At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage ESOL programmes, ensuring high-quality teaching and learner support.
- Company: Join the largest education provider in the South East Midlands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 35 days annual leave, Teacher’s Pension, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in learners' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree or Level 5 qualification in ESOL, teaching qualification, and strong communication skills.
Location: Dunstable
Salary: Between £41,400 to £47,971 DOE and Qualifications
Expires: 27/07/ :59
Role: Programme Manager - ESOL
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
Right to Work in the UK: 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.
For a more detailed breakdown of the job role and the requirements, please see the Job Description attached to this vacancy.
Interviews to be held: 19th August 2026
About The Bedford College Group
The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year.
Today, the Group is made up of a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College in the towns of Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough; Shuttleworth College, a specialist land‑based college; The Bedford Sixth Form, (the only dedicated sixth form in Bedford); The Corby Sixth Form, (opened in September 2023); and the National College for Motorsport beside Silverstone race circuit. To widen accessibility to education and training, the Group also has community‑based Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering which offer IT training.
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. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group's policy on Employment of Ex-Offenders is attached to this vacancy. 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: Central Bedfordshire College
Central Bedfordshire College is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee growth. Located at the Wellingborough Campus, staff benefit from a collaborative environment where they can make a meaningful impact in education while enjoying competitive salaries and job security.
Contact Details:
Central Bedfordshire College Recruitment Team
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 Central Bedfordshire College 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 Central Bedfordshire College. 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 Central Bedfordshire College, 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 Central Bedfordshire College
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Central Bedfordshire College, 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 Central Bedfordshire College, 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.
