UK 2025 Director of Studies

Move Language Ahead; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry leader in educational holidays seeks a passionate Director of Studies to oversee the academic programme. This role involves ensuring the effective delivery of English language instruction to students from around the world, fostering a safe and engaging learning environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong EFL background, exceptional management skills, and a commitment to student welfare. Join a dedicated team and make a positive impact on students’ learning experiences during their summer language courses. If you are ready to lead and inspire, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Holiday pay

Residential accommodation

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Must have a UK passport/right to work in the UK.
• Proven suitability to work with students under 18.
• Experience in EFL Summer School Teaching/Management is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the planning and smooth running of the academic programme.
• Lead and manage the Academic Team in the centre.
• Promote the welfare of students and adhere to the MLA Safeguarding Policy.

Skills

EFL experience teaching teenagers

Proficient in IT

Excellent communication skills

Ability to develop positive relationships

Team player

Self-motivated

Education

DELTA / Trinity DipTESOL / MA TESOL

PGCE/PGCE PCET

Master’s degrees in ELT/TESOL

Job description

Director of Studies (DoS) Job Description

Title: Director of Studies (DoS)

Job Type: Residential, Full-Time

Reports to: Academic Manager

Responsible for: ADoS, Teachers, Students and Group Leaders

Country: United Kingdom

DATES: Possibility of extension in some centres

4-weeks July 2^nd to July 31^st 2025

Dover and Dulwich

July 8^th to August 3^rd 2025

Location: London King’s, London Dulwich, London Uxbridge, London Richmond, Reading, Guildford, Worcester, Dover, Northampton, Edinburgh

MLA (Move Language Ahead) is an industry leader in providing safe, educational, and cultural holidays to students from around the world. Each year thousands of students travel with MLA as part of our short-term English as a Foreign Language (EFL) programmes.

MLA WELFARE AND SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
MLA is committed to the welfare and safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults. 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.

POSITION OVERVIEW

• Ensure the planning, delivery and smooth running of the academic programme
• Monitor effective completion of all tasks
• Allocate students to classes and make changes if necessary
• Assign level and material to classes
• Organise inductions, and CPD sessions for teachers and Group Leaders
• Represent MLA values
• Report to the Academic Manager
• 6 days per week (Monday to Saturday)
• Residential employment available from late June – mid-August

REQUIREMENTS
Essential

• Must have a UK passport/right to work in the UK, and a valid DBS (England & Wales) or PVG (Scotland).
• Proven suitability to work with students under 18: at least 2 references.
• EFL experience teaching teenagers
• Be proficient in the use of IT
• DELTA / Trinity DipTESOL / MA TESOL completed (or in progress if you have a TEFL Level 5 certificate)
• PGCE/PGCE PCET: Post Graduate Certificate in Education with ELT/TESOL
• Master’s degrees (MA/MSc etc) in ELT/TESOL or related subjects are also accepted but cannot be considered without a supervised teaching practice component

Desirable

• EFL Summer School Teaching/Managerial experience in Ireland or the UK
• Teacher Management experience
• Teacher Training experience
• Enhanced DBS/PVG registered on the Update Service
• First Aid Qualification

Person Specification

• Ability to develop positive relationships with students, earning their trust whilst maintaining proper professional boundaries
• Display absolute commitment to the highest standards of professional behaviour
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and interpersonal)
• Be committed to continuous personal and professional development.
• Team player
• Self-motivated and passionate about driving up standards in management, teaching and learning

SCHEDULE

Residential DoS contracts a 6-day week with one 24-hour period off per week. You will not be required to go on excursions, join activities or any pastoral care outside your duties.

KEY POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

Academics in the centre
Take overall responsibility for all aspects of teaching and learning within the school.

Staff Management
Lead and manage the Academic Team in the centre by encouraging, supporting and challenging teachers.

Training & CPD
Support teachers in delivering the Task-Based learning syllabus.

Administrative
Assist the Academic Manager with student admissions, monitor and manage arrangements for entrance testing and assessment.

Equipment & Facilities
Maintain and monitor teaching resources and premises.

Safeguarding & Welfare
Promoting the welfare of students and adhere to the MLA Safeguarding Policy.

COMPENSATION
From GBP 610 to GBP 635 per week, plus 12.07% holiday pay.

MLA REPUTATION & CODE OF CONDUCT
Actively support MLA in its mission to provide top quality programmes.

MLA EQUALITY STATEMENT
MLA Move Language Ahead is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to excellence through diversity.