Sidmouth May Cottage
From 1090 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
Certificates
Monolingual
Sport
Learn English with friLingue in Sidmouth
This small town in South West England is located by the sea and boasts beautiful beaches. It is human-sized, friendly and represents the quintessence of English life, with its traditional architecture, markets, restaurants and cafes. The climate here is mild, facilitating many fun activities.
Sidmouth International School is a privately owned and family-run English language school. Established in 1976 and accredited by the British Council, the school offers a personal, friendly and professional service to all its students. Recognised in the EL Gazette UK Language Centre Rankings 2024–25, the school proudly ranks within the top 20% of British Council-accredited language centres in the UK.
In Sidmouth, to feel the mood and lifestyle of a small English town, you will be staying with a host family. In the morning, you will attend English classes and in the afternoon you will participate in many fun activities: barbecue at the beach, boat trips, karaoke nights, shrimp fishing, exploring the cities of Exeter and Dartmoor, disco nights, international olympics, various games and much, much more!
Spring, Summer & Year-Round
The school offers seasonal and year-round language programs for different age groups. Please check the “Dates & Prices” section for more information on each group.
- Course duration:
- 1 - 16 Weeks
- Levels:
- A1-Beginner to C2-Proficient
- Age group:
- Juniors
- Start dates:
-
Autumn
15.11 / 22.11 / 29.11 / 06.12 / 13.12.2025
Teenage Intensive (14 - 17) - All Year 2025
- Language Courses:
- English
- About this course:
This course is designed for students who wish to concentrate on their individual needs in a small group. The teaching focuses on the aims and interests of the students and encourages each student to develop their full potential. All four language skills are practised in class and effective communication is encouraged alongside both accuracy and fluency. Homework is set and marked on a weekly basis. Lessons every day (Monday to Friday) from 9:00 to 12:30 (includes 30 minutes break) with a maximum group size of 9 (Easter/October) and 15 persons (Summer) people and during the afternoon on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 13:30 to 15:30 with a maximum group size of 6 (Easter/October) and 9 (Summer) persons. Included in the price: Total 21 hours tuition per week 15 hours (20 lessons) of group tuition in English language (09.00 - 12.30, includes 30 min break) 6 hours (8 lessons) of English language tuition (13.30–15.30, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday) Guided independent learning & advice on study skills Personal tutor (4 weeks or more) All tuition materials and books Full social, sports and cultural programme Host family accommodation (includes half-board weekdays, full board weekends) Transfer from/to London Heathrow airport Registration fee
Teenage Intensive (13 - 17) - All Year 2026
- Language Courses:
- English
- About this course:
This course is designed for students who wish to concentrate on their individual needs in a small group. The teaching focuses on the aims and interests of the students and encourages each student to develop their full potential. All four language skills are practised in class and effective communication is encouraged alongside both accuracy and fluency. Homework is set and marked on a weekly basis. Lessons every day (Monday to Friday) from 9:00 to 12:30 (includes 30 minutes break) with a maximum group size of 9 (Easter/October) and 15 persons (Summer) people and during the afternoon on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 13:30 to 15:30 with a maximum group size of 6 (Easter/October) and 9 (Summer) persons. Included in the price: Total 21 hours tuition per week 15 hours (20 lessons) of group tuition in English language (09.00 - 12.30, includes 30 min break) 6 hours (8 lessons) of English language tuition (13.30–15.30, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday) Guided independent learning & advice on study skills Personal tutor (4 weeks or more) All tuition materials and books Full social, sports and cultural programme Host family accommodation (includes half-board weekdays, full board weekends) Transfer from/to London Heathrow airport Registration fee
Spring
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1280 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2040 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3050 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 3890 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 4780 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 5660 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 6540 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 7430 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 7970 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 8850 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 9740 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 10530 CHF Book now |
Summer
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1430 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2420 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3450 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 4480 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 5470 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 6500 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 7480 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 8510 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 9490 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 10530 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 11560 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 12540 CHF Book now |
Autumn
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1280 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2040 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3050 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 3890 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 4780 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 5660 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 6540 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 7430 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 7970 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 8850 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 9740 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 10530 CHF Book now |
Teenage Vacation (13-17) - Easter & Summer
- Language Courses:
- English
- About this course:
This course is ideally suited to teenagers who require a general English course combined with an interesting and varied social activities programme. Mixed nationality groups follow communicative courses with an emphasis on improving their fluency and increasing their language knowledge. Teachers work with their students to develop communication skills, increase their confidence and broaden understanding of both English language and culture. Lessons every day from 9:00 to 12:30 (includes 30 minutes break) on four different levels with a maximum group size of 9 (Easter) and 15 (Summer) people. First day test to ensure correct class level 15 hours (20 lessons) of tuition per week, mornings only (09.00–12.30, Monday to Friday, includes 30 min break) Mixed nationality classes, maximum 15 students Six language levels - from Beginner to Advanced All tuition materials, end-of-course certificate. Comprehensive supervised leisure programme Host family accommodation (includes half-board weekdays, full board weekends) SIS welfare service School information pack I.D. card with homestay address and telephone number, and the School's 24-hour emergency contact Transfer from/to London Heathrow airport Registration fee
Spring
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1090 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 1870 CHF Book now |
Summer
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1190 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2070 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 2950 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 3830 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 4730 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 5610 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 6500 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 7380 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 8270 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 9150 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 10040 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 10920 CHF Book now |
