UK 2026 Director of Studies Uxbridge in London

Job Type: Residential, Full-Time

Reports to: Academic Manager

Responsible for: ADoS, Teachers, Students and Group Leaders

Country: United Kingdom

Dates: 27th June to 30th July 2026

Location: London King's, London Uxbridge, Reading, Dover, Oxford, Edinburgh

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 from around the world have chosen MLA for the quality of our language courses, for the established trust of our brand, and for the 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 expect to feel safe within all areas of our seasonal programme. The primary concern at all times is the interests and safety of each student.

Position Overview

• Ensure the planning, delivery and smooth running of the academic programme
• Monitor effective completion of all tasks
• Allocate students to classes and make changes if necessary
• Assign level and material to classes
• Organise inductions, and CPD sessions for teachers and Group Leaders
• Represent MLA values
• Report to the Academic Manager
• 6 days per week (Monday to Saturday)
• Residential employment includes all meals and accommodation
• Position duration: 4 weeks, 27th June to 30th July 2026. Possibility of extension in some centres.

The post of Director of Studies is a senior position, and the successful candidate will be a member of the school's management structure. The holder has the key task of leading and managing the academic life of the centre, and plays a crucial role in whole-school strategy and development.

Requirements

Essential

• Must have a UK passport/right to work in the UK, and a valid DBS (England & Wales) or PVG (Scotland).
• 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 or PGCE PCET: Post Graduate Certificate in Education with ELT/TESOL
• 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 Ireland or 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 proper professional boundaries
• Display absolute commitment to the highest standards of professional behaviour and, at all times, to promoting 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
• Self‐motivated and passionate about driving up standards in management, teaching and learning
• Be determined, well‐organised and extremely hard‐working
• Ability to work accurately and calmly, and show resilience when under pressure
• Be supportive and help staff 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
• Customer orientated approach: highly aware of cultural sensitivities.

Key Position Accountabilities

• Take overall responsibility for all aspects of teaching and learning within the school
• Develop and implement MLA's educational philosophy and foster a culture of best practice
• Manage the MLA Boards software and keep all records up‐to‐date
• Be available to Group Leaders, listen carefully and respectfully, and accommodate their requests as much as possible while ensuring MLA procedures are followed
• Advise the Academic Manager on all academic matters in the centre and request assistance from Head Office
• Attend any management training or meetings as required
• Support the Centre Director and work collaboratively with Centre Administrator and Activity Manager to ensure the successful running of the centre and programme when necessary
• Promote and develop the academic curriculum and academic life of the school
• Complete all administrative tasks required efficiently

Compensation

From GBP 650 to GBP 680 per week, plus 12.07% holiday pay (GBP 728.45 to GBP 762). 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.

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 the travel expenses that may be incurred.

MLA Reputation & Code of Conduct

• Actively support MLA in its mission to provide top quality programmes
• Provide courses that will support and enable the students to realise their potential and achieve their academic targets
• Comply with management requests to follow the guidelines of external organisations such as British Council in a timely and accurate manner
• Be dressed in a presentable professional way
• Develop a good rapport with the students and Group Leaders and avoid absences as much as possible

MLA 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.