ABOUT US
Learn English for the modern world in a small, traditional and very welcoming English seaside town.
We are a privately owned and family run English language school, located in Devon, in the South West of England. Established in 1976 and accredited by the British Council, we offer a personal, friendly and professional service to all our students. Recognized in the EL Gazette UK Language Centre Rankings for 2024–25, the school is proudly placed within the top 20% of British Council-accredited language centres in the UK. In 2026, we will be celebrating our 50th anniversary as a school!
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Located in the picturesque town of Sidmouth, on the beautiful Jurassic coast and renowned heritage site, this area of outstanding natural beauty is just 20 km from the historic city of Exeter and within easy reach of Dartmoor, the charming coastal town of Lyme Regis, and the historic cities of Bristol, Bath and Plymouth. London is reachable in just over 2 hours by train, making it easy to combine learning with sightseeing.
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The school boasts a central Sidmouth location, just a short walk from the beach, parks, shops and all other town amenities. ​
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Our team has the experience to help you enjoy your study, tailor your courses and achieve your aims in a supportive environment.
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We are open year-round for both long and short stays, offering a wide range of courses for students of all language levels, aged 13 and above.
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​Our Young Learner department (8-13 years) offers summer courses which enables students to combine learning English with having lots of fun!​​​
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Students are taught in three separate departments within 5 minutes’ walk of each other - Adult (18+), Teenage & Young Adult (13-18), and Young Learner (8-13).
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One of our most popular features is our dedicated Social Room for Teenagers and Young Adults - a welcoming space to relax, with FREE Wi-Fi. More information on this can be found here.
​​​Group visits are welcome all year round - please contact us for more details on this.
Where is the School?
The main school is in the town centre, just 5 minutes from the sea. It has 10 classrooms on-site, primarily for Adults and Young adults. Additionally, there is a separate building nearby for Teenagers with 6 classrooms and another building nearby for our Younger Learners with 4 classrooms.
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When is the School Open?
The main school office is open Monday - Friday from 8.30am - 5.00pm and is closed on weekends.
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The school will be closed for Public Holidays on: 1 January, 18 & 21 April,5 & 26 May, 25 August, 25 & 26 December 2025
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No lesson time will be lost.
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Please note, the school will also be closed for a break in December - dates will be confirmed closer to the time.
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Season Dates
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Peak Season -
Summer (6th June – 29th August)
Low Season –
Easter (28th March – 11th April) & All other dates
COURSES
At Sidmouth International School we have a range of courses to suit all kinds of levels and needs. Please contact us if you are not sure which is the right course for you.
Safeguarding
Sidmouth International School takes safeguarding of Children and Adults very seriously. All members of staff and host families are DBS checked. You can read our Safeguarding policy here
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY ABOUT US
​​​"Very quick responses to emails, a solution for every problem/question. Bus service from door to door – luxury!"
Anja from Germany
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"I had a nice, lovely, interesting, beautiful… week in Sidmouth. It was fantastic! So I thank you, all the teachers and my lovely family. I’ll come back next year!"
Laura from Italy
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"This is my seventh visit to the school! I started as a complete beginner and have now successfully achieved a B1 level. I love Sidmouth and would strongly recommend the school to students of any age and level."
Marcela from the Czech Republic
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"I had the perfect host and I would stay with her again. Her cooking skills are excellent."
Seonaid from Switzerland
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"It was Sophie's second summer in a row at Sidmouth International School — and it was amazing again! Everything is so well-organised, the activity program was refreshed, and it was great for her to reunite with familiar teachers and friends, as well as meet new ones. Our teen was fully engaged, happy, and surrounded by a friendly atmosphere. Her English skills improved quickly through constant communication. Even after the camp, the kids stay in touch. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience! Thank you for her unforgettable summer!"
Sophie's Mum from Russia