Target English International is a UK based company established in 2009. We specialise in the provision of English language courses for international students aged 10 – 17. We operate 7 residential junior summer schools in the UK as well as providing residential junior courses all year round at the University of Hull campus.
We focus exclusively on junior courses and are passionate about what we do. Our Head Office team have a wealth of experience & expertise in the junior ELT sector and are dedicated to ensuring that all our students, and partners, have the best possible time with Target English International.
James Hordon
Managing Director
Jimmy has worked in the ELT industry for 30 years, starting as an undergraduate Activity Leader on junior summer courses in Nottingham. He taught in the Czech Republic, Spain and Italy where he completed his Cambridge Dip Tefla. He has been involved in the organisation of junior programmes, both as a Senior Operations Manager and, since 2009, as a Director of Target English International. He has a close knowledge of working with international junior groups. He enjoys the challenges of leading his dedicated team and encouraging them to develop within the organisation. He loves the variety of tasks that are part of his role and the opportunities it affords him to build long-standing bonds with suppliers and customers alike.
Cath Stepan
Academic Manager
Catherine is as much a professional learner as she is a professional educator. Her experience in Learning & Development spans across continents, content and fields. She has over 20 years’ experience in EFL teaching and Academic Management in the United States, Czech Republic, the UK and Italy before deciding to join the team at Target English International. Catherine holds both a BA in English and Secondary Education along with an MA in English Teaching. She worked many years as a Director of Studies before taking on the role of Academic Manager with our organisation. She divides her time in the UK and the Czech Republic, where she teaches all levels and age groups. Cath has recently joined the team of inspectors for Eaquals.
Cath Lanyon
Sales & Marketing Manager
Cath trained as an EFL teacher in 1992 and spent 10 years teaching in various countries including Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Italy & Turkey, completing her DELTA in 2000. She has always been involved in junior summer schools and has occupied a variety of roles; teacher, DOS, Centre Manager & Operations Manager, before finding her natural home in the sales department. Cath joined the Target English International team in 2011 and feels privileged to be able to work with a wide range of people from around the world. “I’ve always been a people person and love working with our network of international clients. Building long lasting relationships with clients starts with great customer service, which we pride ourselves on delivering at every step of the process.”
Maureen Keddy
Recruitment & Safeguarding
Maureen joined Target English International in 2014 as Recruitment Officer and Safeguarding Lead. Maureen has lead responsibility for ensuring that Target English International’s safeguarding policies and procedures are appropriately reviewed, updated and adhered to by all staff every year. Prior to joining Target English International Maureen worked for over 25 years recruiting, deploying, and managing adult volunteer mentors and befrienders. This role also involved working closely with vulnerable children and young people from 8 to 19yrs old who were in the care of the local authority. “My aim within the recruitment team is to help provide a full complement of motivated, friendly, and supportive Activity Leaders for all of our Centres. I want it to be a fun and safe summer experience for both students and staff!”
Karen Sharpley
Company Accountant
Karen started working with Target English International 12 years ago. Her responsibilities include monthly management information, cash flow control, payroll compliance and liaison with suppliers, customers and other financial support including banks and the company accountants.
“I enjoy working in this dynamic environment which peaks in the summer season to give challenging and hectic times but, with the head office team all working flat out it makes the role more rewarding as we see the thousands of students who visit this country achieve their goals and have a fantastic experience as a result of the hard work behind the scenes. The future of the business is exciting and we are proud to be at the forefront of this developing programme and I look forward to the challenges ahead. Who said accountancy was dull!”
Louise Brown
HR Manager
Louise has worked for the company since it began operating in 2010. Her background is in recruitment and training delivery and she worked in the voluntary sector for 12 years prior to coming to Target English International.
She aims to recruit the most effective and positive managers, teachers and activity leaders and recognises the importance of giving them a clear understanding of their role and what to expect from working in our Summer Schools, as well as providing a positive employment experience so they want to return each year.