The University of Reading's relationships with Schools and Colleges

During our long history the University has established many close links with schools and colleges in the Thames Valley area. These alliances help us to promote widening participation, assist with student recruitment and provide valuable work experience and job opportunities for hundreds of University-trained teachers.

Teacher training through schools partnerships

Each year around 600 newly qualified teachers graduate or gain qualified teacher status with the University’s Institute of Education. More than 50 per cent go on to teach in the region. Our partnerships with over 300 primary and 70 secondary schools in the local area are an indispensable element of our postgraduate teacher training programmes. Students benefit by being able to access schools and practical classroom experience needed as part of their training.

Associate College Network

The University also partners with a group of local further education colleges that collaborate to develop learning opportunities for people in Berkshire and North Hampshire. Our role with the Associate College Network involves exploring ways of offering a wider choice of courses to the general public. Together we are also creating more accessible and flexible progression paths from 14-plus education through to postgraduate study.

Schools’ Liaison and student ambassadors

As part of our ongoing recruitment and widening participation programmes, we regularly visit schools and colleges in the south-east and south-west of the country. Through talks, workshops and other events we aim to raise young people’s awareness and understanding of further and higher education opportunities. We also hold campus open days and organise tours of the University so pupils, their families and teachers can experience first hand what the University has to offer. Events often involve student ambassadors who are able to provide real insight into what life is like as a university student.