Reverend Sarah Atkins

Reverend Sarah Atkins is the Dean of Chapel at Magdalene.

Sarah studied Theology at Magdalene from 2002 to 2005 and returned in 2018 as Dean of Chapel. In the years between, she worked across education, university administration, and church settings, including a year in Ghana, before training for ordination at Ridley Hall. She was ordained at Ely Cathedral in 2014 and served her curacy in Trumpington.

In her role at Magdalene, Sarah provides a confidential, supportive space to talk and offers guidance on emotional and mental wellbeing. She can also help signpost additional sources of support. Working closely with the College Health and Wellbeing team and student welfare reps, she organises regular community events that promote wellbeing and connection.

Alongside her work at the College, she is an Assistant Director of Ordinands for the Diocese of Ely, supporting those exploring a call to ministry. She is also a trustee of the Whitworth Trust, a Cambridge-based charity supporting women facing housing insecurity.

Sarah lives on Hertford Street with her husband (they met while singing in the College Choir) and their two children. She is actively involved in College life and enjoys conversation, long rainy walks, reading by the fire, gardening, visiting Kettle’s Yard, and encountering expressions of faith from around the world.

Qualifications

• MA (Cantab) Theology and Religious Studies, Magdalene College, Cambridge
• Diploma in Christian Theology, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge
• Certificate in Theology for Ministry, Cambridge