Dean of Chapel

The Dean of Chapel is available to support any Member of the College community on personal, practical, or spiritual matters.

Sarah offers a confidential listening ear, guidance on emotional and mental wellbeing, and can direct individuals to further support. She works closely with the College Health and Wellbeing team and student welfare representatives and organises regular community events focused on wellbeing.

To arrange a meeting, it’s best to email her, or you are welcome to speak with her if you see her around College.

The Reverend Sarah Atkins
Dean of Chapel
Room A6, First Court
T 01223 332129
E sct39@cam.ac.uk

'You’ll see me about College, getting involved in many aspects of community life. I’m a priest in the Church of England, but as well as shepherding the Chapel community and leading Services, my role here is to offer welfare support to absolutely every Member of the College, regardless of beliefs. I offer a listening ear to everyone, as part of the College’s welfare support team. If you don’t know where to turn, please get in touch.’

Sarah studied theology at Magdalene from 2002 to 2005 and returned as Dean of Chapel in 2018 after a varied career in education, administration, and church work, including a year in Ghana. She was ordained at Ely Cathedral in 2014 and served her curacy in Trumpington. Alongside her role at Magdalene, she is an Assistant Director of Ordinands for Ely Diocese, supporting those exploring their vocation, and a trustee of the Whitworth Trust, a charity aiding vulnerably housed women in Cambridge.

Living on site in Hertford Street with her husband—whom she met while singing in the College Choir—and their two children, Sarah is deeply involved in College life. She enjoys good conversations, a cup of tea at Kettle’s Yard, reading by the fire, long walks in the rain, gardening, and discovering expressions of faith in different cultures.

Please feel free to get in touch for:

• A cup of tea in C S Lewis’s chair (in her office First Court A6, and formerly Lewis’s room – feel free to drop in to visit)
• A listening ear and impartial chat about anything on your mind - practical or welfare-related, however you are feeling, and at your own pace
• Advice on connecting with Chapel or any faith tradition while you’re in Cambridge