Frequently Asked
Questions
Answers to all your questions about your child's stay at Loxdale. We're here to put your mind at ease.
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Before You Read
There are some terms you need to know when reading the information below:
Pre-TeenAged 8-12
TeenagerAged 13-17
IndependentWithout a group leader
Age acceptance: Summer courses age 8+ • Winter courses age 12+
We know there's a lot to think about when sending your child to study English abroad in the UK. It's impossible to remember everything, all of the time!
We're sure you'll have questions at every stage — from deciding whether to book, to planning your child's journey to their homestay or residence, and once they arrive and begin their studies. We're here to help.
Arrival and care, in two minutes
For parents and agents: what happens from the moment your child lands at Gatwick to the end of their first day.
The full script, in English
Sending your child abroad for the first time is a big decision. So let me tell you exactly what happens, from the moment they land.
Most families fly into Gatwick. It is about forty-five minutes from the school.
If you book a taxi transfer with us, the driver is waiting as your child comes out of customs, holding a Loxdale sign with their name on it.
The driver takes them straight to their host family, who meet them at the door of their home.
For young learners we strongly recommend booking that transfer. It means your child is never standing alone in an airport working out what to do next.
At immigration they will need their passport and visa if one is required, our booking confirmation letter and invoice, and proof of funds. Keep those in hand luggage, not in the suitcase.
The first night is quiet. A meal with the family, unpacking, and an early bed.
Your child will have their own bed in a room they may share with one other student, always of a different nationality, so they speak English from the first evening.
Tell us before arrival about any special diet. We cater for all of them, and knowing early lets us find the right host.
On the first morning, we ask students to be at school by eight forty. There is a welcome talk and a tour.
Around half past ten there is a short placement test, so we put them in the right class. It is not an exam, and there is nothing to prepare.
They need to bring a pen. That is all. Every book and every material is provided.
Now, supervision. All our staff are DBS-checked and trained in safeguarding.
During daytime activities there is at least one member of staff to every fifteen students, and on excursions one to every ten. Our youngest students, aged eight to twelve, are supervised around the clock, at a ratio of one to six.
All young learners are home for dinner by six o'clock on weekdays. Hosts have a copy of the activity programme, so they know what time to expect your child, and they call us if they are late.
In our residence, staff live on site, twenty-four hours a day.
Your child can call home whenever they like in their free time. Phones are collected during some activities, and after ten at night the devices go away so everybody sleeps.
Money and valuables are kept safe at the school, not in the bedroom. We have safes, and a student bank.
If something goes wrong, there is always someone awake. Our welfare team is available twenty-four seven, and our Principal is our Designated Safeguarding Lead, trained to Level Three.
In a medical emergency, we have trained first aiders, we call 999, we go with your child to hospital, and you are told immediately. Please make sure your child is insured for medical costs.
And homesickness? It is completely normal in the first few days. Our welfare team checks in with students daily, and if your child is struggling, we contact you and work it out together.
Loxdale is a registered charity, not a chain. We have been looking after young people in Brighton since 1979. If you have a question this video has not answered, write to us. We answer every one.
Yes, if both students want to share. Normally young learner students share a twin room with another student of a similar age but different nationality — so they have to speak English. If you'd like your child to share with a specific friend, tell us the name at the time of booking. We still expect students to speak as much English as possible with their host.
Yes. Jodie, our Accommodation Officer, does a marvellous job of matching students to hosts, but sometimes the connection isn't quite right. If your child has any concerns, they should speak with Jodie to see if the situation is normal or whether a change is needed. If a move is requested, you may need to give one week's notice. Please be aware that living with a homestay host is not the same as a hotel — cleaning and laundry are done weekly, not daily, and students are expected to tidy up after themselves.
Your host will do one load of washing per week.
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. We recommend contacting us about your child's individual situation and proposed dates so we can check whether a suitable host is available.
We'll discuss the reasons and work to prevent it happening again. If it's due to unacceptable behaviour, your child will need to behave differently with their new host. If it happens more than twice, we cannot guarantee finding another host and your child may be expelled. Any remaining homestay fee will be refunded.
Students (and their parents) are responsible for any accidental damage in the homestay or residence and are expected to pay compensation. Please always tell us if anything happens so we can help.
Students may use phones and tablets in their free time. However, phones are taken away during some activities. After 10pm, no electronic devices should be in use.
Yes, the residence and most homestay hosts have free Wi-Fi. Students must not download any inappropriate or illegal material. Please be considerate about the 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.
