Become a Homestay Host in Brighton & Hove
Share Your Culture, Meet the World, Earn Extra Income
Open your home to international students studying English at Loxdale English Centre. Since 1979, our host families have been at the heart of everything we do — providing a warm, welcoming home away from home for students from around the world.
The Rewards of Hosting a Loxdale Student
More than just extra income — it's a life-enriching experience
Earn Extra Income
Receive competitive weekly payments. Income up to £7,500/year is tax-free under the government's Rent a Room scheme.
Cultural Exchange
Bring the world to your doorstep. Learn about different cultures, try new foods, and make international friendships — without leaving Brighton.
Flexible & Supported
Choose when you host, how often, and for how long. We provide 24/7 support and our Accommodation Officer is always available.
Make a Difference
Play a vital role in someone's journey of learning and discovery. Many hosts form lasting friendships with their students and stay in touch for years.
Types of Students You Could Host
We welcome students of all ages from around the world. You choose which types you're comfortable hosting.
Adult Students (18+)
Year-round hosting
Teenagers (13–17)
Summer & winter programmes
Pre-Teens (8–12)
Summer programme only
You choose who you host. Some hosts only take adults, some specialise in teenagers during summer. We'll discuss your preferences during the home visit and will never place a student type you're not comfortable with.
What You Could Earn
Hosting rates vary by student type and meal plan. Here's an indicative guide — we'll discuss exact rates during your home visit.
Indicative Weekly Hosting Income
Depending on student type and meal plan
Adult Students
Year-round availability
Lower rate = out of summer. Higher rate = summer period (7 Jun–15 Aug).
Young Learners (Summer/Winter)
Seasonal programmes
Young learner rates are full board (all meals included). No packed lunch required.
Tax-Free Under the Rent a Room Scheme
Under the government's Rent a Room scheme, you can earn up to £7,500 per year tax-free from hosting. That means most hosts pay no tax at all on their hosting income. You don't need to be a homeowner — the scheme also applies to tenants who sublet.
What We Look For in Our Host Families
You don't need to be a "traditional" family to host. Single people, couples, retirees, and families of all kinds are welcome. Here's what we need:
Location
Live within the Brighton & Hove area — ideally within 28 minutes' walking distance of our school in Portslade (BN41 2LA).
A Spare Bedroom
Have at least one clean, comfortable spare bedroom with a chair, desk/table for study, wardrobe or hanging space, and adequate heating and lighting.
Meals
Be willing to provide breakfast and dinner daily for your student (young learners require full board including a packed lunch at weekends). Special diets may be needed — we pay a supplement for these.
Welcoming Attitude
Genuinely enjoy meeting people from different cultures. Eat together with your student, share living spaces, and make them feel part of the family.
Background Check
Pass a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check — we arrange and process this for you. For young learner hosts, all household members aged 18+ must be DBS-checked.
Gas Safety
Have a valid annual gas safety certificate for your boiler.
Not sure if you qualify? Don't worry — get in touch and we'll happily discuss your situation. Many of our best hosts weren't sure at first!
Are You in Our Catchment Area?
All our homestay hosts live within a 28-minute walk of Loxdale English Centre in Portslade (BN41 2LA).
Areas typically included: Portslade, Mile Oak, Hangleton, Southwick, parts of Hove, Aldrington, and Fishersgate.
Not sure if you're close enough? Just apply below — include your postcode and we'll let you know.
Our Commitment to Our Host Families
We've been working with host families since 1979. Here's what you can expect from us.
24/7 Emergency Support
Our dedicated welfare team is always just a phone call away — during office hours and out of hours. You're never on your own.
Prompt Payments
We pay on a regular 4-weekly cycle, on time, every time. No chasing invoices. Payment dates are confirmed in your booking letter.
Careful Student Matching
We work hard to find the right student for the right host. We'll discuss your preferences and match you with students who suit your home and lifestyle.
Comprehensive Handbook
Every host receives our detailed Host Family Handbook with everything you need to know — from meals and laundry to safeguarding guidance.
Regular Check-ins
Our Accommodation Officer, Jodie Morden, visits regularly, conducts home inspections, and is always available to help with any questions or concerns.
What Our Host Families Say
"We've been hosting Loxdale students for over 5 years, and it's been a wonderful experience. It's lovely to have the house full of life, and the support from the school has always been excellent."
Sarah, Portslade
Hosting since 2019
"As a single person, I wasn't sure if I could be a host, but Loxdale encouraged me to apply. It's been brilliant — I've made friends from all over the world and earned extra income at the same time."
David, Hove
Hosting since 2021
"Our children have loved having students stay. They've learned so much about different cultures, and we've stayed in touch with several students who've become like extended family."
The Martinez Family, Brighton
Hosting since 2018
How to Apply in 3 Simple Steps
Submit Your Application
Fill out our quick online form below — it only takes a few minutes. Tell us about your home and what types of students you'd like to host.
Home Visit & Chat
Our Accommodation Officer, Jodie, will arrange a convenient time to visit your home, see the room, and answer all your questions. This is your chance to ask us anything too.
Welcome Your First Student
Once approved, we'll contact you when we have a suitable student. You're always in control — you can accept or decline any placement. We'll provide everything you need to get started.
Apply to Become a Host Today!
Complete this short form and our Accommodation Officer will be in touch within 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions for Hosts
Related Pages
Adult Courses
See the English courses your guest students will attend at Loxdale Brighton.
Learn moreBrighton & Portslade
Learn about our catchment area and the community your student will join.
Learn moreSocial Life & Activities
Discover the afternoon and evening activities we organise for students.
Learn moreReady to Open Your Home to the World?
Join our community of wonderful host families in Brighton. It's rewarding, flexible, and we're with you every step of the way.