Sidmouth May Cottage
From 1080 CHF
Course start dates
Sidmouth May Cottage
Sidmouth
Key points
● Family run school
● Secure location
● Nationality mix
● Seaside location
● Small, traditional English town
School details
Levels: A1-Beginner to C2-Proficient
Accommodation: Host family
Airport transfer: from/to London Heathrow Airport (see below)
Arrival and departure: Saturday to Saturday
Special diets: Allergies, vegetarian/vegan meal - extra fee will be charged
Public Holidays: The school will be closed on: 01.01, 03 & 06.04, 04 & 25.05, 31.08 and 25 & 28.12.2026. No lesson time will be lost.
Age range: 8 - 13 / 13 - 17 / 16 - 18 Years
Features
Certificate of Participation
Monolingual
Sport
Learn English with friLingue in Sidmouth
Sidmouth is a charming coastal town in the southwest of England, known for its beaches, traditional architecture and relaxed atmosphere, offering a glimpse into typical British life. The town is safe, welcoming and ideal for a language stay for teenagers.
Sidmouth International School is a private, family-run language school founded in 1976 and accredited by the British Council. The school places strong emphasis on personal support and high-quality teaching. In the EL Gazette UK Language Centre Rankings 2024–25, it was ranked among the top 20% of accredited language centres in the UK.
During their stay, students live with carefully selected host families, allowing them to experience everyday British life. English lessons take place in the morning and are complemented, depending on the programme, by additional lessons or a varied activity programme.
After classes, students take part in a range of activities such as sports, excursions and evening programmes. These include visits to nearby locations such as Exeter or Dartmoor, as well as various social and cultural activities.
Spring, Summer & Year-Round
The school offers programmes throughout the year as well as during the spring and summer seasons for different age groups. Further details can be found under “Dates & Prices”.
- Course duration:
- 1 - 50 Weeks
- Levels:
- A1-Beginner to C2-Proficient
- Age group:
- Juniors
- Start dates:
-
Spring
30.05.2026Summer
06.06 / 13.06 / 20.06 / 27.06 / 04.07 / 11.07 / 18.07 / 25.07 / 01.08 / 08.08 / 15.08 / 22.08 / 29.08.2026Autumn
29.08 / 05.09 / 12.09 / 19.09 / 26.09 / 03.10 / 10.10 / 17.10 / 24.10 / 31.10 / 07.11 / 14.11 / 21.11 / 28.11 / 05.12 / 12.12.2026
Intensive course for teenagers (13–17) – year-round
- Language Courses:
- English
- About this course:
This intensive course is designed for teenagers who want to improve their English in a focused way and work on their individual learning goals in small groups.
The course includes a total of 21 hours per week (28 lessons). General English lessons take place in the morning from Monday to Friday (09:00–12:30). In addition, needs-based lessons are offered on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
The course develops all language skills and places particular emphasis on accurate and fluent communication. Homework is set regularly and supported individually. For longer stays, students also benefit from a personal tutor.
Class sizes vary depending on the season, ensuring individual attention.
Included in the price:
- Placement test on arrival
- 21 hours of English lessons per week
- Morning group lessons + additional intensive lessons in the afternoon
- Course materials
- Certificate of completion and individual progress report
- Personal tutor (for stays of 4 weeks or more)
- Activity programme including sports, culture and social activities
- Accommodation in a host family (half board during the week, full board at weekends)
- Weekly excursions (half-day and full-day depending on the season)
- Airport transfer from/to London Heathrow (LHR)
- Registration fee
Spring
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1270 CHF Book now |
Summer
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1420 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2390 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3410 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 4430 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 5410 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 6430 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 7400 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 8420 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 9390 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 10410 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 11430 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 12410 CHF Book now |
Autumn
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1270 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2020 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3020 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 3850 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 4720 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 5600 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 6470 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 7350 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 7880 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 8760 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 9640 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 10410 CHF Book now |
Teenage vacation course (13–17) – Easter & summer
- Language Courses:
- English
- About this course:
This course combines English lessons with a varied activity programme and is ideal for teenagers who want to improve their language skills while enjoying an international experience.
English lessons take place from Monday to Friday in the morning (09:00–12:30) and include a total of 15 hours per week (20 lessons). Students are placed in international groups according to their level, with a maximum of 15 participants per class.
Students aged 16 or 17 may, subject to availability, choose between the teenage programme and the young adult programme.
In the afternoons and evenings, students take part in a supervised activity programme including sports, cultural and social activities.
