Are there fees for joining as a Worthing host?

No. It is free for host families to register on HostFamily.uk, with no subscription or placement fees.

Can I host if I live in Goring or Lancing?

Yes, if the journey into Worthing is straightforward. Both have bus and rail links, and schools take travel time into account when matching students.

Is Worthing a good base for trips around Sussex?

Very much so. Trains run along the coast to Brighton and Chichester, and the South Downs are within easy reach for walks at weekends.

Do I choose which students stay with me?

You do. Schools contact you directly with details, and you decide which students and dates suit your household.

Become a Host Family in Worthing

Why Worthing needs host families

Worthing combines a long shingle beach and a traditional pier with easy access to the South Downs, where Cissbury Ring gives sweeping views over the coast. Brighton is a short train ride along the line, so students can enjoy both a quiet base and a busy city.

English language schools have a long presence in Worthing, and the town is known for being a comfortable place for students to settle in. Families here play a big part in that welcome. Most students travel to lessons by bus or on foot, so homes across the town can work well.

If you enjoy cooking, talking and showing people around, hosting can be very rewarding. Students often keep in touch for years afterwards, and the room you already have can bring in some extra money. Income from hosting can be tax-free up to the Rent a Room limit, which many hosts find a useful bonus.

Host family sharing a meal with an international student in Worthing

Who you could host in Worthing

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

Young learners in summer

School holidays bring younger students on short courses, often with afternoon activities along the seafront and outings to nearby towns.

Adults wanting a calmer town

Adult students who prefer somewhere quieter than a big city choose Worthing for courses lasting a few weeks to a few months.

Work-focused English

Some adults study to improve their English for their careers and value a home where they can practise in everyday conversation.

Where you could host

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

Worthing town centre

Broadwater

Tarring

Goring-by-Sea

Durrington

Salvington

High Salvington

Findon Valley

East Worthing

Ferring

Lancing

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 Worthing 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 Worthing 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 Worthing: common questions

Ready to host in Worthing?

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 Worthing