Frequently Asked
Questions

Most students are a little nervous on their first day, but you will receive a warm welcome. Classes normally start at 09:00 — please be at school 10 minutes early. You'll take a listening test and placement test covering grammar and vocabulary, plus a short speaking interview. This helps us place you in the correct level class. You'll also have a tour of the school and grounds and be introduced to everyone by our Principal or Director of Studies. If there are 8 or fewer students starting, you'll begin classes after the break on Monday. If 9 or more, you'll start classes on Tuesday.

Just three things: a smile 😊, a notebook, and a pen or pencil.

We offer taxi transfers: Gatwick £115, Heathrow £180, Stansted £255, Luton £180. Alternatively, take public transport — the train from Gatwick to Portslade is about 35-45 minutes direct. Book a transfer →

Yes. The driver will be waiting in the Arrivals Hall holding a Loxdale English Centre sign with your name on it. They will take you straight to your host family.

From Gatwick: Train direct to Portslade or Hove (35-45 mins) or coach to Brighton (50 mins).
From Heathrow: Coach direct to Brighton (2 hours 15 mins).
From Stansted: Coach with changes (4-5.5 hours) or train with changes (2 hours 42 mins).
From Luton: Coach with changes (3 hours 50 mins - 4 hours 20 mins) or train with changes (2 hours 15 mins).
Useful websites: National Express (coaches), National Rail (trains), Trainline. From the train/coach station, a local taxi to your accommodation costs £8-£20.

No. The driver will take you to the correct terminal and drop you outside. If you need help with check-in, contact the office — we can arrange that at extra cost.

No. Homestay hosts are not expected to collect you from the airport. If you'd like Loxdale to organise a taxi transfer, just ask.

Gatwick is closest — only about 45 minutes away by train or taxi.

You'll need to show: (1) Your passport and visa (if required). If getting a Short Term Study Visa on arrival, tell the Immigration Officer you plan to study and show your school paperwork. (2) Your Loxdale Booking Confirmation letter and invoice. (3) Proof you have enough money to support yourself. Keep these documents in your hand luggage for easy access.

If you come from a country requiring a UK visa, please arrange this in good time. Loxdale is accredited by Accreditation UK, a UK Border Agency approved body. Once you've booked and paid the deposit, we'll email the paperwork needed for a Short Term Study Visa (up to 11 months). All visa applicants need: a Confirmation Letter from Loxdale, evidence of financial situation, proof of a reason for wanting to learn English, and intention to return home after the course. Check: www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel and medical insurance. Loxdale is not liable for loss, damage, or injury. We recommend your policy covers: cancellation or curtailment of your course, medical expenses (injury, hospital stay, repatriation, dental care — not all policies cover dentists), and damage to personal property. Loxdale offers optional insurance through our insurers at £7.74/week (all year round). Note: most policies have an 'excess' — you pay the first £40 or similar before the insurer covers the rest. Always keep receipts for medical expenses.

Brighton has a mild maritime climate. Summer (June-August): 15-25°C. Winter (December-February): 2-10°C. Rain is possible year-round, so always bring a waterproof jacket.

Pack comfortable clothes for class, layers for changeable British weather, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and any personal items. Don't forget your passport, visa documents (if required), and booking confirmation. Important: The UK uses 220/240v 3-pin plugs — bring an adapter.

It depends on your meal option. If you've booked full board, we suggest around £80 per week, but this varies by individual spending habits.

On your first day, you'll take a placement test covering listening, grammar, and vocabulary, plus a short speaking interview. This ensures we place you at exactly the right level. You can also take our free online level test before you arrive.

It's a written test lasting about 45 minutes covering grammar and vocabulary, plus a short speaking assessment. It's nothing to worry about — it's not an exam, just a way to make sure you're in the right class.

Each lesson is 45 minutes. You normally have 2 lessons before a break (90 minutes of teaching time).

Maximum 14 students per class (out of summer), with an average of around 10. There may occasionally be 15 in certain circumstances — for example, when an existing student is leaving soon but you test into that level class. We prioritise placing you at the right level.

