Meet Our Team
Meet the people who bring the Sapphire experience to life – a team united by care, creativity and a shared passion for excellence.
Liam Moloney
Business Development Manager
“Education should spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and open doors to possibilities students never knew existed”liam@sapphireeducation.co.uk
Liam began his career as a teacher but discovered his true passion for international education while at university. Witnessing firsthand how transformative it could be for young people, he knew he wanted to dedicate his career to creating those opportunities for others.
Now Sapphire Education’s Business Development Manager, Liam brings together creativity and strategy to build meaningful partnerships and programmes that reflect Sapphire’s forward-thinking ethos. He enjoys bringing ideas to life — crafting experiences that are not only academically rich but genuinely memorable.
He believes education should excite and empower, helping every student uncover their potential and take confident steps towards their future.
Helen Ordever
Admissions Manager
“Every great journey begins with a warm welcome – when people feel cared for, confidence and connection naturally follow”Helen brings a wealth of experience in hospitality and travel to her role as Admissions Manager at Sapphire Education. She began her career in hotels, where service and attention to detail mattered most, before moving overseas to work with tour operators and later running her own travel agency. These experiences shaped her calm, thoughtful approach to communication and her instinct for making people feel at ease.
As her family grew, Helen’s path led naturally into education. She supported students both in the classroom and on trips, combining strong organisation with genuine care for those around her.
At Sapphire, Helen is often the first person families and partners speak with. She makes the admissions process feel straightforward and personal, offering clear guidance and a reassuring presence from the very first conversation.
Tim Cooke
Managing Director
“Great leadership in education is about vision, purpose, and the courage to keep evolving for the students we serve”tim@sapphireeducation.co.uk
Tim brings over two decades of experience in the English Language Teaching sector to his role as Managing Director at Sapphire Education.
Having held senior leadership positions across the industry, he combines deep sector knowledge with a strategic mindset. Tim plays a central role in shaping Sapphire’s growth and vision, ensuring the organisation continues to evolve with creativity and purpose.
His leadership is grounded in innovation, collaboration, and maintaining the high standards that define Sapphire – ensuring the organisation continues to deliver genuine value and transformative experiences for every student.
Andrew McPhee
Head of Partnerships
“Education is opportunity – a chance to see the world differently and to shape a better future for ourselves and others”andrew@sapphireeducation.co.uk
Andrew has dedicated more than 40 years to international education in the UK and overseas, working as a teacher, mentor, manager, and leader. His career has taken him around the world, visiting schools across continents and developing deep connections with students, parents, and partners alike.
As Head of Partnerships at Sapphire Education, Andrew draws on this wealth of cultural knowledge and experience to build diverse, vibrant programmes that bring together learners from across the globe.
He believes passionately in the power of education to transform lives and in the importance of access to opportunity for every young person, no matter where they come from.
Neil Barnes
Head of Operations
“When operations run seamlessly, learning can take centre stage and that’s when education truly shines”neil@sapphireeducation.co.uk
Neil brings over 20 years of experience in education to his role as Head of Operations at Sapphire Education. His career spans teaching at the secondary level, managing operations and logistics, and holding senior leadership positions for more than a decade.
A DELTA-qualified educator with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Neil combines hands-on classroom experience with strategic operational insight. He has extensive experience in delivering high-quality language courses across the UK, ensuring every learner has the support and structure they need to succeed.
Working closely with Sapphire’s wider team, Neil ensures operations run smoothly and efficiently by supporting the organisation’s continued growth while upholding the standards of excellence that define Sapphire Education.
Kera Gustafson
Head of Academic Excellence
“Excellence in education begins with wellbeing. When students feel safe, supported, and inspired, everything else follows”kera@sapphireeducation.co.uk
Kera brings over 20 years of experience in the English Language Teaching (ELT) sector. She holds a Cambridge DELTA and MA TESOL, and has built an impressive international career across the UK and abroad as a teacher, academic manager, teacher trainer, and curriculum developer.
An experienced senior leader in international education, Kera plays a key role within Sapphire’s senior team as Head of Academic Excellence. Leading on academic innovation, her focus is on creating engaging and challenging learning experiences that empower young people to develop both their English language skills and essential soft skills for future success.
As Sapphire Education’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Kera ensures that the wellbeing, health and safety of every student remains at the heart of everything we do.
