Sidmouth May Cottage
From 1060 CHF
Course start dates
From 1060 CHF
Course start dates
● Family run school
● Secure location
● Nationality mix
● Seaside location
● Small, traditional English town
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
Certificates
Monolingual
Sport
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!
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.
Spring
28.02 / 07.03 / 14.03 / 21.03 / 28.03 / 04.04 / 11.04 / 18.04 / 25.04 / 02.05 / 09.05 / 16.05 / 23.05 / 30.05.2026
Summer
06.06 / 13.06 / 20.06 / 27.06 / 04.07 / 11.07 / 18.07 / 25.07 / 01.08 / 08.08 / 15.08 / 22.08 / 29.08.2026
Autumn
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
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
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1250 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2000 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 2990 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 3810 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 4670 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 5540 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 6400 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 7270 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 7800 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 8660 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 9530 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 10300 CHF Book now |
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1400 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2360 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3370 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 4390 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 5350 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 6360 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 7320 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 8330 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 9290 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 10300 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 11310 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 12270 CHF Book now |
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1250 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2000 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 2990 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 3810 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 4670 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 5540 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 6400 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 7270 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 7800 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 8660 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 9530 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 10300 CHF Book now |
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
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1060 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 1830 CHF Book now |
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1170 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2030 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 2890 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 3750 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 4620 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 5490 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 6360 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 7220 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 8090 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 8950 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 9820 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 10680 CHF Book now |
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1110 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 1860 CHF Book now |
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1250 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2170 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3090 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 4000 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 4960 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 5870 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 6790 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 7750 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 8660 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 9580 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 10490 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 11460 CHF Book now |
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
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1300 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2220 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3140 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 4000 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 4910 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 5830 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 6740 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 7650 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 8520 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 9430 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 10350 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 11260 CHF Book now |
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1450 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2460 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3520 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 4580 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 5640 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 6650 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 7700 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 8760 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 9770 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 10830 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 11890 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 12900 CHF Book now |
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1300 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2220 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3140 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 4000 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 4910 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 5830 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 6740 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 7650 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 8520 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 9430 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 10350 CHF Book now |
| 12 Weeks | 11260 CHF Book now |
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
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1220 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 1980 CHF Book now |
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 1360 CHF Book now |
| 2 Weeks | 2230 CHF Book now |
| 3 Weeks | 3140 CHF Book now |
| 4 Weeks | 4000 CHF Book now |
| 5 Weeks | 4920 CHF Book now |
| 6 Weeks | 5790 CHF Book now |
| 7 Weeks | 6650 CHF Book now |
| 8 Weeks | 7560 CHF Book now |
| 9 Weeks | 8430 CHF Book now |
| 10 Weeks | 9350 CHF Book now |
| 11 Weeks | 10210 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:
There’s even evening entertainment:
Excursions
Each week, a full day trip and a half-day excursion are organised.
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:
Regular shuttles connect Heathrow Airport with
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.