At Loxdale we want all students to experience different learning techniques and British culture. Your course includes: English lessons, Britain Today lessons, tutorials, a weekly talk, and Applied English classes. Students at B2 level (upper-intermediate) and above also attend lectures.

General English: 20 lessons (15 hours) per week.
Intensive English: 25 lessons (18 hours 45 minutes) per week.
English Plus: 21 English lessons (15 hours 45 minutes) + 4 specialist subject lessons (3 hours) per week.

Morning classes: 09:00-12:30 (with a break). Afternoon: free time, self-study, or optional English Plus activities. Our social programme runs most afternoons and evenings.

Loxdale welcomes students from over 50 countries. Your classmates will come from diverse backgrounds — a great opportunity to practise English and make international friends.

Teachers plan lessons a week in advance with aims for each lesson and the week (Weekly Plan). However, you can influence content in several ways: the Weekly Plan is posted in your classroom with a section for student suggestions; your teacher will discuss the following week's plan on Thursday/Friday and the class can negotiate content; and tutorials give you individual time to discuss your needs.

Yes, you'll receive homework each day. This is to be completed outside class by the deadline. Doing your homework helps you progress and keeps the class moving at the right pace for everyone.

Please be on time — if you're late after the first couple of days, you may be asked to wait until the break. You must have 85% attendance to pass the course and receive a certificate. Speak English in the buildings. Participate actively. Do your homework. Turn your phone off in class (unless your teacher asks you to use it for vocabulary/research). No food or drink (except water) in classrooms, library, or self-study room.

Give it at least 3 days to settle in. If you still feel the class isn't right, speak to your teacher first. If you wish to move up, demonstrate your ability in class — speak up, use what you've learnt in homework, answer questions. Your teacher and the Director of Studies will meet with you to discuss. If everyone agrees, you'll move. If they advise against it, they'll explain why and offer study support recommendations. If you're still unhappy after two meetings, raise the matter with the Principal.

Yes. Speak to the Director of Studies — we can usually accommodate changes within your first week.

Yes, all students receive an end-of-course certificate showing their level (A1-C2) and course details, included at no extra charge. You must achieve 85% attendance.

All teachers hold a minimum of CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) or equivalent. Many have DELTA or further qualifications. Meet our team →

You don't have to, but if you'd like to, we hold sessions to help you choose the right exam. Options include:
Cambridge FCE / CAE / CPE: Taken at a Brighton exam centre (~£200).
IELTS: Taken at a Brighton exam centre (~£225).
LanguageCert: Taken at Loxdale — Speaking or Writing/Reading sections (£60-£80 each).
We recommend the Applied English and/or English Plus exam preparation option, plus teacher-guided Self-Study sessions on Monday or Tuesday afternoons.

We expect at least 85% attendance. For students staying 12 weeks or more, that still allows time for some days away. Let us know your dates as soon as possible so we can inform your teachers and host. For safety, we'd like to know where you're going and any address you'll be staying at.

If you study between mid-June and mid-August, your lessons will be organised by our partner school, The English Language Centre (ELC). Almost all adult students will have classes at ELC's main school — a 15-minute bus journey from Loxdale. The address is 33 Palmeira Mansions, Palmeira Square, Hove, BN3 2GB. Loxdale staff remain available to support you with accommodation, course queries, and wellbeing. Students aged 17-18 on the General English programme may still have lessons at Loxdale.

Please be at school at 08:40 on your first day. You'll have an introduction talk and tour with the Director of Studies or Social Manager. All adult summer students take their placement test before arrival, so you'll go straight into your class after the information session.

A pen or pencil and a pad of paper.

Maximum 12 students per class during summer.

Yes: be on time, maintain 85% attendance to pass and receive your certificate, and be respectful of fellow students and teachers.

First, speak with your teacher — they've seen your effort, homework, and classroom performance. If the issue remains, speak with the Director of Studies, who will assess your situation and find a solution.

If you're only studying during summer and want to take an exam, let us know before you arrive. You'll likely need a specialised exam course with additional teaching hours at extra cost. Ideally allow at least 8-12 weeks for exam preparation.

You'll live with a local British family in a private room. Homestays include meals depending on your board option (bed & breakfast, half board, or full board). It's a fantastic way to practise English and experience British culture.

