2026 UK Residential Activity Leader

Move Language Ahead; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent language education provider is seeking an Activity Leader to oversee activities for international students during a residential summer program. Located in various UK cities, the role is full-time from late June to early August 2026, with potential for extension. Ideal candidates should have the right to work in the UK and a DBS or PVG check. Responsibilities include ensuring student safety, leading engaging activities, and fostering positive relationships. Competitive compensation and professional development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Paid training and induction

Professional development opportunities

Opportunity for promotion

Qualifications

• Proven suitability to work with students under 18: at least 2 references.
• Summer School experience in the UK or in Ireland is desirable.
• First Aid certificate is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead engaging activities and excursions for students.
• Ensure safety and well-being of students.
• Supervise and motivate students during activities and excursions.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to develop positive relationships

Enthusiasm and creativity

Ability to provide safety and welfare assistance

Education

Must have a UK passport/right to work in the UK

Valid DBS or PVG check

Job description

UK RESIDENTIAL ACTIVITY LEADER

Title: Activity Leader (Residential)

Job Type: Residential, Full‑Time

Reports to: Centre Director / Activity Manager

Dates: 27th June – 1st August 2026 (possibility of extension in some centres)

Country: United Kingdom

Location: London King’s, London Uxbridge, Reading, Guildford, Worcester, Dover, Oxford, Edinburgh

Mission Statement

Move Language Ahead is committed to providing industry‑leading safe, educational, and cultural programmes to students from around the world.

Students, families, and agents from around the world have chosen MLA for the quality of our language courses, for the established trust of our brand, and for the meticulous attention to detail in our packages. The MLA formula for a summer centre is a unique blend of many full‑day and half‑day excursions, an amazing activity programme and specialised language path. In this way we have broken the barriers of the traditional summer language course.

Welfare and Safeguarding Statement

MLA is committed to the welfare and safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk. All students should expect to feel safe within all areas of our seasonal programme. The primary concern at all times is the interests and safety of each student and the organisation takes all reasonable steps to protect children from harm, discrimination or degrading treatment and to uphold their rights.

MLA staff working with young learners will all go through our safer recruitment process including online or face‑to‑face interviews, record checks of references and background checks, in line with the country’s regulations, to ensure they are able to work with young people, provide evidence of qualifications and work experience as part of the process and according to our Safeguarding Policy, Preventing Sexual Harassment and Prevent Policy.

Position Overview

Responsible for the activity and excursion programme for international students.

• Full‑time summer role available from mid‑June – mid‑August
• Represent MLA values
• 6 days per week
• 1 day off per week
• Residential employment available from 27th June to 1st August 2026

(Possibility of extension in some centres (starting in June and/or finishing mid‑August))

An MLA Activity Leader goes beyond just ensuring safety and well‑being and promoting the welfare of students and adhere to, and comply with the MLA Safeguarding Policy. Your role is about fostering a sense of excitement and connection among our diverse group of international students. Your days will be filled with creativity as you design and lead engaging activities and excursions, from walking tours to evening dance parties, ensuring every moment is brimming with energy and enthusiasm. Working hours are variable and will be organised according to a rota in the centre. MLA programmes are hard work and you might exceptionally be requested to assist outside your working hours.

Requirements

Essential

• Must have a UK passport/right to work in the UK, and a valid DBS (England & Wales) or PVG (Scotland). If you’re based outside the UK also a Criminal Record Check from your country of residence
• Proven suitability to work with students under 18: at least 2 references.

Desirable

• Summer School experience in the UK or in Ireland.
• First Aid certificate.
• Sports/Coaching training.
• Volunteering experience.
• Involvement in active groups (e.g. scouts, trekking, sports, etc).

Person Specification

• Ability to develop positive relationships with students, earning their trust whilst maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to provide safety and welfare assistance to students.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and interpersonal).
• Display absolute commitment to the highest standards of professional behaviour.
• Positive outlook.
• Enthusiasm and creativity.
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work long hours in a high‑pressure environment.
• Passion for working with youth.
• Flexibility and adaptability.