Yes — please keep the bedroom tidy! Hosts can't clean if clothes are on the floor. It's nice to offer to help around the house — setting the table, clearing dishes after dinner. Speaking English as much as possible with the host family is strongly encouraged.
Most UK homes have heating between October and April, on a timer (typically 6-8:30am and 5-10pm). All forms of heating are expensive in the UK. Please don't leave heaters or lights on when not needed.
No. Families come in all shapes and sizes — some have no children, young children, teenagers, or adult children. Some are young, middle-aged, or retired. Some are single parents, couples, or partners. Often retired hosts have more time to spend chatting. The more information you give us about your child, the easier it is to find the right match.
After school activities, students go home straight away. Hosts have a copy of the programme and know what time your child should be home. They will call if your child is late, and contact the school emergency phone if they don't answer. Students must come in quietly to avoid waking any small children. On "free evenings with your host" on the programme, students must stay at home — they are not allowed out to the park, shops, or Brighton. This is a school rule for safety.
Some students have family or friends in the UK. Visits are possible for teenagers but must follow the procedure outlined in the Student Handbook. Important: If Loxdale is not confident that a student can travel safely by themselves, we will not allow the trip even with parental permission. Safety comes first.
In most houses, bathrooms are shared with 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 — students must not get water on the floor.
Yes.
Sometimes. Other students will always be a different nationality. Your child will always be the only guest from their country, unless they've asked to share with a friend.
Homestays and the residence cannot be responsible for money. We recommend using the school's "Bank" — see the Student Handbook for details. The school has safes available for valuables.
One bath or one 10-minute shower per day (utilities are expensive in the UK). Ask the host about the best time. Always leave bathrooms clean.
Hosts normally change bedding and towels weekly. For environmental reasons, some prefer fortnightly — discuss with your host.
They may receive a house key, but not a bedroom key — it's not usual to have locks on bedroom doors in the UK.
The residence is small (2-18 students) and located on the Loxdale campus. It's more like a large homestay family made up of staff and students. Most staff have worked with Loxdale for more than 8 years. Staff have bedrooms in the same building and are always available. We have 7 bedrooms for the students with normally 2 to 4 students per room, with mixed nationalities where possible. Many of the rooms are en-suite, and we also have independent bathrooms and toilets. There's a kitchen/social area, plus access to the sports hall and garden.
Between 2 and 4 per room. We try to mix nationalities so students speak more English.
Beds with storage underneath, chest of drawers, hanging space, table, chairs, bedside tables, and study space. Many rooms are en-suite.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available during the day and evening. Phones are taken away from students at bedtime.
This is very rare as most students are lovely and friendly. If there is a problem, speak to Anna (Principal) or Jodie (Welfare Officer) and we'll try to find a solution.
3 rooms for students, plus separate staff rooms.
Ages 8 to 14. We recommend that older teenagers (15-17) live with homestay families.
07:00-07:15 — Staff wake-up call
07:45-08:30 — Breakfast
Daytime — School with lessons and activities
15:00/16:30 — Homework and free time
18:00 — Dinner at Loxdale
19:00 — Evening activities at Loxdale
21:00 — Shower and free time in residence
21:30 — Bedtime for Pre-Teens (8-12)
22:15 — Bedtime for Teenagers (13-14)
07:45-08:30 — Breakfast
Daytime — School with lessons and activities
15:00/16:30 — Homework and free time
18:00 — Dinner at Loxdale
19:00 — Evening activities at Loxdale
21:00 — Shower and free time in residence
21:30 — Bedtime for Pre-Teens (8-12)
22:15 — Bedtime for Teenagers (13-14)
Bedding and towels are changed once a week.
No. Staff lock the door when classes start and unlock it at the end of the school day (around 15:00-16:30 depending on the afternoon activity).
Homestay students: Breakfast and dinner with the host family, plus a cooked lunch at school (Mon-Fri). At weekends, the host also provides a packed lunch for excursion days.
Residential students: All meals are eaten at Loxdale (Mon-Fri). At weekends, breakfast and dinner at the residence plus a packed lunch for trips.
Residential students: All meals are eaten at Loxdale (Mon-Fri). At weekends, breakfast and dinner at the residence plus a packed lunch for trips.
Traditional meals include fish & chips, sausages and mash, pies, shepherd's pie, and Sunday roasts. However, Brighton is very cosmopolitan with food from around the world. Many hosts cook varied meals including pasta and international dishes. Brighton has wonderful restaurants, cafés, pubs, and street food from around the world.
