2026 UK - Director of Studies

2026 UK - Director of Studies

Full-Time 48000 - 52000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Embassy Summer

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire a team of teachers while ensuring an exceptional learning experience for students.
  • Company: Join Embassy Summer, a globally recognised brand in language education.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, free accommodation, and a vibrant international environment.
  • Other info: Work in a dynamic, inclusive setting with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on young learners' lives while enjoying a summer adventure.
  • Qualifications: Degree level education and teaching experience required; leadership skills are a plus.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 52000 € per year.

Join our winning team of global superstars in summer 2026. Embassy Summer, under its parent company EC English, offers award-winning summer vacation programmes for young people across multiple locations in the UK, Malta, Spain, South Africa & UAE. Students learn English or Spanish whilst immersing themselves in the local culture and surroundings. Our programmes are a combination of language classes, exciting excursions and fun-filled sporting, creative and social activities.

From its humble beginnings in Hastings over four decades ago, Embassy Summer has today evolved into a globally recognised and trusted brand. Our vision is to help our students succeed in a global community. We love bringing our young learners from around the world together through a common language and building global connections.

Position Summary: The Director of Studies reports to the Centre Manager. They are responsible for all aspects of the academic department including learner management, teacher support and development and operational processes, to ensure the smooth delivery of the Embassy Summer learning experience.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of students for whom you are responsible and with whom you come into contact.
  • Maximising student and Group leader satisfaction by ensuring their experience meets or exceeds their expectations.
  • Supporting, monitoring, and developing teachers to ensure that they deliver the Embassy Summer lesson.
  • Ensuring students are inducted, placed, and have a positive learning environment and receive their certificates and reports upon their departure.
  • Liaising with other departments to ensure the smooth delivery of the overall Embassy Summer experience.
  • Overseeing the Academic team and successful delivery of the programme.
  • To ensure student initial and departing feedback form is completed in a timely manner using the appropriate QR code.

Specific duties include:

  • Working closely with the Centre Manager and reporting any concerns.
  • Supervising the academic administrator.
  • To create the centre split in consultation with the Centre Manager and Activity Manager to ensure correct programme delivery.
  • Overseeing the student placement testing and placing students in the appropriate level.
  • Overseeing the creation of classes by the academic administrator.
  • Managing teaching resources and maximising interactive material use.
  • Organising regular teacher meetings.
  • Supporting teachers with daily lesson preparation support, teaching observations and feedback sessions, weekly CPD sessions based on identified needs, and follow-up observations to assess impact of feedback and CPD.
  • Providing emergency lesson cover and organising cover for planned absences.
  • In-centre liaison, including with Activity Management, to ensure an integrated Academic & Activity programme.
  • To carry out centre duties to meet the operational needs of the centre, including emergency phone cover on a rota basis.
  • To create a positive, inclusive and safe workplace environment.

Organisational Compliance: The job holder will be expected to operate in accordance with the company’s Code of Conduct, and any local policies and operating procedures relating to academic, welfare and safeguarding matters. Employees are required to cooperate fully with all arrangements in place related to Health and Safety which include implementation and compliance with control measures resultant from risk assessments and engagement with, and completion of, any relevant Health and Safety training.

Education Required: Educated to Degree Level or equivalent (Level 6 Qualifications and Credit Framework), DELTA, Trinity Lic. Diploma in TESOL (Level 6/7 of the Qualifications and Credit Framework), or MA in ELT / TESOL (if they meet the validation, entry requirements, teaching practice and input criteria).

Experience Required: 3 years’ teaching experience, some evidence of supporting and developing teachers (e.g., through mentoring programmes, delivering workshops or observing teachers).

Experience Desired: Experience of working with juniors, experience of supporting and developing teachers, experience of the CEFR in student placement and process, experience of managing a teaching team, experience of working in a residential context.

Personal Attributes: Ability to lead and inspire teachers, excellent organisational and communicational skills, excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work under pressure, demonstrates the ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people, demonstrates creativity and energy and a positive commitment to the role.

Working week: 6 days out of 7 (1 day off per week). All management roles are residential.

Remuneration: Gross weekly pay: From £924.26. FREE full board residential accommodation included. Staff uniform: All staff are required to wear the designated company uniform while on duty. Employees must ensure that the uniform is worn properly, maintained in a clean and presentable condition, and always adheres to the company’s dress code standards.

Disclosure and Barring Service: If you do not have a valid Enhanced DBS and are not subscribed to the DBS update service, we will need to apply for a new Enhanced DBS for you. Please confirm this at the time of application.

Equality and Diversity: Equality and diversity are at the heart of everything we do. Our learning opportunities are open to everyone, regardless of their background and circumstances, and we apply the same standards to the staff we employ.

2026 UK - Director of Studies employer: Embassy Summer

Embassy Summer, part of the globally recognised EC English family, is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its staff. With a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and creativity, employees benefit from comprehensive support and development opportunities, including regular CPD sessions and mentoring. Located in diverse and culturally rich environments, our team enjoys a unique chance to inspire young learners while experiencing the joy of teaching in a dynamic, inclusive setting.

Embassy Summer

Contact Detail:

Embassy Summer Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land 2026 UK - Director of Studies

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have worked with Embassy Summer or similar organisations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info and maybe even a referral!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the company culture and values. Show us how you align with our mission of helping students succeed in a global community. Bring examples of how you've created positive learning environments in the past.

Tip Number 3

Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through! Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the role and appreciate the opportunity to chat.

We think you need these skills to ace 2026 UK - Director of Studies

Leadership Skills
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Teaching Experience
Teacher Development
Student Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for teaching and working with young learners shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!

Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in education and teacher development. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire others, so don’t hold back!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand. Avoid jargon unless it’s absolutely necessary!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.

How to prepare for a job interview at Embassy Summer

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the Director of Studies role. Familiarise yourself with the Embassy Summer programmes, their teaching methodologies, and how they integrate cultural experiences into language learning. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the position.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a potential leader, be ready to discuss your experience in supporting and developing teachers. Prepare examples of how you've mentored others or led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate, as this is crucial for the role.

Emphasise Student Welfare

Since safeguarding students is a key responsibility, come prepared with ideas on how to create a positive and inclusive learning environment. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve prioritised student welfare and satisfaction in your previous roles.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions about the centre’s operations, team dynamics, and future goals. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values and work style.