Role Overview
Contract Dates: 03/07/2026 – 10/08/2026
The Summer School Director is responsible for the overall management and success of the summer school programme. The role includes overseeing student welfare, staff coordination, programme delivery, daily operations and communication with the host site, SBC Head Office and the wider staff team. The Director ensures the highest standards of supervision, student wellbeing and safety, fostering a positive team environment and maintaining comprehensive record‑keeping and reporting.
Site
Headington Oxford International Summer School is an all‑girls school in the leafy suburb of Headington, about one mile from Oxford city centre, educating around 1,000 students from 30 nationalities. The summer site hosts approximately 200 students a week, aged 13‑16, in newly decorated accommodation for students and staff.
Support & Benefits
* Full cost of a new DBS (if required) for the first contract; encouragement to sign up for the Update Service.
* Extensive, paid, on‑site training prior to student arrival.
* Accommodation included.
* CPD and appraisals.
* Staff wellbeing initiative & access to Employee Assist Programme.
* Continuous support from the Head Office Team, on the ground and via phone/email.
* Online safeguarding and prevention training.
* Professional, fun, and supportive environment.
Additional role‑specific support:
* Paid attendance to pre‑course Management Training.
* Paid attendance of a certified First Aid Course.
Remuneration
The salary for the Summer School Director role is £1,425 per week (subject to tax and National Insurance), paid weekly in arrears. This sum includes a holiday allowance of 12.07% of basic pay (£153.49) and is supplemented by accommodation at the summer site.
Main Duties
Leadership
* Oversee all aspects of the summer course, ensuring student and staff welfare, smooth operations and comprehensive record‑keeping.
* Manage site spending, maintaining adherence to budgets and company guidelines.
* Maintain a strong reputation for SBC and the host venue through positive relationships with staff, parents and stakeholders.
* Be an approachable presence on site, fostering open communication.
* Maintain regular communication with SBC Senior Managers and Head Office.
Programme & Daily Routine
* Ensure continuous student supervision and efficient daily operations, covering all pastoral duties, breaks and mealtimes.
* Oversee delivery of an engaging, high‑quality academic and social programme.
* Lead key student assemblies, welcome talks, briefings and celebration events.
* Ensure smooth student arrivals and departures, liaising with Transfer Managers and coordinating logistics.
* Oversee stock management in compliance with budget and guidelines.
Student Welfare
* Prioritise the welfare and wellbeing of students and staff, managing incidents and behavioural issues with SBC Head Office.
* Address pastoral matters professionally and ensure safeguarding measures; take Level 2 Safeguarding Course to serve as the Designated Safeguarding Officer if required.
* Maintain accurate records for accommodation, catering and dietary needs.
* Arrange suitable accommodation for non‑residential students and their parents or guardians.
* Communicate with students and parents effectively to address enquiries and concerns promptly.
Team Management
* Lead and manage Summer School Managers, fostering a cohesive team.
* Create and manage the weekly staff rota, ensuring compliance and accurate scheduling.
* Lead regular management team meetings and staff meetings.
* Collaborate with SBC Head Office to oversee site setup and training week, delivering welcome talks and core training.
* Address individual staff needs sensitively and professionally, managing performance issues in collaboration with SBC HR Team.
* Welcome and integrate Group Leaders into the summer school.
Site, Safety & Compliance
* Oversee site setup, maintenance and health and safety procedures, including fire drills.
* Establish clear communication with host site staff for seamless relationships and swift action on safety, maintenance and accommodation matters.
* Ensure compliance with On‑Site and Off‑Site Supervision Policies for 24‑hour student supervision.
* Oversee course wrap‑up, including stock pack‑up, record returns and handover to the host school.
* Support and oversee the management team to create and maintain all essential paperwork.
General Managerial Duties
* Collaborate with the Management Team, attending meetings and maintaining open communication.
* Communicate clearly and professionally with students, staff, parents, agents, site hosts and external stakeholders.
* Work with SBC Head Office to complete necessary paperwork and share updates.
Student Experience
* Encourage student engagement, promoting confidence and social skills.
* Promote a culture of equality, respect and diversity, ensuring students adhere to the Student Code of Conduct.
* Encourage student feedback and address concerns or complaints promptly.
* Contribute to hosting arrival and departure days, ensuring a welcoming experience for students and parents.
* Support the safe delivery of the programme, covering sessions, attending off‑site activities & supporting breaks, meals and welfare duties.
Safety & Compliance
* Implement health and safety procedures, ensuring incidents are reported and risk assessments followed.
* Keep staff informed of student welfare needs and maintain required welfare records.
* Ensure staff and students understand emergency and fire evacuation procedures.
* Securely manage summer camp data, following GDPR and confidentiality policies.
Safeguarding Duties
* Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of students in your care.
* Complete online safeguarding training and attend on‑site safeguarding training during induction week.
* Read and understand SBC’s Safeguarding Policy, Staff Handbook, Operations Policy Handbook and Part 1 of Keeping Children Safe in Education.
* Be alert to signs of abuse and neglect; report any concerns to the DSO immediately.
* Know what to do if a student tells a member of staff they are being abused or neglected.
* Help students understand how to keep themselves safe and manage risk, earning their trust while maintaining professional boundaries.
About You
SBC PERSON SPECIFICATION
All staff employed by SBC are expected to bring key qualities to the operation. A professional interest in working with young people, particularly international children, is essential. Safety and welfare of the students is of paramount importance and should be demonstrated in everyday practice.
We Look For Staff Who Are
* Approachable & empathetic to students’ needs.
* Enthusiastic & engaging.
* Diplomatic, responsible & motivated.
* Flexible within the summer school environment.
We expect all SBC staff to communicate effectively with our students, using an appropriate level of language. Staff must demonstrate patience, empathy and emotional awareness towards students both individually and in group settings. Staff must take control of students and manage discipline and behavioural issues in a firm, positive and constructive manner.
Essential Experience
* Experience of residential international summer schools.
* Experience of, and genuine enjoyment of, working with young people.
* Experience of managing a staff team.
* Strong communication skills, ability to work under pressure and flexibility.
* Strong organisational skills.
* Experience of managing welfare and behavioural issues effectively.
Desirable Experience
* Experience of the UK boarding environment.
* Experience of working within the education sector.
About Us
Founded in 2008, Summer Boarding Courses unite students from around the world through education. Our award‑winning, future‑focused courses strike the perfect balance between academic and social enrichment. Our residential courses take place at UK’s top boarding schools and university college campuses, including Eton College, Oxford University Colleges and Headington School. Over 15,800 students from 152 nationalities have studied with us. SBC is the only multi‑campus summer school provider in the UK to have achieved a perfect 15/15 in British Council inspections.
To Apply
We want to make sure we can set candidates up for success in this process. If you need adjustments for the interview or have any questions, please contact us at .
Should you be successful
* Any gaps in your CV will be enquired about and must be explained satisfactorily.
* You will have to prove your Right to Work in the UK.
* You will provide details of two recent and relevant referees.
* You will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) and equivalent if you live outside of the UK.
* You will state that you have no known reason why you cannot work with children.
* Official identification and certificates will be required for our records.
SBC Safeguarding Statement
Summer Boarding Courses is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We have comprehensive safeguarding and child protection policy and procedures in place which all employees, volunteers and contractors are expected to adhere to.
SBC Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity Statement
We operate a policy of equal opportunities and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of sex, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin or disability.
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