Where do students hosted in Marlow study?

Usually in nearby towns in the Thames Valley. Schools search by location and will tell you where their students attend classes and how they travel.

Do Marlow host families pay to register?

No. HostFamily.uk is free to join, with no subscription or placement fees for hosts.

How do students travel from Marlow?

Marlow's branch line runs to Maidenhead, where students can change for London and Reading, and buses link the town to High Wycombe.

Can I host if I live in Bourne End or Marlow Bottom?

Yes. Both are close to Marlow, and Bourne End is on the same railway line, which makes travel straightforward.

Become a Host Family in Marlow

Why Marlow needs host families

Students who stay in Marlow wake up in one of the prettiest towns on the Thames. Higginson Park and the towpath are ideal for walks, the Chiltern Hills rise behind the town, and the branch railway to Maidenhead connects with trains towards London and Reading.

Marlow is a small town rather than a study hub, so hosts here tend to welcome students attending classes elsewhere in the Thames Valley or those who simply prefer a quieter homestay. Families near the station or on a bus route into High Wycombe or Maidenhead are especially useful to schools.

Hosting is a friendly way to use a spare bedroom and introduce someone to English riverside life. A summer evening by the weir or a walk up into the Chilterns can be the highlight of a student's whole stay. You choose your dates and your students, and schools get in touch with you directly when they think you would be a good match.

Host family sharing a meal with an international student in Marlow

Who you could host in Marlow

You choose the ages, lengths of stay and dates that suit your household.

Riverside summer stays

During summer, students on short courses in the Thames Valley may stay with Marlow families, enjoying long evenings by the river.

Adults seeking a smaller town

Some adult learners choose a small, characterful town for a more personal stay, travelling to lessons nearby and exploring at weekends.

Students at nearby colleges

International students on longer courses in neighbouring towns sometimes look for a settled family base for a term or more.

Where you could host

Schools look for homes within easy reach of their classes. These are some of the areas in and around Marlow.

Marlow town centre

Marlow Bottom

Little Marlow

Bourne End

Bisham

Medmenham

Hambleden

Flackwell Heath

Lane End

How it works

1. Register for free

Create your host profile in a few minutes. There are no fees or subscriptions.

2. Get found by schools

Language schools that place students in and around Marlow search for hosts by location, rooms and availability.

3. Welcome your student

A school contacts you directly to arrange a placement. You decide which students you accept.

Earn up to £7,500 a year tax-free

Under the government's Rent a Room scheme, income from hosting students in your Marlow home is tax-free up to £7,500 a year.

Applies whether you own or rent (with your landlord's permission)
Claim it with a single tick box on your tax return

General guidance only. Read more on GOV.UK

Hosting in Marlow: common questions

Ready to host in Marlow?

Registration is free and takes just a few minutes. Language schools can find you as soon as your profile is live.

Host families are also needed near Marlow