Director of Studies (DoS) Job Description
Title: Director of Studies (DoS)
Job Type: Residential FullTime
Reports to: Academic Manager
Responsible for: ADoS Teachers Students and Group Leaders
Country:Scotland United Kingdom
DATES:June28thto July 31 st 2025
Location: Edinburgh
MLA is currently recruiting a professional TEFLQ Director of Studies for our centre in Edinburgh. ACADEMICS ONLY: NO EXCURSIONS NO ACTIVITIES NO BEDTIME/WAKE UP DUTIES NO AIRPORT TRANSFERS. Minimum 2 years experience in a Summer School setting in the UK essential. Salary from GBP 683 to GBP 784 per week based on qualifications and experience. Paid training and induction work as part of a strong team and gain experience opportunities for professional development regular CPD sessions on a range of young learner topics.
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 shortterm English as a Foreign Language (EFL) programmes. Along with our proprietary taskbased EFL curriculum we also provide our students with great excursions featuring some of the most popular historical and tourist destinations across the globe.
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 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 faceto face interviews record checks of references and background checks in line with the countrys 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 and Prevent Policy.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The post of Director of Studies is a senior position and the successful candidate will be a member of the schools management structure. The holder has the key task of leading and managing the academic life of the centre and plays a crucial role in wholeschool strategy and development. You will inspire teachers to deliver highquality communicative TaskBased EFL lessons. DoSs are also responsible for communicating with the Centre Director and Group Leaders about academic related matters. Summer centres are very busy places and there may be duties to perform in addition to those detailed here.
REQUIREMENTS
Essential
Desirable
Person Specification
SCHEDULE
Residential DoS contracts a 6day week with one 24hour period off per week are based on up to 42 working hours over a 7day session with one day off per week. You will not be required to go on excursions join activities or any pastoral care outside your duties. However MLA programmes are hard work and you might be requested to assist outside your working hours to ensure the smooth running of the centre. Please note that due to the logistics of the employment you may be required to be moved to another centre where extra staff are required in which case we will cover all the travel expenses that may be incurred.
KEY POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES
Academics in the centre
Take overall responsibility for all aspects of teaching and learning within the school
Develop and implement MLAs educational philosophy and foster a culture of best practice
Manage the MLA Boards software and keep all records uptodate
Be available to Group Leaders listen carefully and respectfully and accommodate their requests as much as possible while ensuring MLA procedures are followed
Be flexible and aware of cultural differences when explaining academic decisions/procedures to Group Leaders
Advise the Academic Manager on all academic matters in the centre and request assistance from Head Office
Attend any management training or meetings as required
Support the Centre Director and work collaboratively with Centre Administrator and Activity Manager to ensure the successful running of the centre and programme when necessary; including assisting in the staff induction and take an active part in discussion and feedback
Promote and develop the academic curriculum and academic life of the school
Complete all administrative tasks required efficiently
Timetable teachers
Centre and classroom setup
Manage student admissions and monitor arrangements for placement tests
Cover lessons when necessary and motivate students to improve their learning skills
Organise certificates and graduation ceremony
Staff Management
Lead and manage the Academic Team in the centre by encouraging supporting and challenging teachers and ADoSs to maintain MLAs high academic standards
Ensure there is a clear communication channel with staff and have an open door policy
Monitor staff performance and teachers prompt completion of all administrative tasks required
Ensure teachers prepare lessons and adapt material/stages to their class composition
Chair academic meetings in the centre
Be the first port of call for any teacher in need of advice or support
Cover for absent staff
Arrange cover for absent staff: record and monitor all absences
Supervise the preparation of student reports within agreed deadlines
Inform the Academic Manager of all Continuous Professional Development programmes and academic needs in the centre
Delegate tasks to the ADoS with necessary support and guidance
Training & CPD
Support teachers in delivering the TaskBased learning syllabus
Work with the ADoS in designing all Continuous Professional Development programmes
Carry out inductions
If TEFLQ carry out formal observations and appraisals in line with the MLA observation guidelines and rubric
Inspire and encourage teachers to deliver CPD sessions for teachers and Group Leaders in relation to the centre needs
Administrative
Assist the Academic Manager with student admissions monitor and manage arrangements for entrance testing and assessment
Oversee the allocation of staff in consultation with the Academic Manager
Oversee the timetabling and administration of preparation
Monitor live updates of student attendance on the MLA Boards and Teacher Zone
Supervise the completion of uptodate teaching records on the MLA Boards and Teacher Zone
Supervise the preparation of students reports and/or course reports within agreed deadlines and ensure they are professional and free of typos
Oversee the allocation of staff in consultation with the Academic Manager.
Oversee the timetabling and administration of preparation
Provide cover teaching when necessary
Equipment & Facilities
Maintain and monitor teaching resources and premises
Ensure teachers room and classrooms are left secure and tidy after use
Ensure borrowed equipment has been returned
Help develop advance and expand teaching resources
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 DoS of any absences from classes 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
From GBP 610 to GBP 700 per week plus 12.07% holiday pay (from GBP 683 to GBP 784 per week) based on qualifications and experience.
*Returning teachers will receive a bonus of GBP 150 after completing their full 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
Actively support MLA in its mission to provide top quality programmes
Provide courses that will support and enable the students to realise their potential and achieve their academic targets
Comply with management requests to follow the guidelines of external organisations such as British Council in a timely and accurate manner
Be dressed in a presentable professional way
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 nonjobrelated criteria.
Required Experience:
Director
* The salary benchmark is based on the target salaries of market leaders in their relevant sectors. It is intended to serve as a guide to help Premium Members assess open positions and to help in salary negotiations. The salary benchmark is not provided directly by the company, which could be significantly higher or lower.