Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to create an exceptional student experience in a dynamic educational environment.
- Company: Join Oxford Summer Courses, a B Corp committed to impactful education and student growth.
- Benefits: Earn £1,075.87 per week with accommodation and meals included, plus paid training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience in education and strong interpersonal skills required.
- Other info: Work in prestigious locations like Oxford and Cambridge with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
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
- Leading with impact: Guide, safeguard, and elevate the student experience. As the most senior manager on‑site, you will inspire and lead the team to deliver an exceptional student experience. Acting as the key decision‑maker on site and in emergencies, you will ensure the welfare of students and staff is maintained to the highest standards. You will also liaise with Head Office and key stakeholders, overseeing the overall operations of the site.
- Dates: Course dates between late June and the end of August 2026
- Location: Oxford, Cambridge or Harrow
- Pay details: £1,075.87 per week (£960 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 65 hours per week on a shift pattern with overnight duties, 1 day off per week
- Reports to: Operations Manager
Main duties
- Leadership and decision making: Provide strategic leadership to deliver an exceptional student experience, guide and develop staff, acting as the decision maker for site operations.
- Team culture: Foster a positive, motivated work environment on site built on collaboration, communication and respect.
- Stakeholder communication: Maintain clear, professional and timely communication with Head Office and key partners to ensure smooth operations.
- Budget management: Manage course delivery costs within budget to best add value to student experience, and keep accurate records of spending.
- Operational logistics: Manage a staff rota in compliance with UK employment laws, ensuring efficient use of resources and managing requested overtime.
- Safeguarding and welfare: Take overall responsibility for the safety, welfare and conduct of students and staff on site, working closely with the pastoral team.
- Mobilisation readiness: Be ready to step up and support the team in leading and executing the programme.
- Residential duties: Perform residential duties including morning registrations, meal time supervision, curfew checks and overnight phone duty.
About you
You’re a dynamic and confident leader who inspires teams to deliver their best while fostering a collaborative and supportive culture. You make decisions with clarity and conviction, prioritising student safety and wellbeing. You build strong relationships with staff, students, and external partners through warm and professional communication. You are organised, proactive, and calm under pressure, creating an environment where your team performs effectively and students feel safe, engaged, and supported.
Essential
- Extensive experience in a leadership or management role, preferably in education, including managing staff, students, and stakeholder relationships.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, health and safety, and emergency procedures when supporting young people.
- Proven ability to problem‑solve while considering staff wellbeing and student experience.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with experience managing staff performance.
- Proficient in IT for tasks such as email communication, group chats, file management, and basic troubleshooting.
- Right to work in the UK (we cannot sponsor work visas for this role).
Desirable
- Knowledge of Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Sheets).
- Experience working in a teaching or management capacity in a summer school.
- Familiarity with managing inexperienced team members, particularly in residential environments like summer schools.
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.
Centre Director employer: Oxford Summer Courses
Contact Detail:
Oxford Summer Courses Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Centre Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience with summer schools. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Oxford Summer Courses thoroughly. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your leadership style aligns with their vision of inspiring independent thought.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've handled challenges in previous roles, especially in educational settings, to demonstrate your ability to maintain student welfare.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to leading an amazing team at Oxford Summer Courses!
We think you need these skills to ace Centre Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education shine through! We want to see how you can inspire and nurture independent thought in students. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to creating a unique learning environment.
Tailor Your Application: Just like we tailor our courses to fit the students, make sure your application reflects how your skills and experiences align with the role of Centre Director. Highlight your leadership style and how it fosters a positive team culture, as this is key to delivering an exceptional student experience.
Be Clear and Professional: Communication is crucial in this role, so ensure your application is clear and professional. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will not only showcase your communication skills but also demonstrate your ability to maintain professional relationships with staff and stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and keen to join our team at Oxford Summer Courses.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Summer Courses
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Oxford Summer Courses. Understand their mission, values, and the unique educational experience they offer. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Centre Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team, managed crises, or improved student experiences. Be ready to discuss how you foster a positive team culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities, especially in safeguarding and emergency situations. Think of specific scenarios where you had to make tough decisions and how you prioritised student welfare.
✨Communicate Clearly and Professionally
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and professionally. Be prepared to discuss how you would maintain communication with stakeholders and manage staff performance while ensuring a supportive environment.
