2026 UK Residential Activity Leader, Reading

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.

Position Overview

Responsible for the activity and excursion programme for international students.

• Full time summer role available from mid June - mid August.
• Represent MLA values.
• 6 days per week, 1 day off per week.
• Residential employment available from June 27th to August 1st 2026.

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.

Desirable

• Summer School experience in the UK or in Ireland.
• First Aid certificate.
• Sports/Coaching training.
• Volunteering experience.
• Involvement in active groups (e.g. scouts, trekking, sports, etc).

Person Specification

• Ability to develop positive relationships with students, earning their trust whilst maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to provide safety and welfare assistance to students.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and interpersonal).
• Display absolute commitment to the highest standards of professional behaviour.
• Positive outlook.
• Enthusiasm and creativity.
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work long hours in a high-pressure environment.
• Passion for working with youth.
• Flexibility and adaptability.

Schedule

Shifts will vary across mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends, providing you with diverse working hours. Each staff member is contracted for up to 44 hours per week, distributed Monday to Sunday, with one full day off per week. Your day off will be decided based on center needs. At the end of every week, you'll be required to confirm and sign off on your worked hours.

Key Position Accountabilities

• Ensure adequate preparation and set up for on/offsite activities and excursions.
• Ensure you have read and are adhering to all risk assessments.
• Review itineraries and become knowledgeable about attractions.
• Complete your Safeguarding and Prevent Training Level 1 and adhere to MLA Safeguarding Policy.
• Lead, supervise, motivate and engage students on activities and excursions.
• Pro actively encourage the students to take part in planned activities both during the day and in the evenings.
• Assist in the organisation and preparation of a wide range of activities, excursions and pastoral care.
• Brief Group Leaders and Students accurately about activities, excursion rules, meeting locations and times, and communicate all necessary information effectively to ensure safety at all times.
• Assist in airport transfers and welcome Group Leaders and Students to the MLA Programme.
• Lead campus tours and assist in the organisation of accommodation.

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.
• Experienced Activity Leaders should be open to provide guidance and actively help peers seeking professional development.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Support our Group Leaders with their needs and questions.
• Monitor and be active in communication channels.
• Assist the centre administration in making photocopies, running errands, preparing activities, etc.
• Collect registers from the office and return them accurately, filled in timely.

Safeguarding & Welfare

• Promote the welfare of students and comply with MLA Safeguarding Policy.
• Provide safety and welfare assistance to students.
• Be vigilant for possible welfare problems of students.
• Inform your Centre Director/Welfare Manager of any absences immediately.
• Report any issues which may be affecting students' safety, wellbeing and academic performance.
• Be aware of relevant fire, health and safety issues in the classroom and around the centre.

Compensation

Residential Activity Leaders GBP 540 weekly. Holiday Pay (12.07%) will be added to rates. Inclusive of holiday pay up to GBP 605 weekly.

• Housing deduction of GBP 9.10 per day will be applied for residential positions.
• Paid training and induction.
• Work as part of a strong team and gain experience.
• Opportunities for professional development e.g. appraisals, opportunities for promotion.
• Regular Training sessions to run activities/excursions/risk assessment.

Returning Activity Leaders will receive a bonus of GBP 150 after completing their full 4 week contract.

MLA Equality Statement

MLA Move Language Ahead is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, marital status, being pregnant or on maternity leave, race (including ethnic or national origin, nationality and colour), disability, sexual orientation or expression, religion, beliefs, or any other non job related criteria.