2026 UK MLA Centre Director

Title Centre Director (Residential)

Job Type Residential, Full-Time

Reports to Operations Manager

Dates June 22nd to August 1st 2026

Possibility of extension in some centres

Country United Kingdom

Location London King's, London Uxbridge, Reading, Guildford, Worcester, 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. The MLA formula for a summer centre is a unique blend of many full-day and half-day excursions, an amazing activity programme and specialised language path. In this way we have broken the barriers of the traditional summer language course.

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 and the organisation takes all reasonable steps to protect children from harm, discrimination or degrading treatment and to uphold their rights. MLA staff working with young learners will all go through our safer recruitment process including online or face-to-face interviews, record checks of references and background checks, in line with the country's regulations, to ensure they are able to work with young people, provide evidence of qualifications and work experience as part of the process and according to our Safeguarding Policy, Preventing Sexual Harassment and Prevent Policy.

Position Overview Responsible for the activity and excursion programme for international students and for the Activity Leaders. The Centre Director is the senior on-site manager responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, and successful delivery of the MLA Move Language Ahead Summer Programme at an assigned centre.

• Full time summer employment from mid June - mid August
• Responsible for the overall management of the ESL summer camp programming
• Represent MLA values
• Reports to Operations Manager
• 6 working days per week
• 1 day off per week
• Residential employment includes all meals and accommodation

Possibility of extension in some centres (starting in June and/or finishing mid August)

The Centre Director provides strategic and operational leadership to all centre staff and acts as the primary point of contact between MLA Head Office, students, staff, host institutions, and external stakeholders. This role is critical to ensuring a safe, enriching, and high quality educational and cultural experience for international students.

Requirements Essential

• Must have a UK passport/right to work in the UK, and a valid DBS (England & Wales) or PVG (Scotland). If you're based outside the UK, also a Criminal Record Check from your country of residence
• Proven suitability to work with students under 18: at least 2 references
• Be proficient in the use of IT
• Experience working with international students and multicultural teams
• Experience liaising with host institutions or accommodation providers
• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice

Desirable

• Summer School experience in the UK or in Ireland
• Proven experience in a senior management role within a summer school, international education, or residential programme
• Prior experience overseeing a strict operating budget
• First Aid certificate
• Teaching, academic management, or EFL/ESL background
• Demonstrated experience in safeguarding, student welfare, and pastoral care

Person Specification

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent organisational and problem solving abilities
• Ability to manage complex operations in a fast paced, high pressure environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• High level of professionalism, resilience, and flexibility
• Ability to develop positive relationships with students, earning their trust whilst maintaining proper professional boundaries
• Ability to establish excellent relationships with our clients and service providers, especially the Group Leaders bringing students from abroad
• Team player
• Ability to provide safety and welfare assistance to students
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and interpersonal)
• Display absolute commitment to the highest standards of professional behaviour
• Ability to motivate and inspire a team under pressure and lead by example
• Positive outlook
• Enthusiasm and creativity
• Passion for working with youth
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Ability to multi task
• Attention to detail
• Aptitude to effectively use Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to be pleasant, polite, and cooperative

Schedule As a Centre Director you'll enjoy a dynamic and flexible work schedule designed to meet the exciting demands of our programme. Shifts will vary across mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends, providing you with diverse working hours. Evening, weekend, and on call duties are required. Each staff member is contracted for up to 44 hours per week. At the end of every week, you'll be required to confirm and sign off on your worked hours to ensure everything is accurately recorded.

Key Position Accountabilities

• Complete all required, paid training/induction meetings prior to and during the programme
• Review itineraries and become knowledgeable with all aspects of the programme
• Assume full responsibility for the planning, organisation, and daily operation of the summer programme centre
• Review risk assessments and monitor that the are carried out effectively
• Provide clear leadership, direction, and support to all academic, welfare, and operational staff
• Foster a professional, inclusive, and positive working environment aligned with MLA values
• Ensure the centre operates efficiently, safely, and in line with agreed budgets and resources
• Use the MLA software effectively

• Maintain a clean, organised and professional Centre Office
• Work with the management team and Head Office to ensure all day to day centre operations and programme components are properly planned and delivered
• Attend meetings with Group Leaders and MLA Managers

• Ensure the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of all students at all times
• Implement and enforce MLA safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, and behaviour policies
• Respond effectively to student welfare concerns, incidents, medical issues, and emergencies
• Liaise with parents/guardians, agents, and Head Office regarding serious welfare or disciplinary matters
• Ensure appropriate supervision ratios and duty cover are maintained at all times

• Oversee the academic programme in collaboration with academic management staff
• Lead the recruitment, induction, training, and ongoing support of centre staff
• Manage staff rotas, duty schedules, and time off in line with operational needs
• Conduct regular staff meetings, briefings, and performance check ins
• Address staff conduct, performance, and disciplinary matters professionally and promptly

• Ensure all staff comply with safeguarding requirements, codes of conduct, and role expectations

• Be sensitive to staff needs and feedback, and ensure they are being heard and addressed

• Promote the welfare of students and adhere to the Safeguarding Policy

Training & CPD

• Complete all required pre employment training
• Attend the in person induction training and take an active part in discussions
• Read and understand MLA policies sent during the recruitment process
• Read, understand and adhere to the guidelines set out in your Handbook
• Be open to feedback during appraisals and set your own developmental goals for you to work on during your time with MLA
• Request guidance on and actively seek professional development to improve your skills
• Work with the MLA Management Team in designing necessary on site training
• Carry out inductions and training for staff

Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate and up to date student records, including attendance, welfare notes, and incident reports
• Ensure timely completion and submission of all required reports to MLA Head Office
• Oversee arrival and departure documentation, rooming lists, registers, and duty logs
• Ensure safeguarding, medical, and incident documentation is completed correctly and stored securely
• Monitor staff records, rotas, timesheets, and duty schedules
• Ensure risk assessments, health and safety checks, and compliance documentation are completed and filed
• Maintain clear communication records with parents/guardians, agents, and partners where required
• Support Head Office audits, reviews, and quality assurance processes
• Ensure centre documentation is accurate, professional, and reflective of MLA standards
• Monitor the preparation of the site to include creation of bulletin boards, signage, itineraries, welcome packets, and activity programmes
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