Group Booking FAQs

How do I make a group booking?

This is easy. Please review the terms and conditions for group bookings, and once you are happy to proceed, please complete the group booking application form. From here we will email you, letting you know if your preferred centre is available and, if so, giving you a quote for your group.

How does the booking process work?

What are the rates?

We are proud to work with a large number of local organisers and offer you, the customer, a wide range of accommodation options for your group. However, as each centre is priced slightly differently, and as larger groups generally pay less per person than smaller groups, it is not possible to give any set nightly rates. You can, however, specify on the booking form if your group has a budget. We will try and match the request to a centre(s) that offers accommodation in or near your preferred location within the specified budget.

I am an agent, do I receive commission?

Everyone that is booking accommodation on behalf of a group is considered an agent. Therefore the rate we quote is the best possible rate for the location you have requested.

When do I have to pay?

Your deposit payment is either 20% of the balance total, or £500, whichever value is higher. We require the deposit payment to be made before or on your option date. This date will be stated upon confirmation of availability, but is usually 4 weeks after the booking request is made. Your balance payment is due no later than 28 days before arrival.

What happens if I cancel my group?

We understand that occasionally things may happen and your group, or an individual in your group, may no longer be able to travel. In our desire to be fair to all parties involved, we have the following cancellation policy:

Cancellation of a group:

More than 28 days prior to arrival: loss of deposit
28 days or less prior to arrival: 100% of total costs

Cancellation of individuals in a group:

More than 7 days prior to arrival: no charge
7 days or less prior to arrival: 100% of individual’s costs

Can I request ‘English’ only hosts?

London and the UK are multicultural societies and our hosts reflect the makeup of the population. The UK has strict laws on discrimination and equal opportunities, and as a company we have zero tolerance on matters of racial discrimination either from our accommodation suppliers or our customers. The language spoken in the homestay will be English and the students will experience British culture, however we cannot, and will not, accommodate requests on nationality or ethnicity.

Meal plans

We recommend selecting the Full Board option, which includes breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner. Breakfast and dinner will be eaten with the host families, and lunch will be eaten whilst out. We can also offer Half Board, which does not include a packed lunch. All of the meals will be nutritionally balanced, and the students will be given sufficient drinks and/or access to drinking water throughout their stay. Special diets can be catered for upon request.

Pick-up and drop-offs

We offer a drop off and collection service for most of our centres. The host families will escort the students to/from the meeting point each morning and evening, where a local organiser will be on hand to ensure the smooth hand over of care from host families to the group leaders, and vice versa. Reasonable changes in pickup/drop off time can often be arranged in advance, if we are informed before the group’s arrival.

Do you provide airport transfers for groups?

Yes, of course we would be happy to assist you arrange an airport transfer for your groups. We are able to offer taxi, minibus or coach transfers with quotations available on request.

Can I choose a specific area?

With a wide range of centres across the UK, we are confident that we will have something to suit your group. If the area your group requires is not listed on our website, please let us know, and we will try and find a suitable alternative for you.

Can I request single rooms or a maximum number of guests per family?

We can place group leaders and other accompanying adults in single rooms subject to availability at the time of booking. Students stay in groups of 2s, 3s and 4s, and during peak season, we occasionally have to place students in 5s. Please let us know when booking what your requirements are, and we will endeavour to cater to this where we can.

Can I visit the accommodation prior to booking?

Unfortunately not. Neither we nor our competitors a viewing service prior to making a reservation. This is to protect the host families and our agency. We work with lots of different local organisers, and it is their responsibility for visiting, assessing and managing their hosts. All of our local organisers are very experienced and they ensure that the hosts are suitable, and that the accommodation is of a high enough standard.

If we arrive by coach, will there be parking available?

Please let us know when making the booking whether you will be travelling by coach at all throughout your trip, as charges do apply for certain centres. This cost is payable upon arrival by the coach driver, or a group leader.

Does my group need a visa to travel?

If your group will be coming to the UK from outside of the European Union then they will probably require a visa. Full information on visas to enter and study in the UK can be found on the UKBA website.

What happens if there is a problem while booking?

Your booking will be managed by an office based group coordinator who will be able to assist you at every stage of the booking period. They are experienced in placing and accommodating groups in the UK and will be able to advise you on everything from tours and attractions to what to expect in a homestay. If you have any problems or questions about your booking, just ask them.

What happens if we have a problem while in the UK?

Once your booking has been placed and confirmed, you will be allocated a local coordinator. The local coordinator will be on hand to help ensure your group has an enjoyable stay in the UK. Your local coordinator will exchange numbers with your group leader upon arrival, and will be able to assist with any queries you may have. They will also be at the meeting point each morning and evening, to ensure the smooth handover of care from the host families to the group leaders, and vice versa.

Can you assist me with planning a tour for my group?

Yes, we have years of experience planning group tours and can assist with tickets to major attractions. You can either ask us for one off group prices for attractions or, if you prefer, state a budget and area of interest (for example, we are a study group interested in English literature) and we will do the rest.

Can I plan my own tour?

Yes, that is also completely fine with us. If you would like assistance with this for example an evening packed dinner due to a theatre visit, or a late pick up just let us know when you are booking.

What is the minimum age?

Our usual requirement is for students 12+, although we can accept younger groups at our discretion.

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