Director of Studies

United Kingdom Source: WhatJobs

£30,000–£45,000

Language in Action has been delivering real‑world English learning experiences since 2014. We believe that language is best learned by doing — so our programmes bring classroom learning to life through authentic, engaging activities and cultural experiences across the UK.

Our students don’t just improve their English; they grow in confidence, independence, and cultural understanding. And the people who work with us play a key part in creating that supportive, inspiring environment.

As part of Malvern International, a leading global education provider, Language in Action is a friendly and collaborative team with the resources, experience and energy to offer exciting opportunities for staff and students alike. If you’re passionate about education, enthusiastic about working with young people, and enjoy a dynamic environment, you’ll feel right at home here.

Mission

We empower international young learners through language in action, bringing English to life with immersive learning, cultural experiences, and real‑world communication across UK universities and cities. Combining high‑quality teaching with hands‑on activities to build confidence, fluency, curiosity, and global connections inside and beyond the classroom.

Vision

To be a leading provider of experience‑driven educational programmes that inspire students to develop strong communication skills, independence and creativity. Programmes that are fuelled by innovation, quality and a culture that fosters industry‑leading safety, welfare, training and development.

Values

Passion – Our programmes are shaped by people who have lived the student journey themselves, bringing authentic passion, pride in quality, and a genuine commitment to excellence. We grow talent from within, support our teams, and build partnerships that inspire both staff and students to thrive.

Expertise – We deliver high‑quality junior programmes grounded in outstanding teaching, comprehensive welfare, and age‑appropriate learning experiences. The safety and wellbeing of every student is central to our approach. Through strong collaboration across teams, centres, and partners, we uphold the professional standards that make our programmes trusted and reputable.

Creativity – We design flexible, innovative programmes that respond to diverse learners and evolving global needs. By continuously developing fresh ideas and dynamic learning journeys, we create enriching experiences that benefit students, staff, and the wider world.

Change‑making – Everything we do starts with our students – their goals, their journey, their growth. Through programmes that combine real‑world English, cultural discovery, and immersive learning, we create meaningful first international experiences that build confidence and shape future possibilities.

Collaboration – We are driven by a passion for cultural exchange, welcoming students and staff from around the world to connect, explore, and grow together. Through trusted partnerships and inclusive programmes, we build a global learning community grounded in respect, fairness, and a strong sense of belonging.

Line Manager and Reporting

Line Manager: Centre Manager / Academic Manager
Reports to: Head of Juniors

Responsibilities

All academic aspects of the centre, including managing and developing the teaching team, organising placement tests, scheduling of classes, teaching when necessary, implementing the academic programme and all administration as required.
Responsible for welfare and safeguarding of all students in the centre.
Lead the team of teachers to produce a learning experience that exceeds the expectations of the students and clients.
Work closely with the Centre Manager, Welfare Officer, Activity Manager and Activity Leaders to produce the best possible course for our students.

DoS – Key Responsibilities and Tasks

Accountable for teacher induction, training and development.
Attend a training day or days before the course starts and thereafter attend any staff meetings considered necessary by the management team.
Prepare and conduct daily teacher briefings in the morning.
Organise placement tests for students on arrival, mark tests and stream students into classes based on results – may involve evening work.
Prepare registers, class lists and timetables, and all paperwork required to comply with British Council requirements.
Assign teachers to classes and classrooms based on skillset, preference and experience.
Recruit teachers as needed according to Academic Manager guidelines.
Be available to teaching staff during lesson times and before/after lessons.
Coordinate with the Centre Manager and Activity Manager on timetabling to align group schedules, teaching hours and activity programmes.
Represent the company’s on‑site academic role in Group Leader welcome meetings and remain available to Group Leaders at agreed times.
Monitor teachers’ timekeeping and appearance and take appropriate action when necessary.
Ensure regular lesson observations and constructive feedback occur.
Arrange teaching cover or teach when teachers are absent, ensuring continuity of class content via the Scheme of Work.
Maintain accurate records of teachers’ hours worked and pass this information to the Academic Manager weekly for timely payment.
Hold regular staff meetings with teachers and file minutes for future reference.
Ensure teachers keep administrative procedures up to date (registers, progress reports, certificates).
Manage teaching materials, office supplies and resources, ensuring teachers have access to required technology.
Maintain the academic presence on LiA notice boards and signs across the centre.
Monitor student numbers for efficient teacher deployment and optimal class sizes; work out profitable timetabling in line with British Council regulations.
Ensure teachers are aware of activity programmes and provide excursion preparation material before departures.
Participate in social activities and events, encouraging the Academic team to join excursions and LiA events.
Carry out disciplinary actions for staff in conjunction with the Academic Manager, following the Staff Handbook.
Respect and implement all safeguarding and prevent policies and regulations for best practice.
Report concerns to the Designated Person at the centre.
Consult with the Academic Manager before implementing new procedures outside existing company policies.
Undergo online training for Prevent and Advanced Safeguarding Training (Level 2) before employment begins.
Follow the company’s health and safety guidelines on and around campus.
Be a positive and professional role model for teachers and students, representing the core values of Language in Action.

