderful building and all it's stories with you and we want you to enjoy learning about it. We all come from teaching backgrounds, so we are passionate about learning. We also know how important it is for you to know that when you bring your children to the Cathedral they will be engaging in fun, age appropriate and hands on activities. We often employ living history, messy play and practical activities to make sure that children enjoy an active educational experience when they visit the Cathedral.

Phil Stevens - Director of Learning

Phil joined the team in 2020 having worked in secondary education for more than 15 years. She specialises in Religious Studies, Philosophy, History and Sociology. As well as leading the team, Phil leads on all secondary school visits and the home educators programme. Her favourite sessions to lead are those centred around the medicine that was practised at the monastry here in Ely. She worked with Peter Earl Garden Designs and a team of volunteers in 2022 to create the Physick Garden on the East Lawn, something that has proven to be an incredible addition, not just to our learning provision but to the whole Cathedral.

Hilary Young - Learning Officer

Hilary joined the team in 2022 having worked in primary and early years education for many years. Hilary specialises in EYFS as well as primary level Religious Studies, Geography and History. She leads on all our primary and EYFS visits. Hilary also leads on our Little Gargoyle's parent and toddler group as well as supporting Lego Cafe and Story and Songtime. Hilary's favourite sessions to lead are those around medieval pilgrimage and the Saxon saints.

Michelle Brown - Learning Officer

Michelle joined the team in 2024 having previously had a wealth of experience setting up and managing exciting playgroups for children and babies as well as having been a very successful home educator. Michelle is a specialist in history and supporting home educators. She leads on our creative and arts based home education provision. Michelle also supports Little Gargoyles and all our school visits across all age ranges. Michelle's favourite sessions to lead are Hereward the Wake, Etheldreda and anything creative.

Sarah Newns - Learning and Mission Officer

Sarah joined the team in 2017 as a learning officer and has since grown her role to include mission and outreach with children and families. Sarah worked in special educational needs for many years before joining the Ely Cathedral Learning Team and specialises in children's spirituality. She leads on all our faith based schools visits and children's activities as well as supporting a range of other trips and visits. She also leads on our worship service for under 5's and their parents/carers, Story and Songtime. These are Sarah's favourite sessions to lead and she can often be found experimenting with noisy instruments, silly dancing and catchy songs.