East Sussex College welcomes students from all over the world. This page explains how we support and care for students under 18.

Parental consent

Before arriving at East Sussex College, students under 18 and their parent(s) or guardian(s) must sign a parental consent form. This form confirms that they understand the rules for students under 18 and the level of supervision provided by the college.

The college will contact the parent(s) or guardian(s) if a student does not follow these rules. We will also explain what action will be taken.

The form will also include the emergency contact details of the student's parent(s) or guardian(s) if required.

Travelling from the airport to your accommodation

East Sussex College works with trusted local taxi companies to provide airport transfers. We strongly recommend that parent(s) or guardian(s) of students under 18 book our airport transfer service before arrival.

Accommodation

We usually require all students under 18 to book homestay accommodation through the college. We may accept other accommodation arrangements, such as staying with a family friend, if the student will be supervised by a responsible adult. Parent(s) or guardian(s) must provide wrriten confirmation of these arrangements when the student enrols.

East Sussex College carefully selects homestay hosts who meet British Council requirements. Our Accommodation and Welfare Team checks all homestays at least every two years.

Students under 18 are only placed with hosts who have an Enhanced DBS (Disclosue and Barring Service) check. This helps to make sure they are suitable to work with children.

Students will have their own bedroom. Students travelling with a friend of the same sex or similar age may be able to share a room. They will be treated as part of the household and will eat evening meals with their host. A responsible adult will always be at home overnight.

East Sussex College has strict curfew rules for students under 18. All homestay hosts are aware of the rules and will contact the emergency number if the student is not home on time. Our curfew time is 22:00 Sunday to Thursday and 23:00 Friday to Saturday. The student must provide written permission from their parents if they would like to stay away from their homestay overnight.

Meals

Homestay accommodation includes breakfast and an evening meal every day. Lunch is not included. However, all campuses have a canteen where you can buy lunch. A hot meal and drink costs around £6. You can also buy sandwiches, snacks and drinks on campus. At weekends, hosts will provide a light lunch.

Travel

Lewes

If the student studies at our Lewes campus, they will not usually need public transport to get to college. Most hosts live within a 25 to 30 minute walk of the campus. Their host will show them how to get to East Susex College on their first day. The travel between homestay and school will unsupervised.

Some students may stay in Seaford or Ringmer. Seaford is about 20 minutes from Lewes by train and Ringmer is about 25 minutes from Lewes by bus.

If the student travels from Seaford, they can buy a railcard for £30 when they arrive. This can save them up to 50% on train travel. For example, a weekly train ticket to Lewes costs £11.55 with a 16-17 Railcard.

If the student travels from Ringmer, they will need to take a bus. A weekly Freedom ticket costs £20 and gives unlimited bus travel across East Sussex for people under 19. They can buy the ticket from the bus driver.

Please make sure they have enough money for public transport if needed.

Eastbourne

If the student studies at our Eastbourne campus, they will usually need a bus pass to travel to college. Several buses stop near the college.

A weekly Freedom ticket costs £20 and gives unlimited bus travel accross East Sussex for people under 19. They can buy the ticket from the bus driver. They can also buy a monthly pass on the Stagecoach app, although this may cost more.

Please make sure they have enough money if public transport is needed.

Hastings

If the student studies at our Hastings campus, they will usually need a bus pass or a train pass to travel to college. The bus and train station is directly outside the college .

A weekly Freedom ticket costs £20 and gives unlimited bus travel accross East Sussex for people under 19. They can buy the ticket from the bus driver. They can also buy a monthly pass on the Stagecoach app, although this may cost more.

Train tickets and railcards can be bought at the train station or online. They can also buy a railcard for £30 when they arrive. This can save them up to 50% on train travel. For example, a weekly train ticket to Lewes costs £11.55 with a 16-17 Railcard.

Please make sure they have enough money if public transport is needed.

All prices above are correct as of 14/07/2026.

Supervision

East Sussex College does not provide 24-hour supervision.

After classes, students are welcome to join the college#s social activities, relax in the common areas or use the Learning Resource Centre. Staff do not supervise students during their free time. However, advice will be givven on how to stay safe.

At the College

Students under 18 study in classes with adults. They are expected to attend every lesson and arrive on time.

If a student is under 18, they cannot take holidays or time away from college without permission from their parent(s) or guardian(s).

If students are absent from College, we will try to contact them. If there is no response, the International Student Officer will contact their homestay host and continue to check that they are safe.

Social activities

East Sussex College offers a range of optional social activities. These activities are a great way to meet other students, explore our campuses and and practise their English.

Some activities are only available to students ages 18 and over. However, we aim to provide a range of activities for students of all ages.

All social activities organised by East Sussex College are supervised by staff.

Internet access

East Sussex College provides free internet access and Wi-Fi for all students, helping them stay in contact with friends and family. Our internet system blocks content that is not suitable for students under 18.

Care and support

East Sussex College is committed to providing a safe amd supportive environment for all students, especially those under 18.

On their first day, students will take part in an induction programme. During the induction, students will meet key members of staff and learn about their course, the college, the local town, health and safety and important college procedures. They will also have a tour of the campus.

All students receive a 24-hour contact number to use outside college opening hours for emergencies only. If a student is under 18, they will be reminded about curfew times and general code of conduct agreed in the parental consent form. They will also be given specific advice on how to stay safe in the College and in their local town. We will explain who they can talk to if they need help or support.

All staff and students must wear their college ID badges, which are issued on the first day. ID badges should be visible at all times.

East Sussex College has a safeguarding policy to help keep students safe. All staff receive safeguarding and child protection training and know what to do if they have concenrs about a student's welfare. Homestay hosts also receive guidance on safeguarding young people and how to report any concerns.

All homestay hosts who accommodate students under 18 must have a valid Enhanced DBS check.