Director of Studies
Accountabilities
Lesson Planning: Ensure that EFL Teachers use their preparation time productively and design well-structured lesson plans that align with the BSS’s syllabus. Plans should be reviewed and approved by the senior teacher, and every lesson should aim to strengthen students’ language proficiency, expand their vocabulary, build confidence and fluency, and introduce them to aspects of British life and culture in an engaging way.
Teaching Standards: Oversee the consistent delivery of engaging and inclusive lessons that motivate students to participate fully. Teachers should foster a respectful and supportive classroom atmosphere where all learners feel encouraged, inspired, and capable of achieving tangible progress in English.
Placement Testing: Take responsibility for the coordination and administration of weekly placement assessments for new arrivals. The purpose is to ensure each student is placed appropriately within the academic framework, allowing them to be both challenged and supported to advance effectively.
Class Organisation: Manage class formation and teacher allocation efficiently, handling all related administrative duties. This ensures the academic timetable runs smoothly and that classes are well balanced, functional, and conducive to effective learning.
Monitoring Student Progress: Oversee the implementation of regular progress checks carried out by teachers each week. These reviews should demonstrate that students are working at the right level and making measurable improvement in their English ability.
Academic Administration: Maintain clear and accurate records for all aspects of the academic programme, including lesson plans, registers, and teaching documentation. Proper organisation of these materials supports inspection readiness, quality assurance, and transparent communication with parents and accrediting bodies. Additionally, ensure that all aspects of the database required by your role are completed and updated efficiently and on time.
End-of-Course Reporting: Ensure that teachers write personalised, well-presented end-of-course reports for every student. Reports should highlight individual strengths, note participation levels, and identify areas for further development, providing parents with a realistic and encouraging picture of each student’s progress.
Quality Assurance: Regularly review the standard of teaching through observation, feedback, and evaluation of lesson plans. Monitor classroom engagement and teaching practice to confirm that lessons are delivered to a high professional standard and that students are consistently active, motivated, and achieving.
Staff Leadership and Development: Provide clear leadership to the team of EFL Teachers, offering ongoing support, feedback, and professional development opportunities. Conduct lesson observations, appraisals, and formal reviews to maintain high teaching standards and morale. Address performance or conduct issues when necessary and contribute to the creation of a positive, collaborative staff culture.
British Council: To ensure that every aspect of the Teaching and Learning criteria established by the British Council is consistently met, and wherever possible, exceeded through careful monitoring, guidance, and quality assurance. This helps the organisation uphold its strong academic reputation, demonstrate excellence across all areas of delivery, and secure continued accreditation with confidence.
Risk Assessments & Policies: Confirm that detailed risk assessments are in place and have been reviewed by all relevant staff. Where necessary, create or update assessments in collaboration with BSS’s health and safety coordinator to cover any new or unique activities. Ensure all lessons are conducted safely and in full compliance with BSS’s safety policies. Pay particular attention to supervision ratios, risk management, and the maintaining accurate registers.
Student Behaviour Management: Observe and manage student conduct, responding immediately to any bullying or aggressive behaviour. Promote a safe and inclusive community in which every student can feel confident, respected, and free to express themselves regardless of their background or beliefs.
Pastoral Support: Work with the Welfare team to share essential information and deliver consistent, high-quality welfare care. Monitor students’ well-being and behaviour, handling minor issues directly and escalating serious concerns to the Welfare Manager or Centre Manager.
Emergencies: Respond to any emergencies that may occur during non-working hours in the Boarding House, taking appropriate action to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
Student Transfers (If needed): To undertake student transfers courteously and efficiently, adhering to all timings and procedures to deliver a professional, high-quality welcome and departure service that ensures minimal waiting times and a positive first and last impression of the school
Social Media Photography & Video: Delegate a member of staff to be responsible for capturing high-quality footage of lessons, activities, evening entertainment, and excursions using British Summer School recording devices.
Centre Requirements: To help ensure that the centre is set up effectively and packed away as required by the Head Office team.
All duties are subject to change at the discretion of the Managing Director.
Personal Specification
Safeguarding
British Summer School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This responsibility extends to all staff, both on and off duty. As part of this commitment, all employees undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and full employment reference checks are conducted prior to commencement of employment.
KEy Information
HIRING FOR SUMMER 2026
JOB ROLE:
Director of Studies
KEY PURPOSE OF JOB:
To take responsibility for the effective delivery of the academic programme, guaranteeing that all teaching practices, administrative processes, and associated records meet the standards set by the British Council.
REPORTING TO:
Centre Manager & The Principal
HOURS:
Monday to Friday: 08:00 - 18:00
The above shows the typical working hours. Staff will be scheduled across both weekdays and weekends. Weekend shifts may vary to support transfers.
Hours may vary between centres and according to the needs of the Summer School.
SALARY:
£825.04 per week + 12.07% Holiday Pay Total weekly pay £924.62 (Including Holiday Pay)
Accommodation Deduction: An accommodation deduction of £74.62 will deducted for those staff that are residential.
LOCATION:
One of the below;
Brambletye, East Grinsted, West Sussex, RH19 3PD
Worth, Paddockhurst Road, Turners Hill, West Sussex, RH10 4SD
Oundle, New Street, Oundle, PE8 4GH
Uppingham, High Street West, Oakham, LE15 9QE