Academic Manager (Fixed Term Summer Contract) in Woldingham

ALPADIA’s mission is to encourage language development through immersion and to expand the horizons of our students and staff. ALPADIA’s employment reflects our values of integrity, support, diversity, knowledge growth, and opportunity. In 2025 we welcomed 64 different student nationalities to the UK and we are proud of creating this uniquely diverse working environment for our staff members. Join ALPADIA’s team this summer for an unforgettable 2026 experience! We’re seeking committed and passionate individuals who can engage and inspire young students while looking for a rewarding and enriching experience themselves.

As an Academic Manager, you will take charge of delivering our English programs at ALPADIA, leading the teaching team to uphold high standards and effectively manage teacher/student ratios. You’ll oversee English language instruction at our camp, ensuring quality and providing EFL teachers with the support they need to deliver exceptional lessons. Your initiative will help attract and retain exceptional educators who bring out the best in their students. Paid training is provided, offering support and development to help you succeed in this role.

• Be responsible for the overall management of the camps’ academic department.
• Ensure that all classes are correctly staffed, and that both internal and external guidelines are met with regards to student/teacher ratios.
• Deploy teachers based on their skills and experience, ensuring alignment with student characteristics (level, age, nationality), classroom setup and course requirements.
• Ensure that academic files, including academic planners, test results level changes, observation forms and staff records are filled out promptly and kept up to date.
• Prepare end-of-course certificates for all our students, including tailored remarks from the teachers.
• Ensure all lessons start and finish on time.
• Ensure all classrooms are ready and set up for lessons every day.
• Liaise with the Welfare Manager to ensure all students are attending the morning academic programme.
• Monitor student attendance and punctuality; address any issues of absence or lateness promptly.
• Lead a daily Teacher’s Meeting, minuting important points raised and discussing as appropriate.
• Attend weekly inter-camp academic meetings.
• Be responsible for Day One organisation (including testing and induction for new students where necessary).
• Collect weekly teacher and student feedback.
• Ensure all ICT equipment is fully functioning prior to the start of camp and assist Teachers in the use of it.
• Work with other managers to ensure classes are covered in case of Teacher sickness or absence.
• Be proactive about both your personal and professional development including attendance, completion of all compulsory training sessions and to actively participate in any training offered.
• Liase with the Camp Manager, Welfare Manager and the Activity Manager to ensure the smooth running of the camp.
• Read, understand, and sign any relevant risk assessments as required.
• Undertake other duties as deemed necessary by your line manager.

• Ensure that ALPADIA curriculum is being adhered to.
• Understand and be able to respond to questions about ALPADIA curriculum.
• Ensure all language tuition is appropriate to a young learner camp environment.
• Show initiative to ensure the syllabus is adapted to meet the specific needs of ALPADIA students.
• Lead the teaching team and provide daily guidance, support and training.
• Be approachable for day-to-day support, with clear channels for communication established with both teachers and students.
• Encourage the sole use of the target language in classrooms wherever possible, both from the students and the other teachers.
• Maintain at all times proper levels of student discipline, safety, and welfare, highlighting any issues to the Camp Manager.
• If necessary, prepare and teach your own classes to a high standard, with a keen understanding of cultural sensibilities, to ensure all lessons stretch and inspire our students.
• Deliver interactive CPD workshops to teachers on weekly basis.
• Create new or amend existing CPD Session Content to address any issues raised in observations and feedback.
• Complete all lesson observations of teachers, focusing on their continued professional development.
• Identify the training needs and areas for improvement and provide tailored support based on teacher/student feedback, complaints or observations.
• Pay particular attention to guiding inexperienced teachers, ensuring adequate support is provided to those exhibiting weaknesses in classroom performance.
• Lead and assist with the training and induction of the teaching team.
• Demonstrate leadership of department ensuring teaching output is of the highest possible standard.

• Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of all students in our care.
• Understand child protection and safeguarding policies of the country.

• Liaise with the Camp Manager to resolve any instances of issues, questions, concerns raised by students, agents, parents, or other stakeholders.
• Provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external customers at all times.

• Ensure that all staff are fully and properly inducted and that they have operational knowledge of procedural documents and ALPADIA policies relevant to their role.
• Have a good working knowledge of managed staff job descriptions and procedures associated with their role.
• Liaise with the Recruitment Officer on matters of staff pay, holiday, sickness and other related HR issues.

• Level 6 Qualification TEFLQ Status – DELTA, Trinity Dip. TESOL, MA/MSc in ELT/TESOL/Applied Linguistics or equivalent.
• 3 years of EFL teaching experience.
• Experience in teaching a variety of levels.
• Knowledge and experience of teaching 10 to 17-year-old students.
• Ability to relate to and build rapport with international students.
• Passion for teaching and ability to inspire students.
• Exceptional customer service ethos.
• Proven leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Multitasking and ability to manage conflicting priorities.
• Ability to work under pressure and resolve a high volume of queries.
• Problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Patience and approachability; flexible and adaptable.
• Understanding of child protection and safeguarding policies.
• Experience in administration (ELT environment preferred).
• High IT competency – Outlook & MS Office (Excel).

• Level 7 or Level 8 Qualification DELTM or equivalent.
• Experience in summer schools or similar structures.
• Educational management experience in a summer or residential setting.
• Experience in management in EFL or similar educational environment.
• Experience in managing a team and teacher development.
• Experience in dealing with complaints.
• Experience in British Council inspections.
• Experience in curriculum design.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.
• Safeguarding and welfare experience with under 18s.

• We offer you:
• Competitive salary.
• A Monday to Friday timetable, with working hours between 08:00 and 16:30.
• An unforgettable experience in a dynamic atmosphere.
• An international working environment.
• Attractive bonus options for returners and the possibility of career progression.

• London Woldingham: 04.07.26 - 31.06.26.

• Typically a residential position with accommodation provided on site.
• Enhanced DBS check, 3x referee details and overseas conduct certificates where applicable.
• Equality and diversity are part of our core purpose.

Please apply via SmartRecruiters with your application, CV and cover letter. This vacancy will remain open until all positions are filled. We recommend that you apply at your earliest convenience. Only applicants invited to an interview will receive a reply.

At ALPADIA Language Schools, we are committed to a diverse organisation and equality of opportunity for all. We welcome applications regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or identity, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnership. If you would like to request consideration under Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) as a disabled applicant, please let us know via the form.