Director of Studies

House Study Holidays Limited; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in the UK is seeking a Director of Studies for summer academic programs. The role requires managing a small team of teachers in a vibrant multicultural setting, overseeing lesson quality and student support. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in academic leadership within EFL, EFL/TESOL qualifications, and strong communication skills. Compensation includes pay plus accommodation, with a commitment to safeguarding. Strong commitment to educational excellence and student welfare is essential.

Benefits

Full-board accommodation provided

Loyalty payments

Qualifications

• Over 3 years of full-time EFL experience.
• Experience in a summer school environment is ideal.
• C1 level spoken and written English (CEF/CAE/IELTS 7.0).

Responsibilities

• Manage the academic programme and teaching team.
• Responsible for high-quality lesson delivery.
• Organize rotas for teachers involved in activities.

Skills

Proven successful experience in academic leadership

Great communication skills

Safeguarding awareness

Education

EFL/TESOL diploma-level qualified (e.g., DELTA, DipTESOL)

Educated to degree level or equivalent

Job description

Are you ready to take on a meaningful academic leadership role, this summer?

As our Director of Studies, you’ll be responsible for managing, developing, and supporting our academic summer school program to ensure an exceptional learning experience for our students. This role is an incredible opportunity to earn over the summer while immersing yourself in a multicultural environment dedicated to teaching English to young learners.

Key information:

Locations: Bournemouth, Canterbury, Cambridge, Central London, Uxbridge, Northampton, Oakham and *new for 2026 - York! Full-board accommodation is provided in all locations.

Contracts: Depending on the school, dates will vary between 19th June to late August 2026. You must be available to attend our training weekend on 24th June 2026. The contract is 4-8 weeks, between mid June to mid August, depending on the centre you choose. You must be available throughout July 2026 as this is our busiest period.

Hours: This is a fully immersive experience, offering 60 hours per week over 6 days. It's a residential role, meaning that you can choose to spend summer in a new location if you wish.

Support: Our class sizes are small; 15 students on average and our engaging syllabus is created to support a range of learners, with materials included. Many of our teaching staff return year on year, providing a wealth of experience but in addition, you are supported by a team of Senior teachers, Assistant Director of Studies, and our Academic & Training Manager.

Pay: £821.40 per week + holiday entitlement. Emergency Phone – up to 40 per week (20 per night payments for emergency phone cover – anticipated 2x per week). Loyalty Payments (if applicable) – 23-43 per week. Full-board accommodation provided.

About the role:

At Stafford House Study Holidays, we welcome over 6,000 young, international students during the summer to help them improve their English. Students stay with us for a short study holiday at one of our seven fantastic school locations, taking part in a rich academic, activities and excursions programme.

As Director of Studies, our teachers will benefit from your expertise as you guide and support them through their teaching journeys. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in creating a collaborative and supportive atmosphere, enriching the summer for both our staff and students alike.

Here’s some of the duties you’ll be involved in:

• Managing the academic programme and the teaching team to ensure that students and teachers alike, gain the most from their time with us.
• Responsible for teaching resources and high-quality delivery of lessons.
• Ensuring academic lessons and activities are integrated to promote the best learning experience for our students. This includes organising rotas for teachers who are involved within the activities programme.
• Holding weekly staff meetings and conducting weekly CPD sessions.
• Guiding NQTs and experienced teachers, observing, appraising, and giving feedback on teaching performance, in a supportive, effective manner. We’re proud to champion CPD here at Stafford house.
• Participating in pastoral duties with our students, including night-duties on a rota basis.

** You can find our Job Description and a full list of FAQs below

Some of what you need to become a Director of Studies:

• Proven successful experience in academic leadership, with over 3 years of full time EFL experience.
• Ideally have previous experience of working in a summer school environment.
• Directors of Studies must be EFL/TESOL diploma-level qualified (e.g. DELTA, DipTESOL, PGCE with ELT/TESOL or another diploma in ELT/TESOL which meets Accreditation UK criteria), PGCEs in English or Modern Foreign Languages plus TEFLI certification will also be considered.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent (preferred).
• Be a great communicator, with a level of spoken and written English equivalent to CEF level C1/CAE/IELTS 7.0.
• We take safeguarding very seriously. If successful we will conduct full pre-employment checks including an Enhanced DBS check, in line with our safer recruitment policy and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.

*You must already have the right to work in the UK.

More information:

WHO ARE WE? Stafford House has over 70 years’ experience in providing international students with great English language study experiences in the UK. Our mission is to educate, inspire and help our students enjoy our locations, empowering them with confidence to realise their personal potential. Stafford House comprises 2 brands, Stafford House International and Stafford House Study Holidays. We offer 7 fantastic study locations within the UK with a wide range of courses to choose from including English Language and activities, creative Art & Design, sports, and academic preparation courses. Stafford House International is part of CATS Global Schools (CGS), a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers.

OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING: CATS Global Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and expect everyone connected with the organisation to share this commitment. All positions are subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment pre-employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a criminal declaration form prior to interview and be subject to online checks which may include social media checks in addition to an enhanced DBS check (DBS process paid for by CATS Global Schools), references and if applicable, an overseas police check.

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY: We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values – Pioneering, Persevering, People – we pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools an employer of choice for all.

AND FINALLY What are you waiting for? We look forward to hearing from you. Good luck!