Yes, if you both want to share. Normally adult students have single rooms, but some hosts have two bedrooms or twin rooms. Tell us your friend's name at booking. We still expect you to speak as much English as possible with your host.

Out of summer, all host families are within a 28-minute walk of the school. If you're studying on a summer course with our partner school, you may need to take a 15-minute bus to Palmeira Square, Brighton & Hove each day.

No. Like in your own country, families come in all shapes and sizes. Hosts may have no children, young children, teenagers, or adult children. Some are young, middle-aged, or retired. Some are single parents, couples, or living with partners. Often retired hosts have more time for chatting. The more information you give us about your preferences, the easier it is to find the right match.

We carefully match students with suitable families based on your preferences (dietary requirements, pets, smoking, etc.). We can't guarantee specific requests, but we do our best. Jodie, our Accommodation Officer, does a marvellous job of matching students to hosts.

Yes, you can.

Yes, absolutely. Let us know on your booking form.

Speak to Jodie (Accommodation Officer) immediately. Sometimes the connection isn't there — that's normal. We'll work to resolve any issues quickly, including moving you to a different homestay if necessary. You normally need to give one week's notice before a move.

We'll discuss the reasons and help prevent it happening again. If the issue is your behaviour, you'll need to make changes. If it happens more than twice, we cannot guarantee finding another host and you may be expelled. Any remaining homestay fee will be refunded.

You're responsible for any accidental damage in your homestay or at the residence. You (or your parents) are expected to pay compensation. Always tell us if anything happens so we can help.

Yes, all homestays have free Wi-Fi. Please don't download any inappropriate or illegal material. Be considerate about timing of calls and music — nobody should be making calls or listening to music loudly after 10pm. English people generally go to bed earlier than in some other countries, so please be quiet when they or their children are asleep.

Your host will do one load of washing per week. If you need more, discuss with your host about paying extra, or use a local laundrette.

Please keep your bedroom tidy — your host can't clean if your clothes are on the floor. It's nice to offer to help around the house — setting the table, clearing dishes. Speak as much English as possible and ask your host about life in England.

Most UK homes have heating between October and April, but it's not left on all the time. Typically it runs on a timer: 6-8:30am, then 5-10pm. All forms of heating are expensive in the UK, especially electricity. Please don't leave heaters or lights on when not needed.

In most houses, you'll share the bathroom with your hosts and/or other students. English people usually shower once a day for 5-10 minutes. Hang wet towels up when finished. An English bathroom is not a wet room — you must not get water on the floor.

One bath or one 10-minute shower per day (utilities are expensive in the UK). Ask your host about the best time. Always leave baths, showers, and toilets clean after use.

Your host will normally change bedding and towels weekly. However, for environmental reasons, many people prefer fortnightly. Discuss this with your host.

You may be given a house key, but you won't have a bedroom key — it's not usual to have locks on bedroom doors in the UK.

Sometimes your host may have other students. They will be a different nationality to you. You'll always be the only guest from your country, unless you've asked to share with a friend.

Even though you're an adult, your host will worry about you. They don't mind you coming home late, but they want to know you're safe. If you said 11pm but won't be back until later, send them a quick text. Come in quietly so you don't wake them.

Talk with your host about whether they allow guests to visit or stay occasionally.

Yes. Your bedroom is your private space — when you're there, your host will leave you be. However, we highly recommend spending time in shared areas to practise English and get the most from your homestay experience.

Your host cannot be responsible for your money. Lock valuables in your suitcase, or hand them in to the school office where we can store them in the safe. We recommend having at least £80 per week spending money. Neither your host nor Loxdale is liable for loss or theft.

Sometimes, depending on availability. Most houses in this area are unsuitable for wheelchair access — very few have ground-floor bathrooms, and many have steps or hills to the entrance. Contact us about your individual situation and proposed dates so we can check availability.

You have breakfast only with your homestay host. From £156/week (non-summer).

