UK 2026 Assistant Director of Studies Edinburgh

EFL Assistant Director of Studies (ADoS) Job Description

Job Type: Residential, Full-Time

Reports to: Director of Studies

Country: United Kingdom

Location: London King’s, London Uxbridge, Reading, Guildford, Worcester, Dover, Oxford, Edinburgh

Dates: June 27th to July 30th 2026 (possibility of extension in some centres)

Mission Statement

Move Language Ahead is committed to providing industry leading safe, educational, and cultural programmes to students from around the world. Students, families and agents choose MLA for the quality of our language courses, trust of our brand and meticulous attention to detail in our packages.

Welfare and Safeguarding Statement

MLA is committed to the welfare and safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk. All students should feel safe within all areas of our seasonal programme. Staff working with young learners undergo safer recruitment process including online or face-to-face interviews, record checks of references and background checks in line with country regulations.

Position Overview

Responsible for ensuring the planning and delivery of the academic programme. Support teachers in their professional development. Assist the Director of Studies in ensuring the smooth running of the academic programme. Assist the Director of Studies with all administrative tasks. Represent MLA values. Report to Director of Studies 6 days per week (Monday to Saturday). Residential employment includes all meals and accommodation.

Responsibilities

• The Assistant Director of Studies will support the Director of Studies in managing the academic life of the centre.
• Deliver high quality, communicative Task-Based EFL lessons.
• Motivate and inspire teachers.
• Manage staff and lead CPD and safeguarding programmes.

Requirements

• Must have a UK passport/right to work in the UK and a valid DBS (England & Wales) or PVG (Scotland).
• If based outside the UK also a Criminal Record Check from your country of residence.
• Proven suitability to work with students under 18: at least 2 references.
• EFL experience teaching teenagers.
• Be proficient in the use of IT.
• DELTA / Trinity DipTESOL / MA TESOL completed (or in progress if you have a TEFL Level 5 certificate).
• PGCE/PGCE PCET: Post Graduate Certificate in Education with ELT/TESOL.
• PGCE in English/Foreign Languages or DELTM plus a TEFL Level 5 certificate (CELTA / Trinity CertTESOL or equivalent Ofqual recognised standards).
• Master’s degrees (MA/MSc etc) in ELT/TESOL or related subjects are also accepted but cannot be considered without a supervised teaching practice component.

Desirable

• EFL Summer School Teaching/Managerial experience in the UK.
• Teacher Management experience.
• Teacher Training experience.
• Enhanced DBS/PVG registered on the Update Service.
• First Aid Qualification.

Person Specification

• Ability to develop positive relationships with students, earning their trust whilst maintaining professional boundaries.
• Display absolute commitment to the highest standards of professional behaviour and promote the welfare and safeguarding of children.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and interpersonal).
• Be committed to continuous personal and professional development.
• Team player.
• Motivate and inspire teachers sensitively and constructively and, where necessary, challenge colleagues assertively.
• Self-motivated and passionate about driving up standards in teaching and learning.
• Be determined, extremely well-organised and hard-working.
• Ability to work accurately and calmly, and show resilience when under pressure.
• Be supportive and help teachers with the use of IT.
• Ability to provide creative ideas to supplement programme curriculum to facilitate learning.
• Be willing and able to contribute to the wider extracurricular and pastoral life of a summer school.

Schedule

Residential ADoS contracts a 6‑day week with one 24‑hour period off per week. Contracts up to 42 working hours over a 7‑day session with one day off per week. You may be required to assist outside your working hours to ensure the smooth running of the centre.

Compensation

From GBP 560 to GBP 575 per week, plus 12.07% holiday (GBP 627 to GBP 644 per week). Residential rates include full board and lodging. Paid training and induction. Work as part of a strong team and gain experience. Opportunities for professional development e.g., observations, team teaching. Regular CPD sessions on a range of young learner topics.

*Returning staff 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 travel expenses that may be incurred.

Code of Conduct

Actively support MLA in its mission to provide top quality programmes, comply with management requests, be dressed in a presentable professional way, start on time, develop a good rapport with students and group leaders, follow the code of conduct specifically detailed in your Handbook.

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, disability, sexual orientation or expression, religion, beliefs, or any other non‑job‑related criteria.