Schedule

As an Activity Leader, you’ll enjoy a dynamic and flexible work schedule designed to meet the exciting demands of our programme. Shifts will vary across mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends, providing you with diverse working hours. For example, you may be scheduled for a morning and afternoon shift one day, and an afternoon and evening shift the next.

Each staff member is contracted for up to 44 hours per week distributed Monday to Sunday with one full day off per week. Your day off will be decided based on centre needs. At the end of every week, you’ll be required to confirm and sign off on your worked hours to ensure everything is accurately recorded.

Key Position Accountabilities

• Ensure adequate preparation and set up for on/offsite activities and excursions.
• Ensure you have read and are adhere to all risk assessments.
• Review itineraries and become knowledgeable about attractions.
• Complete your Safeguarding and Prevent Training Level 1 and adhere to MLA Safeguarding Policy.
• Lead, supervise, motivate and engage students on activities and excursions.
• Pro‑actively encourage the students to take part in planned activities both during the day and in the evenings.
• Assist in the organisation and preparation of a wide range of activities, excursions and pastoral care.
• Brief Group Leaders and Students accurately about activities, excursion rules, meeting locations and times, and communicate all necessary information effectively to ensure safety at all times.
• Assist in airport transfers and welcome Group Leaders and Students to the MLA Programme.
• Lead campus tours and assist in the organisation of accommodation.

Training & CPD

• Complete all required pre‑employment training.
• Attend the in‑person induction training and take an active part in discussions.

Read and understand MLA policies sent during the recruitment process.

Read, understand and adhere to the guidelines set out in your Handbook.

Be open to feedback during appraisals and set your own developmental goals for you to work on during your time with MLA.

Request guidance on and actively seek professional development to improve your skills.

Experienced Activity Leaders should be open to provide guidance and actively help peers seeking professional development.

Administrative

• Support our Group Leaders with their needs and questions.
• Monitor and be active in communication channels.
• Assist the centre administration in making photocopies, running errands, preparing activities, etc.
• Collect registers from the office and return them accurately filled in timely.

Safeguarding & Welfare

• Promoting the welfare of students and adhere to and comply with the MLA Safeguarding Policy.
• Provide safety and welfare assistance to students.
• Be vigilant for possible welfare problems of students.
• Inform your Centre Director/Welfare Manager of any absences immediately.
• Report any issues which may be affecting students’ safety, wellbeing and academic performance.
• Be aware of relevant fire, health and safety issues in the classroom and around the centre.

Compensation

Residential Activity Leaders GBP 540 weekly. Holiday Pay (12.07%) will be added to rates. Inclusive of holiday pay up to GBP 605 weekly.

• Housing deduction of GBP 9.10 per day will be applied for residential positions.
• Paid training and induction.
• Work as part of a strong team and gain experience.
• Opportunities for professional development e.g. appraisals, opportunities for promotion.
• Regular Training sessions to run activities/excursions/risk assessment.

*Returning Activity Leaders will receive a bonus of GBP 150 after completing their full 4‑week contract.

*Please note that due to the logistics of the employment, you may be required to move to another centre where extra staff are required. Only in this case will we cover all the travel expenses that may be incurred.

MLA Reputation & Code of Conduct

MLA Staff Code of Conduct.

Actively support MLA in its mission to provide top quality programmes.

Support and enable the students during the programme to realise their potential and achieve their targets.

Comply with management requests to follow the guidelines of external organisations such as British Council in a timely and accurate manner.

Wear your MLA uniform while on duty at all times and keep it clean and presentable.

Start on time, if this is not possible you must inform your manager as early as possible.

Develop a good rapport with the students and Group Leaders and avoid absences as much as possible.

Follow the code of conduct specifically detailed in your Handbook.

MLA Equality Statement

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, being pregnant or on 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.