Young Adults Vacation (16-18) - Easter & Summer
- Language Courses:
- English
- About this course:
- English Courses
Participants come from several different countries. Classes focus on the practice of oral English, comprehension and expression and are taught by experienced and well trained teachers. Every day from 9 to 12:30; 4 different levels; Maximum size of groups in spring: 9 participants; Maximum size of summer groups: 15 participants. Included in the price: 15 hours (20 lessons) of tuition per week, mornings only (09.00-12.30 Monday to Friday, includes 30 min break) Full programme of afternoon leisure activities, excursions and evening activities supervised by our team of leaders. First day test to ensure correct class level All tuition materials + end of course certificate Social, cultural and sports programme Host family accommodation (includes half-board weekdays, full board weekends) Transfer from/to London Heathrow airport Registration fee
Spring
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1140 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 1900 CHF Book now |
Summer
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1280 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2220 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3150 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 4090 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 5070 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 6000 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 6940 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 7920 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 8850 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 9790 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 10730 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 11710 CHF Book now |
Young Adults Intensive (16-18) - All year 2026
- Language Courses:
- English
- About this course:
This course is designed for students who wish to concentrate on their individual needs in a small group. The teaching focuses on the aims and interests of the students and encourages each student to develop their full potential. All four language skills are practised in class and effective communication is encouraged alongside both accuracy and fluency. Homework is set and marked on a weekly basis. Lessons every day (Monday to Friday) from 9:00 to 12:30 (includes 30 minutes break) with a maximum group size of 9 (Easter/October) and 15 persons (Summer) people and during the afternoon on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 13:30 to 15:30 with a maximum group size of 6 (Easter/October) and 9 (Summer) persons. Included in the price: Total 21 hours tuition per week 15 hours (20 lessons) of group tuition in English language (09.00 - 12.30, includes 30 min break) 6 hours (8 lessons) of English language tuition (13.30–15.30, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday) Guided independent learning & advice on study skills Personal tutor (4 weeks or more) All tuition materials and books Full social, sports and cultural programme Host family accommodation (includes half-board weekdays, full board weekends) Transfer from/to London Heathrow airport Registration fee
Spring
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1330 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2270 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3200 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 4090 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 5020 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 5950 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 6890 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 7820 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 8710 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 9640 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 10580 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 11510 CHF Book now |
Summer
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1480 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2520 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3590 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 4680 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 5760 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 6790 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 7870 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 8950 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 9990 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 11070 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 12150 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 13180 CHF Book now |
Autumn
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1330 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2270 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3200 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 4090 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 5020 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 5950 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 6890 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 7820 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 8710 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 9640 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 10580 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 11510 CHF Book now |
Young Vacation (8-11) & Tweens (12-13) - Easter & Summer
- Language Courses:
- English
- About this course:
English lessons
“General English” course, with participants from different countries and experienced teachers.
Main focus: Listening comprehension and speaking.
Daily English lessons from 9:00 to 12:30, the course comprises a total of 15 hours (20 lessons).
After a placement test, students are divided into different classes according to their level (6 levels in total).
Max. Group size in spring and fall: 9 people, in summer: 12 people
The Tweens course was designed for pupils aged 12 to 13 who still need a lot of supervision but are also allowed a limited amount of freedom, e.g. shopping in small, unsupervised groups during the day. The ratio of staff to pupils is 1:12.
Activities and excursions
Afternoon activities, a half-day excursion on Thursday and a full-day excursion on Saturday (except in the week of departure).
Accommodation
Host families are specially selected for students aged 8 to 13. These families often have school-age children themselves and experience in looking after young students. The price includes the room, all meals (packed lunch during the week) and the daily, accompanied school transfer.
Also included in the price:
- Airport transfer to and from London Heathrow (LHR)
- Registration fee
- Student ID with host family address
- Telephone number and the school's 24-hour emergency number
- Registration fee
Spring
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1240 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2030 CHF Book now |
Summer
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1390 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2280 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3210 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 4090 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 5030 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 5920 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 6800 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 7730 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 8620 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 9550 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 10440 CHF Book now |
Accommodation:
In Sidmouth, you’ll stay with a host family, usually in a twin room. The school aims, whenever possible, to place two young people of different native languages in the same family – so you’ll speak as much English as possible in everyday life. There is no overcrowding, and you won’t share accommodation with adults or students under 14. All families hosting students under 18 are checked on behalf of the school by local and national authorities and are regularly inspected by the school.
For most host families, the main motivation is not financial, but the pleasure of cultural exchange and welcoming young people. Most families live within walking distance of the school. If your host family lives further away, you can get a discounted bus pass from the school office (£10 per week).
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 (£5 per day) and eaten at the youth centre.
Exception: For children under 13, lunch is already included in the price.
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.