Included in the price:
- Placement test on arrival
- 15 hours of English lessons per week (20 lessons)
- Lessons in international groups (max. 15 students)
- Course materials
- Certificate of completion and individual progress report
- Activity programme including sports, culture and social activities
- Approx. 12 hours of supervised afternoon activities per week
- 1 half-day excursion (Thursday) and 1 full-day excursion (Saturday, except departure week)
- Accommodation in a host family (half board during the week, full board at weekends)
- Student ID with emergency contact details and host family information
- Airport transfer from/to London Heathrow (LHR)
- Registration fee
Summer
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1180 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2050 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 2920 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 3790 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 4680 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 5550 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 6430 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 7300 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 8180 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 9050 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 9930 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 10800 CHF Book now |
Young adult vacation course (16–18) – Easter & summer
- Language Courses:
- English
- About this course:
- This programme is designed for motivated young adults who want to improve their English in an international environment.
The course includes 15 hours per week (20 lessons) and takes place from Monday to Friday in the morning (09:00–12:30). Lessons follow a communicative approach with a focus on listening and speaking skills and are taught by qualified and experienced teachers.
Students are placed in international groups according to their level. Class sizes vary depending on the season (max. 9 students in spring/autumn, max. 15 in summer).
In the afternoons and evenings, students take part in a varied activity programme including sports, cultural and social activities.
Included in the price:
- Placement test on arrival
- 15 hours of English lessons per week (20 lessons)
- Lessons in international groups- Course materials
- Certificate of completion and individual progress report
- Activity programme including sports, culture and social activities
- Approx. 12 hours of supervised afternoon activities per week
- 1 half-day excursion (Thursday) and 1 full-day excursion (Saturday, except departure week)
- Accommodation in a host family (half board during the week, full board at weekends)
- Airport transfer from/to London Heathrow (LHR)
- Registration fee
Summer
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1270 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2200 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3120 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 4040 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 5020 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 5940 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 6860 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 7830 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 8760 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 9680 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 10610 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 11580 CHF Book now |
Intensive course for young adults (16–18) – year-round
- Language Courses:
- English
- About this course:
This intensive course is designed for motivated young adults who want to improve their English in a focused way and work on their individual learning goals in small groups.
The course includes a total of 21 hours per week (28 lessons). General English lessons take place from Monday to Friday in the morning (09:00–12:30). In addition, needs-based lessons are offered on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons (13:30–15:30).
The course follows a communicative approach and develops all language skills, with a strong focus on accurate and fluent expression. Homework is set regularly and supported individually. For longer stays, students benefit from a personal tutor.
Class sizes vary depending on the season, ensuring individual attention.
Included in the price:
- Placement test on arrival
- 21 hours of English lessons per week (28 lessons)
- Morning group lessons + additional intensive lessons in the afternoon
- Course materials
- Certificate of completion and individual progress report
- Personal tutor (for stays of 4 weeks or more)
- Activity programme including sports, culture and social activities
- Approx. 12 hours of supervised afternoon activities per week
- 1 half-day excursion (Thursday) and 1 full-day excursion (Saturday, except departure week)
- Accommodation in a host family (half board during the week, full board at weekends)
- Airport transfer from/to London Heathrow (LHR)
- Registration fee
Spring
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1320 CHF Book now |
Summer
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1470 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2490 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3550 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 4630 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 5700 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 6720 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 7790 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 8860 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 9880 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 10950 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 12020 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 13040 CHF Book now |
Autumn
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1320 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2240 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3170 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 4040 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 4970 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 5890 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 6810 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 7740 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 8610 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 9540 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 10460 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 11380 CHF Book now |
Vacation course for children (8–11) & tweens (12–13) – Easter & summer
- Language Courses:
- English
- About this course:
This course is designed for younger participants and combines English lessons with an age-appropriate activity programme in a safe and supervised environment.
English lessons take place from Monday to Friday in the morning (09:00–12:30) and include a total of 15 hours per week (20 lessons). Students are placed in international groups according to their age and level, with a maximum of 12 participants per class.
The course focuses on the active use of the language, with particular emphasis on listening and speaking skills, helping students gain confidence in English.
The Tweens course (12–13 years) is designed for students who still require supervision while gradually gaining a limited level of independence in their daily routine.
In the afternoons, students take part in a supervised activity programme. Each week includes one half-day excursion and one full-day excursion (except during the departure week).
Accommodation is provided in specially selected junior host families, offering a safe and supportive environment. Daily transfers between the accommodation and the school are organised with supervision.
Included in the price:
- Placement test on arrival
- 15 hours of English lessons per week (20 lessons)
- Lessons in international groups (max. 12 students)
- Certificate of completion and individual progress report
- Activity programme including sports, culture and excursions
- Accommodation in a junior host family with full board
- Daily supervised transfer between accommodation and school
- Student ID with emergency contact details and host family information
- Airport transfer from/to London Heathrow (LHR)
- Registration fee
Summer
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1380 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2250 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3180 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 4050 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 4980 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 5850 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 6720 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 7650 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 8530 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 9450 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 10320 CHF Book now |
Participants stay with carefully selected host families in Sidmouth and the surrounding area.
