About us

The directors

Manor Courses Ltd, established in 1970, organises Residential English Summer Schools for young foreign students and has been a family business for 3 generations. During the summer the Directors live at the summer school. This provides the genuine warm family atmosphere and assists the experience and expertise of the staff team.

Jacky (pictured above, in centre, with flowers) is the current Director of the organisation and is the daughter of the founder Mrs. Smith. Jacky has two sons and a daughter; Nick, Jon and Su. While the family lived overseas they spent summers at their Grandmother's summer school. Growing up with different nationalities in the sympathetic and caring environment with young foreign students has given them a wealth of experience in this field.

Nick (pictured above, left) is the Managing Director and responsible for sales and marketing. Nick ensures we have a great mix of nationalities coming from all over the world and works closely with the management at Hurst College.

Jon (pictured above, right) has been the Course Director for 7 years now, graduating with a Diploma in TESOL when he started teaching in Brighton. Before that he spent 5 years as an English teacher in Japan and Taiwan. He is a member of IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language), QuiTE (Quality in TESOL Education) and the Sussex DOS Association.

Su (pictured above, centre, right of Jacky) qualified with a BA in Hospitality Management making her the perfect Hospitality & Education Consultant. She started as an English teacher in Spain, then Belgium, then Paris and then took a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education. She currently works as a Primary School teacher in London and assists us during the summer course.

Our welfare team

All of the Directors and 4 other members of management are 'Appointed First Aid Persons'. 
We also have a qualified Nurse who can be found in the office whenever a student feels ill, and is ready to rush to any accidents/injuries.
Our long-term Welfare Manager, Shirley has worked with us for more than 15 years in a number of roles, including teaching. Her invaluable experience in psychotherapy and education make her a perfect member of the management team. Students and staff suffering any problems will find her in the office ready to help.
Tracy, a key Domestic Consultant, started as the Junior Course Manager in 1990. Many years before that, she was play-group leader to all three of Jacky's children. She works closely with the Directors during the summer.

Our academic team

The Director of Studies (DOS), Alex, has worked extensively as an English Teacher in Italy. He had been our Assistant DOS and then our DOS for 8 years in total, and has a Diploma TESOL, so is entirely capable of managing our programmes and our team of 26 teachers. Each summer he is assisted by 3 Assistant Directors of Studies (ADOSs). All our ADOSs have been working with us for a number of years and understand the needs and wishes of our students and teachers very well.

Publishable statement

The British Council inspected and accredited Manor Courses in August 2008. This private language school offers residential courses in general English for under-18 year olds. Points of excellence were noted in aspects of pastoral care and leisure opportunities. The inspection report stated that the organisation met the standards of the Scheme.

Memberships and associations

The company or directors (as individuals) are members of the following organisations:

 

QuiTE Quality in TESOL Education Sussex DOSA
   
Fair Play For Children Federation of Small Businesses
   
iatefl Young Learners & Teenagers
   
IATEFL Teacher Development Special Interest Group ELT Leadership & Management SIG


 

As soon as students arrive they can see a family taking care of them. This immediately makes students feel easy. Our family presence creates a friendly and reassuring atmosphere that comforts students that may be away from home for the first time.

With our warm family presence and
the safe location of Hurst College, parents should be assured that their children are well looked after and will thoroughly benefit from their stay with Manor Courses.


The Directors are:

  • Parents with children at school
  • Criminal Records Bureau checked for police records
  • Emergency First Aid trained






Just to say thank you for the hospitality and kindness of all your family. The experience exceeds our expectations. Talk to you soon. 
Daniel (father of Matan, 2010)


Just wanted wanted to thank you and all the staff at Manor Courses for making Judith’s stay in England so enjoyable. I’m sure we’ll see you again next year!
Fran (mother of Judith, 2010)


Our daughter Marta only tells wonderful things about your college, organization, excursions, classes, meals and overall, the people. She’s had a really good time with all of you, and she has enjoyed her time there very much. She likes everything in your college. Thanks you very much for that great time and congratulations for all of you.
Natalie Lacomba (mother of Marta, 2010)


Well to be honest these three weeks that I've been staying here at hurstpierpoint college were the best three weeks in my entire life , I've made new friends , I've made best friends and not only have I improved my english skills but I've almost perfected it , and all this was because of my talented teachers! 
Abdalla Aljesmi (student, 2009)