Two meals per day. You can choose from:
Half board lunch: Breakfast with your host + cooked lunch at school (Mon-Fri). At weekends, breakfast and dinner with your host. You cook or go out for evening meals — please wash up and clean the kitchen straight after use.
Half board dinner: Breakfast and dinner with your host each day. Bring your own lunch to school, or buy lunch at school (book before 11:00). The evening meal is your opportunity to practise English — hosts sit with you for dinner on average 4-5 evenings per week. Tell your host in advance if you won't be home for dinner.
From £188/week (non-summer).

Homestay students: Breakfast and dinner with your host, plus a cooked lunch at school (Mon-Fri). At weekends, breakfast and dinner with your host. The evening meal is your chance to practise English. Tell your host if you won't be home for dinner.
From £220/week (non-summer).

Traditional British meals include fish & chips, sausages and mash, pies, shepherd's pie, and the famous Sunday roast (chicken, pork, beef, or lamb). However, Brighton is very cosmopolitan with food from around the world. Many hosts cook varied meals including pasta and other international dishes. Brighton has a wonderful range of pubs, restaurants, cafés, and street food trucks.

No. If you want to go out with friends for dinner instead, that's fine — just let your host know in advance so they don't waste your food.

Tell us about any dietary requirements before you arrive. We can cater for special diets, but it may take longer to match you with an experienced host. A dietary supplement of £20/week applies.

If you've booked half board dinner or full board, your host normally does the washing up — though offering to help is always appreciated. If you've booked bed & breakfast or half board lunch and do your own cooking, you must clean up immediately after your meal.

Yes. Monday to Friday, you must be home for dinner by 6pm. Before you arrive, your parents fill in a form which sets your evening curfew — we go through this with your host, and you must follow it at all times.

You'll be in classes with adults aged 18+.

No. It is illegal in the UK for anyone aged 17 or under to buy alcohol.

Yes! We have three emergency numbers. You'll find all the details in the Student Handbook given to you when you become a student.

Yes. If you want to stay away for a night or stay with friends/family, we must have written permission from your parents at least 3 days in advance, plus the name, address, and phone number of where you'll be staying.

Yes, 16 and 17 year olds travel to and from school unaccompanied.

No. We do not provide 24-hour supervision for 16-17 year old students. However, we are responsible for your safety and welfare while you study with us. If we feel an activity, trip, or situation is unsafe or unsuitable, we reserve the right to refuse your participation.

Yes. As well as meeting you informally every day (Mon-Fri), you'll have a formal weekly meeting to discuss progress and check how you're getting on. We're available to talk at any time — just come to one of the offices.

Just come and tell us. Anna, Mike, and Jodie are happy to help. Before you arrive, your parents sign a Safeguarding Form giving the school and your host permission to give you medicine or take you to the doctor or dentist when needed.

You must be home for dinner by 6pm, Monday to Friday.

See our dedicated 16-17 Year Olds page → for full details on welfare, courses, and accommodation.

Complete our online booking form →, or contact us for assistance. You'll receive a confirmation and invoice, and your place is secured once payment is received. Once you book, you'll be emailed the Student Handbook.

We accept payment via Flywire (recommended — pay in your own currency with no bank fees), bank transfer, or credit/debit card. See full payment options →

Course tuition, placement test, course materials (£35 per 10 weeks non-summer / £10 summer), end-of-course certificate, access to our social programme, and Wi-Fi. Accommodation, transfers, and insurance are booked separately.

Registration fee: £95 (one-time, non-refundable).
Accommodation: From £156/week (homestay bed & breakfast, non-summer).
Airport transfers: From £115 (Gatwick one-way).
Insurance: £7.74/week (optional, all year round).

16 years old. Students aged 16-17 have additional welfare support — see our 16-17 Year Olds page →.

We recommend 4-6 weeks ahead for the best accommodation options, and 8+ weeks for summer courses (our busiest period). Late bookings are sometimes possible — contact us →.

Yes, we provide visa support letters and guidance. However, we cannot guarantee visa approval — that's the decision of the UK authorities.

Cancellation terms depend on timing. Generally, earlier cancellations receive larger refunds. The registration fee (£95) is non-refundable. Read our full Terms & Conditions → for details.

Refunds are possible for cancellations made within the terms of our cancellation policy. The registration fee is non-refundable. See School Policies → for full details.