Host Families | Oakbridge Guardians Ltd

Supporting International Students

Host Families play an important role in supporting international students during their time in the United Kingdom.

By opening their homes to students, Host Families help provide a safe, welcoming and supportive environment during periods away from school.

Oakbridge works closely with Host Families to help ensure that students are appropriately accommodated, supported and cared for throughout their stay.

Whether hosting for a weekend, half term or longer period, Host Families make a significant contribution to a student's wellbeing, confidence and overall experience in the UK.

Become a Host Family

Opening your home can be a deeply rewarding cultural exchange — a genuine home-from-home for international school students during exeats, half-terms and holidays.

Hosting allows families to:

Share British family life and make lasting connections across cultures.
Support young people studying far from their own families.
Host flexibly — short stays or longer when it suits your household.
Earn competitive rates, paid when you host.
Where you qualify, use HMRC Rent-a-Room relief (up to £7,500 tax-free on furnished accommodation in your main home; £3,750 each if income is shared).

We welcome enquiries from individuals, couples and families who can provide a safe, supportive and welcoming home environment. Rates are confirmed on enquiry. Completing checks is required before any student stays.

Why Host?

Hosting offers an opportunity to make a genuine difference in the life of a young person.

Many international students spend significant periods of time away from their families and familiar support networks. A caring Host Family can help students feel:

Safe

Students have a trusted environment where they can feel secure and supported.

Welcome

Students experience a friendly and inclusive home environment.

Included

Students can experience family life and British culture.

Supported

Students have guidance and assistance when away from school.

Hosts often tell us they enjoy:

Learning about different cultures.
Building lasting relationships.
Sharing family life and experiences.
Helping students settle into life in the UK.

Hosting can be both personally rewarding and professionally fulfilling.

Host Family Requirements

All Host Families must be able to provide:

A safe and suitable home environment.
Appropriate supervision and support.
A comfortable bedroom for the student.
Access to bathroom facilities.
Meals and refreshments as agreed.
Reliable communication with Oakbridge.
A commitment to safeguarding and student welfare.

Host Families must also:

Complete the Oakbridge application process (electronic completion and acknowledgements are accepted).
Provide references where required.
Participate in interviews and assessments.
Complete safeguarding, identity or suitability checks, including an enhanced DBS check for every household member aged 16 or over (each adult is checked individually).
Allow a home visit and sign the Host Family Agreement before hosting.
Tell Oakbridge the same day about any change that could affect suitability to host, including new household members aged 16 or over.
Comply with Oakbridge policies and expectations.

Completing an application for one adult does not clear the whole household. Every adult aged 16 or over in the home must complete suitability checks. Further checks apply for some placements.

Safeguarding

The welfare and safety of students is always our highest priority.

Host Families play an important role in helping to safeguard children and young people and are expected to:

Promote student welfare.
Maintain appropriate boundaries.
Communicate concerns promptly.
Follow Oakbridge safeguarding guidance.
Cooperate with safeguarding requirements and checks, including DBS checks for everyone in the household aged 16 or over.

Oakbridge provides guidance, support and ongoing communication to help Host Families understand their responsibilities and know what to do if concerns arise. Host homes are also revisited in person at least once a year.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

Application Process

If you are interested in becoming a Host Family, the application process usually involves:

Initial enquiry.
Application form.
Discussion with Oakbridge.
Suitability and safeguarding checks.
Approval and onboarding.

Once approved, Host Families are matched to suitable placements based on student needs, availability and location.

Download the Host Family Application (F026), or register your interest below — we will email you a copy and notify our team.

Download Host Family Application (F026)

Prefer email? Send the completed form to info@oakbridgeguardians.com · All forms

Questions?

If you would like to learn more about becoming a Host Family, please contact Oakbridge and a member of our team will be happy to discuss the opportunity with you.

Host family interest form