Safeguarding Duties

Induct teachers on safeguarding and health & safety policies.
Liaise with Centre Manager on fire drills and ensure all safety rules are respected.
Supervise students and patrol corridors during lessons and breaks; cover for teachers if necessary.
Apply the safeguarding policy to all activities.
Liaise with teachers to ensure students are present in class; report absences to CM according to procedure.
Ensure students are placed in correct classes and liaise daily with teachers on any issues.
Fulfil all duties and responsibilities of safeguarding level 2.

Person Specification

Qualifications

A university degree.
Cambridge DELTA / Trinity DipTESOL (TEFLQ certification). Any equivalent ELT/TESOL qualification must:
be externally validated or regulated by a recognised body (e.g. Ofqual, QW, SQA, CCEA).
require prior ELT/ESOL teaching experience.
contain at least 5 hours of supervised teaching practice.
contain at least 100 hours of ELT/TESOL input.
Examples of ELT/TESOL diploma‑level qualifications:
University Diploma in ‘ELT/TESOL’ courses that meet the above criteria.
GCE: Postgraduate Certificate in Education with ELT/TESOL (Level 6/7).
Other combinations accepted as equivalent to TEFLQ may be reviewed during interview.

Statutory Requirements

Enhanced DBS disclosure check or overseas equivalent.
Eligibility to work in the UK.

Experience and Knowledge

At least 3 years’ EFL teaching experience.
Experience in academic management.
Very good ICT skills – production of reports, correspondence, data entry/updating.
Experience operating relevant equipment and complex ICT packages (Word, Excel, Internet, IWBs, Smartboards).
Residential summer school experience.
Experience with British Council inspection.
Public speaking experience.

Skills

The ability to make decisions quickly and calmly; communicate clearly and proactively; lead a team effectively; prioritise and multi‑task during busy periods; solve problems; possess managerial experience with residential summer school and professional teaching; maintain a positive attitude to teaching and management; flexibility, diplomacy, and tact; enjoy working with children and young adults; work under pressure; proven organisational, administrative and interpersonal skills; follow and implement standardised LiA company policies.

Please note

This job description is provided as a guide to the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive description of duties and responsibilities and may be subject to periodic revision. Short‑term language courses, by their very nature, require a degree of flexibility. There will be other duties and requirements associated with your job and, as a term of your employment, you may be required to undertake various other duties as requested by the Academic Manager/Centre Manager. In the event of absence, cover for Director of Studies is Senior Teacher and, if necessary, Academic Manager.

Room and Boards

The position of Director of Studies is residential.
Full board accommodation including single room, breakfast, lunch and dinner is provided.

Pay and Conditions

This post is offered on a residential, full‑board basis. Working hours – 43 hours per week, although may vary from centre to centre according to student numbers, frequency of intakes and staffing structures. Weekend/late evening work may be required.

Safer Recruitment Policy

Language in Action is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students aged under 18 and expects all stakeholders and members of staff to share this commitment.

Language in Action operates a strict safer recruitment policy and all staff will have checks made on their suitability to work with children prior to confirmation of employment.