Director of Studies

Position Overview

Director of Studies (DoS) is a senior, residential, full‑time role based in the United Kingdom (London, Uxbridge, Reading, Guildford, Worcester, Dover, Oxford, Edinburgh). The DoS leads and manages the academic life of a summer centre from 27 June to 30 July 2026, with the possibility of extension to mid‑August in some locations. The role is 6 days per week (Monday to Saturday) and includes full board and accommodation.

The DoS reports directly to the Academic Manager and works closely with the Centre Director, Group Leaders and the Academic Team.

• Plan, deliver and monitor the academic programme, ensuring high quality Task‑Based EFL lessons.
• Allocate students to classes, adjust groupings and manage levels and materials.
• Organise educator inductions, CPD sessions and ongoing support for teachers and Group Leaders.
• Develop and maintain the timetable, student admissions, placement tests and class set‑up.
• Oversee all academic records on MLA Boards, ensuring timely completion of lessons, reports and assessment tools.
• Provide daily academic leadership, including meetings with staff, and manage performance and professional development plans.
• Ensure compliance with MLA safeguarding, welfare and equality policies; report any concerns promptly.
• Represent MLA values and procedures to staff, students and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Centre Director, Academic Manager and Activity Manager to support the overall running of the centre.
• Maintain teaching resources, equipment and classroom facilities, ensuring cleanliness and safety.
• Support pastoral care and extracurricular activities where required, attending to the wellbeing of students.
• Assist in any additional duties that may arise during a busy summer centre schedule.

Essential

• UK passport or right to work in the UK – valid DBS (England & Wales) or PVG (Scotland) required (international candidates must provide a suitable criminal record check).
• At least two references confirming suitability to work with students under 18.
• Experience teaching EFL to teenagers and proficiency in IT.
• A recognised teacher qualification such as DELTA, Trinity DITESOL, MA TESOL, PGCE, or a TEFL Level 5 certificate (CELTA/Trinity CertTESOL accepted).
• Completed postgraduate teaching training with a supervised practice component where applicable.

Desirable

• Previous summer school teaching or managerial experience in the UK or Ireland.
• Teacher management, induction or training experience.
• Enhanced DBS/PVG or similar records.
• First Aid qualification.

• Strong communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and a high standard of professional behaviour.
• Flexibility, resilience and the ability to work under pressure, including during late hours.
• Team‑player attitude and the capacity to motivate colleagues.
• Positive, culturally aware approach to student engagement and group leadership.
• Supportive of IT use and readiness to contribute to curriculum improvement.

Residential DoS contracts are 6‑day weeks with one 24‑hour break per week, based on a maximum of 42 working hours over a 7‑day period. While pastoral duties are secondary, any extra staff needs may require relocation, with travel expenses reimbursed.

Weekly rate of GBP 650 to GBP 680, plus 12.07% holiday pay (approximately £728.45 to £762). Residential rates include full board and lodging; paid training and induction are provided.

MLA is committed to the welfare and safeguarding of children, young people and adults  students are expected to feel safe within all programme areas. The DoS must uphold safeguarding policies, report any welfare concerns promptly, and ensure adherence to the MLA Safeguarding Policy.

MLA Move Language Ahead is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, marital status, pregnancy or maternity leave, race (including ethnic or national origin nationality and colour), disability, sexual orientation or expression, religion, beliefs or any other non‑job‑related criteria.