About Oxford Summer Courses

Founded by school friends and Oxford graduates, Oxford Summer Courses is part of the Summer Discovery Group. We are driven by a singular vision: to inspire and nurture independent thought through world-class education. As a certified B Corp, we are also committed to making a positive social and environmental impact.

Our students aged 9-24 explore their passions, challenge their thinking, and immerse themselves in academic traditions across multiple prestigious locations in Oxford, Cambridge and top boarding schools. We believe that education should be as unique as the student. That’s why we offer a fully tailored learning experience with no rigid syllabus. Instead, our tutors adapt each course to the specific interests and goals of the students attending.

About the role

Lead with confidence and care, driving operational success and enriching the student experience

As a key member of the senior management team, you will play a central role in the smooth and effective delivery of our courses. You will support the Centre Director in leading the team, ensuring high standards across all operational and pastoral areas, and act as the senior decision-maker in their absence.

Main duties

• Leadership and decision making: Manage and support junior management staff to maintain strong team relationships, and deputise for the Centre Director as the primary decision-maker on site.
• Team culture: Contribute to a positive, supportive, and collaborative working environment across all teams on site.
• Programme management: Oversee staff responsible for planning and execution of excursions, meals and activities, to ensure a seamless, engaging, and high-quality student experience.
• Budget management: Assist the Centre Director in managing site budgets, monitoring spending, and ensuring resources are used effectively to maximise value for students.
• Safeguarding and welfare: Work closely with the pastoral team to ensure safeguarding, student wellbeing, and conduct are managed effectively and in line with policy.
• Mobilisation readiness: Be ready to step up and assist the team in leading and executing the programme.
• Residential duties: Perform residential duties including morning registrations, meal time supervision, curfew checks and overnight phone duty.

About you

You are a dynamic and confident leader who inspires and guides your team while fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. You make decisions with clarity and conviction, remaining composed under pressure while prioritising student safety and wellbeing. You build positive, respectful relationships with staff, students, and stakeholders and thrive in managing the operational and pastoral demands of a residential course with poise and high standards of care.

Essential

• Experience in a leadership or management role, preferably in an educational setting.
• Clear knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, health and safety, and emergency procedures when supporting young people.
• Proven problem-solving skills with thoughtful solutions that balance staff wellbeing and student experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience mentoring or guiding staff.
• Proven ability to use IT effectively, including email, group chats, file management, and basic troubleshooting.
• Right to work in the UK (we cannot sponsor work visas for this role).

Desirable

• Knowledge of Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Sheets).
• Experience working in a teaching or management capacity in a summer school.
• Familiarity with managing inexperienced team members, particularly in residential environments like summer schools.

Oxford Summer Courses is committed to safeguarding and protecting children. All staff undergo enhanced DBS checks, and references are requested and, where appropriate, validated. Only successful applicants will be contacted. This advert does not discriminate on the basis of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Candidates are assessed solely on their merits, qualifications, and ability to perform the role. Reasonable adjustment requests, including accessible documents or interview modifications, are welcomed and should be communicated to the recruitment team.