Accommodation is usually in shared rooms with other international students of a similar age. Whenever possible, the school aims to mix different nationalities to encourage communication in English.
Host families offer an authentic insight into everyday British life and are regularly checked by the school. Additional safeguarding standards apply for participants under 18.
Most host families are located within walking distance of the school. If the distance is greater, a discounted bus pass can be purchased locally.
Meals
Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. At weekends, a light lunch is also provided.
During the week, lunch can be purchased on site.
For participants under 13, lunch is already included in the programme.
English course
English lessons take place from Monday to Friday in the morning (09:00–12:30). Depending on the selected programme, the course includes either 15 or 21 hours per week.
Students are placed in international groups according to their level. Lessons follow a communicative approach, focusing on the active use of the language, particularly listening and speaking skills.
For intensive courses, additional needs-based lessons take place on selected afternoons.
Activities & free time
In the afternoons, students take part – depending on the programme – in a varied activity programme including sports, cultural and social activities, all supervised by trained staff.
For younger participants (8–13), a high level of supervision is ensured, while older students are gradually given more independence.
Excursions
The programme usually includes one half-day excursion during the week and one full-day excursion at the weekend (except during the departure week).
Excursions vary depending on the season and may include destinations such as Exeter, Dartmoor or the surrounding coastal areas.
Notes
This is a sample programme. Activities and excursions may vary depending on weather conditions or organisational factors.
On public holidays, no lessons take place; instead, an alternative activity programme is offered.
This is a sample programme. Activities and excursions can vary significantly depending on the weather, or other factors that are beyond our control.
Activities
There will be many opportunities to participate in different activities:
- Test your skills on the obstacle course.
- By playing different team games you will have the opportunity to get to know your classmates better.
- Race ahead by going quad biking or go-karting.
- Do not forget about water sports, such as kayaking and paddle boarding.
- Relax during the time at the beach.
- Become an actor or actress at the theater.
- Let loose on the slip-n-slide!
There’s even evening entertainment:
- The disco, essential to each camp, will surely be the highlight of your stay.
- The movie night is more peaceful and, since all movies are shown in English, you’ll even learn something.!
- Fun & Games: An evening full of entertainment and diversion.
- In addition, a barbecue is included in this perfect language stay.
- And who could forget the campfire by the sea?
Excursions
Each week, a full day trip and a half-day excursion are organised.
- Exeter - Charming little town with a university, historic cathedral and town hall, superb shopping center, river and canal.
- Bristol - A major port city that is one of the largest cities in England. The historic docks, famous ships, zoo, shopping center and magnificent cathedral make Bristol famous.
- Dartmoor and Buckfastleigh - A beautiful picturesque park with wild horses and walking paths. Buckfast Abbey is famous for its honey made by Benedictine monks.
- Totnes and Dartmouth - Totnes is a small town known for its crafts, cruise ships and castle.
- Bath - As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city of Bath is home to many museums, an abbey and various Roman ruins.
- Wookey, Wells and Street - Wells is one of the smallest cities in England but has many assets: a magnificent cathedral and an episcopal palace surrounded by moats. Street is well known for its cheap shoe and designer stores.
- Plymouth - Modern city with excellent shopping, Plymouth is home to the largest shipyards in Europe. Students can sail around the harbor and visit the historical museum that tells the story of the city.
- Exmoor and Dunster Castle - Located on the edge of the beautiful Exmoor Park, Dunster is a preserved medieval village.
- Stonehenge and Salisbury - Stonehenge, whose name means "Supended Stones", is a megalithic monument erected during the Neolithic era. Salisbury has a cathedral containing the oldest clock still in working order.
Airport transfer
We offer free transfers to and from London Heathrow Airport every Saturday throughout the year. The bus will arrive at the airport at 12:00 and leave at 16:30. The average journey time (including stopping) is 3h30.
To qualify for this transfer you will need to:
- Arrive at Heathrow before 15:00
- Depart Heathrow after 13:45
Regular shuttles connect Heathrow Airport with:
- Gatwick Airport (80 min travel time)
- Stansted Airport (90 min travel time)
Arrivals and departures are always on Saturday. Please note: outside the mentioned time periods the transfer will not be guaranteed.
We offer an escort service (meet at the arrivals gate and help with check-in on departure) for unaccompanied students.
Costs: 70 CHF one-way
To use this service, flights must arrive between 12.00 and 15.00 and depart between 13.45 and 16.30
Please find further information on the Unaccompanied Minor Service by clicking on the following link: here.
=> Airline that we recommend: Swiss
IMPORTANT!
Before making a booking, please contact us to check for availability, as some dates during the summer are already fully booked. Kindly provide us with your desired dates, and we will as quickly as possible respond with an answer.
