Activity Leader - Residential

Oxford International Education Group

Activity Leader - Residential

Department: Year-Rounds Groups

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: EFL Programmes UK

Compensation: £517 per week (Under 21)/£579.92 per week (Over 21) + holiday remuneration

Description

Our seasonal programmes operate during the following periods:

Winter: 1st January – mid-February
Spring: 23rd March – 10th/12th April
Summer: 23rd/24th June – 12th/17th August

Specific start and end dates will be confirmed based on your role, assigned centre, and required induction training.

Overview

Join Oxford International Junior Programmes as an Activity Leader and help deliver engaging activities and cultural excursions at our residential language centres across the UK.

This is a fully immersive role that requires energy, enthusiasm, and a commitment to creating a safe, memorable experience for international students. As part of a residential community, you will lead activities and excursions, support arrivals and departures, assist at mealtimes, and help deliver evening events.

Please note that this is not a standard 9–5 role. Working hours will vary and may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and full-day excursions. Flexibility, resilience, and a positive attitude are essential to delivering an outstanding student experience.

Applicants must be aged 18 or over, eligible to work in the UK, and willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS Disclosure Check and/or Overseas Police Check.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The Activity Programme

Deliver an inspiring and enjoyable activity programme by:

Planning and preparing activity sessions in advance
Bringing creativity and fresh ideas to sessions and events
Leading activities with enthusiasm and confidence
Actively engaging with students and ensuring their enjoyment
Maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and professionalism

The Excursion Programme

Support our exciting excursions by:

Researching destinations and preparing for each visit
Attending pre-excursion briefings and noting key details
Guiding and engaging students during excursions
Sharing interesting and educational insights about destinations
Actively engaging with students and ensuring their enjoyment
Prioritising student safety and adapting plans when necessary

General Duties

Contribute to a positive and safe student experience by:

Welcoming students at the airport and ensuring smooth transfers
Supervising students during meals, free time, and activities
Acting as a positive role model, providing encouragement and support
Maintaining student welfare, discipline, and safety
Attending inductions, staff meetings, and briefings
Maintaining visibility and a positive presence around campus

Expectations

As a member of the Oxford International team, we expect:

Professionalism

Arrive on time and fully prepared for all scheduled duties, activities, meetings and briefings.
Maintain a professional, positive and approachable attitude throughout the programme.
Follow centre procedures, rotas, policies and management instructions.
Always maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students.
Be reliable and take responsibility for completing allocated duties to the expected standard.
Represent Oxford International professionally when on campus, on excursions and when interacting with clients, group leaders and venue staff.

Student Engagement & Welfare

Proactively interact with students rather than waiting for students to approach staff.
Build positive and appropriate relationships with students and encourage participation.
Be aware of students who may be isolated, disengaged or struggling and take appropriate action.
Maintain active supervision and remain vigilant to student welfare and safeguarding concerns.
Escalate welfare, behavioural and safeguarding concerns promptly through the correct channels.

Activity Delivery

Deliver activities that are organised, inclusive, age-appropriate and adapted to the needs and abilities of the group.
Clearly explain activities, rules and safety expectations before delivery.
Manage time, equipment and activity spaces effectively.
Adapt sessions when activities are not engaging students or circumstances change.
Encourage maximum participation while creating a fun, energetic and inclusive environment.

Teamwork & Communication

Communicate clearly, professionally and respectfully with colleagues, managers, students, group leaders and other stakeholders.
Work collaboratively with the wider centre team and support colleagues during busy periods.
Share important student, activity and operational information promptly with the appropriate team member.
Attend and actively contribute to staff meetings, briefings and handovers.
Respond positively to feedback and use it to improve performance.
Support a positive team culture and be willing to assist outside of usual duties where reasonably required.

Initiative & Problem Solving

Take ownership of tasks and seek solutions to day-to-day challenges before escalating where appropriate.
Identify potential issues early and communicate them to the relevant manager.
Adapt activities and plans appropriately when circumstances change.
Use initiative to maintain student engagement during delays, downtime or unexpected changes.
Remain calm and solution-focused when dealing with challenges.
Know when an issue requires management, welfare or safeguarding escalation rather than attempting to resolve it independently.

Performance Expectations

Activity Leaders will receive regular feedback and performance appraisals throughout their employment. Performance will be assessed against the responsibilities and expectations outlined within this job description, with particular focus on:

Professionalism
Student Engagement & Welfare
Activity Delivery
Teamwork & Communication
Initiative & Problem Solving

Activity Leaders are expected to respond positively to feedback and demonstrate continue development throughout their employment.

Person Specifications

Legal status

Right to work in the Uk
Willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS check and/or an Overseas Police Check, where applicable.

Qualifications

Currently enrolled in, or holding, a university degree programme in any discipline.
Currently studying towards, or holding, a qualification in sports, recreation, youth work, event management, or a related discipline.

Experience and knowledge

Experience working in a residential camp setting or similar
Experience organising activities for young people

Skills and Abilities

Excellent communication skills and a positive, proactive attitude
Strong teamwork skills with the ability to collaborate effectively.

Personal qualities

Outgoing personality, passion for connecting with students and making each day memorable.
A flexible, adaptable approach to work and changing circumstances.
Genuine enthusiasm for working with students aged 8–17.
A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

Disclaimer

This job description is provided as a guide to the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive description of duties and responsibilities and may be subject to periodic revision.

Oxford International is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. This role involves working with children and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Oxford International is an equal opportunity employer. Every applicant and employee has the same opportunities regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date should we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply as early as possible.