At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage ESOL programmes, ensuring high-quality teaching and learner support.
- Company: Join The Bedford College Group, a leader in community learning.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 35 days leave, and excellent professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree, teaching qualification, and experience in ESOL required.
The predicted salary is between 47971 - 47971 £ per year.
Location: Central Bedfordshire College - Dunstable
Salary/Benefits: Salary is between £41,400 and £47,971 per annum (pro rata) DOE and Qualifications, 35 days annual leave plus Bank holidays (pro rata), Teacher’s Pension, Retail and Leisure Discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses.
Hours/Weeks: 37 hrs per week/ 39 weeks per year
Contract Type: Full Time - Permanent
This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.
About the role
- Curriculum Leadership & Delivery: Lead and manage ESOL and Community programmes across multiple sites, ensuring inclusive, high-quality teaching and curriculum development tailored to diverse learner needs.
- Team & Operational Management: Oversee staffing, timetabling, and resources; support tutors and staff; maintain quality assurance systems; and act as safeguarding lead for the provision.
- Learner Progression & Support: Monitor learner progress, embed life skills and employability into the curriculum, and support transitions into further education, employment, or community integration.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships: Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to support learner wellbeing, progression, and personalised learning plans, while managing employer and community relationships.
- Compliance & Professional Standards: Ensure site safety and record accuracy, contribute to reporting and meetings, uphold statutory duties (safeguarding, EDI, health & safety), and engage in continuous professional development.
About you
- Qualifications & Subject Expertise: Holds a relevant degree or Level 5 qualification in ESOL or related fields, a teaching qualification (e.g. PGCE), and GCSEs in Maths and English (A–C), with strong knowledge of inclusive education and adult learning principles.
- Teaching & Leadership Experience: Proven experience teaching ESOL and Community learners, including those with complex needs, leading teams, and improving teaching standards through mentoring and curriculum planning.
- Inclusive Practice & Student Support: Skilled in creating culturally responsive environments, supporting learners with EHCPs, and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion across all aspects of the role.
- Communication & Organisational Skills: Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication abilities, confident in using Microsoft Office, managing data, and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
- Professionalism & Flexibility: Committed to safeguarding, continuous development, and maintaining professional boundaries, with the flexibility to travel and adapt working hours to meet evolving learner and programme needs.
Interviews to be held: 19th August 2026
Safeguarding our Students
The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to thorough vetting process which includes an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.
Programme Manager - ESOL in Dunstable employer: Bedford ESOL
The Bedford College Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both staff and students. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees have access to excellent training opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of learners at our Corby Campus. Join us in fostering a nurturing environment where teamwork and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager - ESOL in Dunstable
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Bedford ESOL just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Bedford ESOL. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager - ESOL in Dunstable
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Programme Manager - ESOL role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Bedford ESOL, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedford ESOL
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Bedford ESOL, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Bedford ESOL, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
