LOCATION & TRAVEL
Location
Sidmouth is located in the southwest of England, in the county of Devon. It is a small town on the Jurassic Coast - England's first World Heritage Site - and the school is situated in the heart of the town. Sidmouth is just a 30-minute drive from the cathedral city of Exeter, 90 minutes from Bristol, and approximately 3 hours from London Heathrow Airport.
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Travel
Safe, stress-free, and simple journeys!
SIS DISCOUNTED Travel Assistance Service
(Includes travel coordination, administration and supervision/welfare support)
We provide a DISCOUNTED travel assistance service to/from London Heathrow Airport every Saturday throughout the year. The bus aims to arrive at the airport at 12.00 and to depart no later than 16.30. Average journey time (including comfort stop, where applicable) is 3.5 hours approximately.
>PEAK SEASON & EASTER -
£35 EACH WAY FOR ALL AGES
>LOW SEASON -
£60 EACH WAY FOR ADULTS
£125 EACH WAY FOR TEENAGERS/YOUNG ADULTS
To use this service:
Arrivals: Flights must arrive at Heathrow before 15.00
Departures: Flights must depart from Heathrow after 13.45.
Please note: If you are travelling with other students, you may share our own travel service costs in the low season. Please contact us for more information. Arrangements must be made before arrival. Also, during low season, we may use trusted transport providers to ensure a safe & reliable travel service.
Regular shuttle buses link Heathrow to Gatwick Airport (travel time 80 min approx).
School Airport Phone Number:
All our vehicles are rigorously inspected to ensure the highest standards of safety and comfort for our students.
Meet & Greet + SIS Travel Assistance Services
We also offer Meet & Greet + SIS Travel Assistance Services for unaccompanied students, which includes meeting at the arrivals gate and help with check-in.
This service is available in Peak Season & Easter ONLY for ages :
> 8–13; £70 each way
> 14–17; £80 each way
To use this service:
Arrivals: Flights must arrive at Heathrow between 12:00 - 15.00
Departures: Flights must depart from Heathrow between 13.45 - 16:30
If a student uses the airline’s Unaccompanied Minor (UM) Service, the school must be informed. This service, arranged by parents with the airline, is NOT the same as the school’s Meet & Greet option.
School Airport Phone Number:
Private
Transfers
We can also arrange private transfers (up to 4 people) to and from Sidmouth from anywhere in the UK.
Minimum price each way:
Heathrow £345, Gatwick £375, Bristol £210, Exeter £59
Please note, prices are approximate only. In the event of delays, waiting time will be charged at £35 per hour.
Car Rental/Hire
If you want to rent a car during your stay, we can help you choose a good car hire company.
You must bring a valid driving licence and prices depend on the type of car and the number of days.
Click on the companies below to visit their website.
Local car hire option:
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Practical Car & Van Rental - Located in Sidmouth, close to our school.
Car hire companies at Bristol, Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted:
Public Transport
Public Buses
National Express operates an excellent fast coach service (No 501) between Heathrow Airport and Exeter coach station, with departures every 2 hours throughout the year.
Details are at www.nationalexpress.com
At Exeter coach station change for the bus to Sidmouth (Stagecoach No 9), journey time about 45 minutes.
Details are at www.stagecoachbus.com
There are frequent National Express shuttle buses to London Heathrow from London Gatwick (journey time 80 minutes approx) and London Stansted (journey time 90 minutes approx)
Trains
There are regular and frequent trains from London Paddington and London Waterloo Stations to Exeter, and from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter (change trains at Clapham Junction). Details of all UK train services are at www.nationalrail.co.uk
Please contact us if you require more details. We will be happy to help!
Important UK Travel Information
Since 2 April 2025, the United Kingdom will require travellers from visa-exempt countries, including EU nations, to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK.
How to Apply for an ETA
-
Online Application
- Apply through the official UK government website by clicking here or use the UK ETA mobile app.
- Provide personal details, passport information, and a recent photograph.
- Answer security and travel-related questions.
-
Pay the Application Fee
- The ETA fee is £16 (Correct as of May 2025)
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Processing Time
- Most applications are processed within three working days, but some may be approved sooner.
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Receive and Use Your ETA
- Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first).
- You can make multiple trips to the UK during the validity period.
Please always check your country’s entry requirements before travelling to the UK.