All young learner students must be home for dinner by 6pm. Parents have paid for meals and hosts have prepared food, so students should normally eat at home. However, no more than once per week, teenagers may eat out with friends if: (1) they have free-time permission on their Safeguarding Form, (2) it's Monday-Friday and they'll be back at school by 7pm for evening activities, (3) they ask the school and host at least 2 days in advance, and (4) the school approves the request.
Packed lunch: Sandwiches, crisps, chocolate bar, fruit, and a drink.
Cooked lunch: A hot meal with a choice of salads and dessert. Meals include pasta dishes, roast chicken with vegetables, sausages and mash, fish and chips, and more. There are always salad options and desserts (fruit, ice cream, brownies, cakes, yoghurt). Vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, lactose-free, and kosher options are always available.
Cooked lunch: A hot meal with a choice of salads and dessert. Meals include pasta dishes, roast chicken with vegetables, sausages and mash, fish and chips, and more. There are always salad options and desserts (fruit, ice cream, brownies, cakes, yoghurt). Vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, lactose-free, and kosher options are always available.
Please tell us about any dietary requirements before arrival. We can cater for all special diets, but it may take longer to match with an experienced host.
Gatwick — it's only about 45 minutes from the school.
Yes. The driver will be waiting as your child comes out from Customs with luggage, holding a Loxdale English Centre sign with their name on it. The driver takes them straight to their host family.
No. Hosts meet students when they arrive at their home. You can book a taxi transfer through Loxdale.
Yes! The driver will take your child into the terminal, help them check in, then take them to the Departure Area and watch them show their boarding card and go through security.
(1) Passport and visa (if required) — if getting a Short Term Study Visa on arrival, tell the Immigration Officer about study plans and show school paperwork. (2) Loxdale Booking Confirmation letter and invoice. (3) Proof of funds to support themselves and pay fees. Keep these documents in hand luggage for easy access.
If your child comes 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, a reason for wanting to learn English, and intention to return home. 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. Your policy should cover: cancellation or curtailment, medical expenses (including dental — not all policies cover dentists), and damage to personal property. Loxdale offers optional insurance through our provider at £7.88/week. Most policies have an 'excess' — your child pays the first £40 or similar before the insurer covers the rest. Always keep receipts for medical expenses.
The UK uses 220/240v 3-pin plugs. Bring an adapter.
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).
Useful websites: National Express (coaches), National Rail (trains).
Note: For young learners, we strongly recommend booking a Loxdale taxi transfer (Gatwick £120, Heathrow £200) for safety.
From Heathrow: Coach direct to Brighton (2 hours 15 mins).
Useful websites: National Express (coaches), National Rail (trains).
Note: For young learners, we strongly recommend booking a Loxdale taxi transfer (Gatwick £120, Heathrow £200) for safety.
Just a pen or pencil. All course materials are provided.
Most students are a little nervous, but they'll receive a warm welcome. Please be at school by 08:40 on the first day. Students will have an introduction talk and tour with Anna (Principal) or the Social Manager. Around 10:30, after a break, there's a placement test (grammar, vocabulary, and a speaking/listening assessment) to ensure they're in the right class. This is nothing to worry about — it's not an exam.
Yes! Follow our approved agents page to find a partner in your country.
No. Everything is provided — class sets of books, photocopied materials, and specially made resources by our teachers.
45 minutes. Students normally have 2 lessons before a break (90 minutes of teaching time).
Maximum 16, with an average of about 12 depending on the time of year.
We want students to experience different learning techniques and British culture. Courses include English lessons, e-safety sessions, British culture lessons, revision quizzes, and lessons about trip destinations.
Lateness and absences are shown on the Attendance Certificate. If a student misses a bus or oversleeps, we call them or their host. If lateness becomes regular, it becomes a disciplinary matter — it disrupts other students, affects safety, and upsets lesson plans. See the Student Handbook for full details.
Yes: (1) Speak English in the buildings. (2) Participate actively. (3) Do homework each week. (4) Talk to your teacher about difficulties. (5) Phones off in class (we may put all phones in a box). (6) No food or drink except water in classrooms.
Yes, daily homework to be completed outside class in time for the next lesson.
Your child will meet with their teacher and the Director of Studies to discuss the reasons. If everyone agrees, they'll move to a different class.
If staying 2 weeks or more, we can organise the LanguageCert exam, taken at Loxdale. Choose from the Speaking exam or Writing/Reading exam — each section costs £45.
Students are supervised at all times during activities and excursions. All staff are DBS-checked and trained in safeguarding.
