OUR TEAM

Experts in British Education

Experts in British Education and Global Learning

At Avernus Education, our strength lies in the expertise, care, and creativity of our people. Our team brings together experienced UK educators, curriculum designers, and programme operators who have spent decades delivering exceptional learning experiences both inside and beyond the classroom.

From residential camps and school tours to academic mentoring and online tuition, our staff share one purpose — to inspire, challenge, and empower students through authentic, high-quality British education.

Leaders in Educational Experience

Our senior leadership team has a proven track record of designing and operating successful camps and programmes across the UK, China, Hong Kong, Europe, and the USA. With backgrounds in leading British and international schools and universities, we understand both the rigour of British education and the needs of international learners. As specialists in curriculum development and bespoke package creation, we design programmes that balance academic depth with adventure, cultural immersion, and personal growth — ensuring every Avernus experience is purposeful, safe, and unforgettable.

Our operational staff bring decades of experience in residential supervision, logistics management, and student welfare, making Avernus Education a trusted choice for schools and families worldwide.

Founder & Director

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Mike Strickland

Mike is a seasoned education professional with extensive experience in British and international schooling. As Founder of Avernus Education, he has designed and led residential camps, school tours, and bespoke mentorship programmes across the UK, Europe, China, Hong Kong, and the USA. A former House Master at Harrow, Mike combines academic rigour with pastoral care, developing programmes that build confidence, resilience, and independent learning skills. He has also created online and in-person curricula that integrate subject foundations, study skills, and experiential learning to prepare students for success at top schools and universities.

Programme Tutor

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Amy

Amy is a passionate and accomplished personal tutor, specialising in music tuition, EPQ supervision, and performance coaching. She holds a Master of Music in Performance from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a Bachelor of Music with Honours from Trinity Laban, earning multiple scholarships and prizes. With an international background and over four years’ teaching experience, Amy supports students in performance, theory, composition, and advanced exam preparation, including ABRSM and A-level Music. An active performer with the British Army Reserve, she combines technical expertise with a structured, encouraging approach, teaching in English and Mandarin to inspire confidence and academic success.

Managing Director

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Caroline Drewett

Caroline has over 25 years’ experience in British education, including teaching, guardianship, and the leadership of residential programmes. She has designed, managed, and delivered international learning experiences and immersive residential camps that combine academic enrichment with personal development, cultural engagement, and experiential learning. Caroline works closely with students, families, and schools to ensure that each programme is tailored to individual needs, supporting confidence, resilience, and holistic growth. She oversees the highest standards of safeguarding, pastoral care, and educational quality across all Avernus programmes, ensuring that learners are inspired, challenged, and well-prepared to thrive in future academic and personal endeavours.

Programme Lead

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Lisa

Lisa is an innovative educator with 30 years’ experience in British schools. She holds a PGCE in Secondary Education and specialises in teaching Business, English, and Computing. Lisa has a passion for inspiring young learners and has developed her expertise through teaching students at KS4 and KS5, as well as adult learners in private tuition centres. She combines strong pastoral skills with detailed knowledge of bridging pathways and the UCAS system, ensuring students are supported academically and personally. Lisa also brings extensive management and leadership experience in the design and delivery of residential programmes, camps, and educational initiatives.

Jenna is one of our most skilled and sought after full-time tutors, with over 10 years of teaching experience. Jenna graduated from The American University of Paris (Bachelor and Masters Degree), and she also holds an MBA from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Her passion for languages is reflected in her fluency in French and Spanish, alongside English.

Jenna has first hand experience of taking SAT and GMAT exams, and working with multiple students towards their own school and university test preparations.

Jenna Dessart

Senior Tutor

Amy has an impressive track record of helping students on their pathway to Ivy League universities and other world-class institutions. She holds a Masters of Education and a Certificate of Educational Administration. As Adjunct Professor for 10 years for both graduate and undergraduate students, she has taught at the highest level. Amy’s previous role as a High School Counselor gives her a wealth of experience. She is a Licensed K-12 School Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and an Independent Educational Consultant.

Amy Edwards

American University Counsellor

Will has unrivalled knowledge and experience of the best of British education. Having working at a leading school UK school for over 30 years, he knows what it takes to succeed. He specialises in ensuring the correct provisions are in place for international students studying in, and applying to, the UK, especially those from China and Hong Kong. As an active teacher of Modern Languages, Will has a diverse skill set which encompasses bespoke consultancy and UCAS application pathway support.

Will

UCAS Consultant

Max is a graduate from Christ Church, University of Oxford, with a Double First in English Language and Literature. Max is an experienced tutor who has an excellent report with his students, specialising in English Language, English Literature, Drama, and French all to GCSE and A-Level. He has successfully assisted multiple students with the Oxbridge application process for English, and has advised countless others on different aspects of university applications.

Max

Tutor

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

We are especially proud of the quality of our teaching and mentorship. Alongside our residential and experiential specialists, Avernus Education is supported by an international network of academic advisors and mentors — many of whom are graduates or researchers at leading UK universities.
These advisors contribute subject expertise, guidance, and mentorship that enrich both our camps and academic pathways, helping students to think deeply, aim high, and continue their learning journey long after their Avernus experience ends.

Experience You Trust

Trusted. Experienced. Inspiring.

For over 20 years, the team at Avernus Education has designed, delivered, and refined exceptional educational experiences across the world. Our staff combine deep expertise in British education, curriculum design, pastoral care, and programme operations to create immersive camps, tours, and mentorship pathways that inspire, challenge, and support students at every stage of their learning journey. With a proven track record of success and a reputation for trust, professionalism, and innovation, Avernus Education continues to provide students and schools with experiences that are both transformative and memorable.