At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting summer programmes and coordinate fun activities for students aged 9-14.
- Company: Join Oxford Summer Courses, a B Corp dedicated to inspiring independent thought.
- Benefits: Earn £823.71 per week with accommodation, meals, and paid training included.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young minds while having fun in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in organising educational activities and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
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About Oxford Summer Courses
Founded by school friends and Oxford graduates, Oxford Summer Courses is part of the Summer Discovery Group. We are driven by a singular vision: to inspire and nurture independent thought through world-class education. As a certified B Corp, we are also committed to making a positive social and environmental impact. Our students aged 9-24 explore their passions, challenge their thinking, and immerse themselves in academic traditions across multiple prestigious locations in Oxford, Cambridge and top boarding schools. We believe that education should be as unique as the student. That's why we offer a fully tailored learning experience with no rigid syllabus. Instead, our tutors adapt each course to the specific interests and goals of the students attending.
About the role
- Lead the execution of a vibrant summer programme, ensuring safe, well-coordinated excursions and memorable activities.
- As a key member of the centre management team, you'll bring energy and creativity to a vibrant programme of activities and excursions for students aged 9-12 or 12-14.
- You'll lead Activity Leaders to deliver safe, engaging experiences and work closely with pastoral and academic teams to create a supportive environment where every student feels confident, cared for, and inspired.
Dates
Course dates between the start of July and mid-August 2026
Pay details
£823.71 per week (£735 weekly pay + accrued holiday pay, paid in the final payroll)
Additional benefits
- Accommodation and selected meals included
- Paid training
- Enhanced DBS provided (if required)
Working pattern
Saturday to Saturday, up to 55 hours per week on a shift pattern with overnight duties, 1 day off per week
Reports to Deputy Centre Director
Main duties
- Excursions: Lead the planning and delivery of engaging, age-appropriate day trips with enrichment activities that inspire curiosity and participation.
- Programme management: Oversee the daily activity schedule, including evening and recreational sessions, ensuring a fun, balanced, and well-run timetable.
- Team leadership: Brief and support Activity Leaders, providing clear direction and guidance to ensure activities run smoothly and safely.
- Collaboration: Work with senior leadership and pastoral teams to deliver a cohesive and supportive student experience.
- Risk and safety management: Conduct and review risk assessments, maintaining high standards of safety and supervision for younger students.
- Activity quality: Monitor engagement and enjoyment, adapting plans to suit group dynamics, energy levels, or weather while keeping activities enriching and fun.
- Pastoral care: Promote student wellbeing through positive supervision, communication, and teamwork with the residential team.
- Residential duties: Perform residential duties including morning registrations, meal time supervision, curfew checks and overnight phone duty.
About you
You are a confident, organised, and energetic leader who enjoys planning enriching experiences for students. You can manage logistics, people, and multiple activities while keeping engagement and safety high. You structure meaningful activities that are both educational and fun. You communicate clearly and positively with your team, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
Essential
- Experience organising educational trips or activities in academic or residential settings with strong team management.
- Proven ability to plan and schedule effectively while creating engaging experiences for children.
- Ability to lead teams safely and positively.
- Excellent organisational, communication, and leadership skills.
- Right to work in the UK (we cannot sponsor work visas for this role).
Desirable
- Knowledge of educational enrichment activities and risk management practices.
- Experience in international or multicultural environments and summer school or other residential education settings.
- Familiarity with local attractions and venues to plan engaging excursions.
Oxford Summer Courses is committed to safeguarding and protecting children. All staff undergo enhanced DBS checks, and references are requested and, where appropriate, validated. Only successful applicants will be contacted. This advert does not discriminate on the basis of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Candidates are assessed solely on their merits, qualifications, and ability to perform the role. Reasonable adjustment requests, including accessible documents or interview modifications, are welcomed and should be communicated to the recruitment team.
Activity Manager employer: Oxford Summer Courses
Contact Detail:
Oxford Summer Courses Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Activity Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Oxford Summer Courses. Check out their website and social media to see what activities they promote and how they engage with students. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions for Activity Managers, like how you’d handle a tricky situation with students or how you plan engaging activities. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or organised events in the past. Highlight your ability to adapt plans based on group dynamics, just like you would in the role at Oxford Summer Courses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the programme or team dynamics. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Activity Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and working with young people shine through. We want to see how you can inspire and engage students, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your passion!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Activity Manager role. Highlight your experience in organising educational activities and managing teams, as this will show us you're a perfect fit for our vibrant summer programme.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you'd be a great addition to our team. Remember, we appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure it reaches us without any hiccups, and you can easily keep track of your application status. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Summer Courses
✨Know the Programme Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the summer programme details. Familiarise yourself with the types of activities and excursions offered, as well as the age groups you'll be working with. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of what makes the programme unique.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in managing logistics and ensuring safety during activities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Emphasise Communication and Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss how you foster a supportive environment. Share instances where your clear communication and teamwork have led to successful outcomes, especially in educational or residential settings.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, particularly around risk management and adapting activities. Think of potential scenarios you might face, such as bad weather or low engagement levels, and how you would handle them to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for students.