• Daytime activities: Maximum 1:15 staff-to-student ratio
• Excursions: Maximum 1:10 staff-to-student ratio
• Residential accommodation: Staff on-site 24/7
• Pre-Teens (8-12): 24/7 supervision with 1:6 ratio
• Daytime activities: Maximum 1:15 staff-to-student ratio
• Excursions: Maximum 1:10 staff-to-student ratio
• Residential accommodation: Staff on-site 24/7
• Pre-Teens (8-12): 24/7 supervision with 1:6 ratio
• All young learners: Must be home for dinner by 6pm (Mon-Fri)
• Pre-Teens (8-12): Accompanied by staff at all times outside homestay/residence
• Teenagers (13-17): May have limited supervised free time with parental permission
• Residential bedtimes: 21:30 (Pre-Teens), 22:15 (Teenagers 13-14)
• "Free evenings with host": Students must stay at home — not allowed out. This is a non-negotiable school safety rule.
• Pre-Teens (8-12): Accompanied by staff at all times outside homestay/residence
• Teenagers (13-17): May have limited supervised free time with parental permission
• Residential bedtimes: 21:30 (Pre-Teens), 22:15 (Teenagers 13-14)
• "Free evenings with host": Students must stay at home — not allowed out. This is a non-negotiable school safety rule.
We have trained first aiders on staff. For emergencies, we call 999 and accompany your child to hospital. Parents are notified immediately. All students must have travel insurance covering medical expenses.
Anna Thatcher, our Principal, is the Designated Safeguarding Lead, trained to Level 3 in safeguarding. Our welfare team, including Jodie Morden (Welfare Officer), is available 24/7. Read our Safeguarding Policy →
Homesickness is completely normal, especially in the first few days. Our welfare team checks in with students daily. If your child is struggling, we'll contact you and work together to help them adjust. Our staff are very experienced in supporting young people away from home.
This depends on age and the permissions you grant on the Safeguarding/Consent form:
• Pre-Teens (8-12): No unsupervised time at all
• Teenagers (13-15): Only with written parental permission, in groups, with check-in times
• Teenagers (16-17): More freedom with signed parental consent — see our 16-17 Year Olds page →
• Pre-Teens (8-12): No unsupervised time at all
• Teenagers (13-15): Only with written parental permission, in groups, with check-in times
• Teenagers (16-17): More freedom with signed parental consent — see our 16-17 Year Olds page →
Yes. We must have written parental permission at least 3 days in advance, plus the name, address, and phone number of where they'll be staying. If Loxdale is not confident the student can travel safely alone, we will not allow the trip, even with parental permission.
Yes! We have three emergency contact numbers. All details are provided in the Student Handbook given to every student on arrival. Our 24-hour welfare line is always available: +44 (0)1273 420232.
(1) Don't forget a packed lunch or money to buy lunch at Loxdale — you can pre-book the weekly lunch.
(2) Travel time: ~25 minutes by bus from central Brighton, ~15 minutes from Hove, ~10-12 minutes from Shoreham. Buy a weekly bus card for the best value. Allow time to arrive for lessons at 08:45.
(3) We expect parents or hosts to bring the child to school and collect them on the first day so we can meet, exchange phone numbers, and share important information. Children aged 8-11 must be brought to and from school every day.
(2) Travel time: ~25 minutes by bus from central Brighton, ~15 minutes from Hove, ~10-12 minutes from Shoreham. Buy a weekly bus card for the best value. Allow time to arrive for lessons at 08:45.
(3) We expect parents or hosts to bring the child to school and collect them on the first day so we can meet, exchange phone numbers, and share important information. Children aged 8-11 must be brought to and from school every day.
Complete our online booking form →, or contact us for assistance. Once booked and paid, we'll email the Student Handbook with everything you need to know.
Young learner courses are all-inclusive (summer). The price includes: English lessons, full board accommodation (homestay or residential), all activities and excursions, course materials, end-of-course certificate, airport transfers (Gatwick/Heathrow on standard days), insurance, and bus pass. Winter courses have some components quoted separately — see course pages for details.
Yes. We have approved agents worldwide. Find an agent in your country →
We accept payment via Flywire (recommended — pay in your own currency), bank transfer, or credit/debit card. See payment options →
Summer courses: age 8+. Winter courses: age 12+.
We recommend 6-8 weeks ahead, especially for summer courses which are our busiest period. Contact us → for late availability.
Can't Find Your Answer?
Our friendly admissions and welfare teams are here to help. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions about your child's stay — we understand that sending your child abroad is a big decision, and we want you to feel completely confident.
24-hour welfare line: +44 (0)1273 420232
View Young Learner Courses