Target English International is a UK based company established in 2009. We specialise in the provision of English language courses for international students aged 9 – 18. We operate 9 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 35 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 an academic leader and educator with over 25 years experience in English language teaching & management across the US and Europe. A former Director of Studies and current Eaquals inspector, she works across teaching, curriculum design, and teacher development. She was recognised at the 60th International TESOL Convention and is pursuing her doctorate in Educational Policy & Organisational Leadership at the University of Illinois. Her mantra is connect, get inspired and grow!
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 2001. 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
Safeguarding Lead
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 who were in the care of the local authority.
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
Recruitment 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.
Dominic George
Operations Manager
Dom joined Target English International in February 2024. He oversees key operational arrangements for the summer programme, working closely with suppliers and host colleges to support centre teams ahead of the busy season.
“Working at Target English International is rewarding because so much of the student experience begins long before the summer starts. Much of the work takes place behind the scenes in the months leading up to the season, and when the right support and arrangements are in place early, it helps create the conditions for an exceptionally good experience for everyone involved. Knowing that this work contributes to something students will carry with them long after the summer ends makes the role especially meaningful.”
Alex Gallacher
Recruitment / Centre Manager
With over 13 years’ experience in the ELT industry, Alex has worked across a range of international contexts, teaching EFL to learners of diverse ages and backgrounds. He works as one of Target English International’s recruiters, helping to build strong, collaborative summer school teams. Since joining the organisation in 2022, he has also worked as a Centre Manager, overseeing the delivery of high-quality junior programmes. Passionate about language learning and education, he holds a Master’s in Bilingual Education and a Diploma in Education and Training specialising in ESOL, and is committed to supporting both students and staff.
Caroline Bonelle
Recruitment / Teacher Support
Caroline has been an English language teacher and CELTA trainer for over 30 years, working with students of all ages and levels. She has also worked with a variety of EFL publishers, designed ESL courses for local businesses, is a Cambridge oral examiner and a qualified online trainer. Based in Italy, she is now enjoying working with the Target English recruitment team.
Jana Horn
Recruitment / Teacher
Jana joined Target English International in 2022 as a teacher. She holds an MA in Teaching English and brings broad experience from a variety of educational settings in both Slovakia and the UK. Her professional background reflects a strong commitment to high-quality language education and understanding of diverse learning environments.
Sophie Hipperson
Operations Assistant
Sophie started working with Target English International in 2024 as a Drama Activity Leader and recently started working in head office supporting the Operations Manager. She studied Drama and Theatre Practice for three years at the University of Hull. “I really enjoy sharing my love of drama with the students as well as making their experience with us as fun and enjoyable as possible.”