Reading is a great place for families. There are various things to see and do in and around the area. There are country parks, museums, farms, cultural events and the Annual Children’s Festival. Many of the activities and places to visit in the area are free of charge.

Visit WhatsOn Reading for events or visit this website for days out with the kids in and around Berkshire.

Universal Voices is a free choir for children aged 7-12, directed by Dr Rebecca Berkley at the Institute of Education, University of Reading. They rehearse on Wednesdays in school term time, 16.00 - 17.30 in building L29 on the London Road Campus. Book your child's free place or email universalvoices@reading.ac.uk.

You may need to provide records of vaccinations for illnesses such as measles, mumps and rubella when applying for a place at nursery.

If you are bringing (or have) family members to the UK with you, it can be a little more complicated. The Newcomers' Group is a supportive and welcoming community where family members of UK and international students and staff at the University of Reading can meet informally.

The group provides an opportunity for dependents and families of UK and international students and staff, who are often far from home, to meet others in a similar situation. It is completely free, and coffee, tea and biscuits are provided.

The activities are informal and cater for all levels of English. There are toys for the children who always enjoy the international language of play, while the parents can chat and improve their grasp of English and understanding of British culture.

If you are studying for a PhD, you can meet other students who have children by joining this Facebook group.

For students who are bringing family with them to Reading, we strongly advise that suitable accommodation is arranged before travel to the UK. Please be aware that the University have extremely limited family accommodation on campus and this is booked up in advance. You can check availability by contacting the Accommodation Office.

The majority of families are accommodated in private accommodation off campus which they acquire themselves. To secure private accommodation you may be asked for a deposit, advance rent payment (which could be equivalent to six months’ rent in advance) or to provide a UK guarantor. The University does not have any ability to assist students in securing private accommodation. For further information on finding private accommodation in the UK please see the Reading Student Union housing advice pages.

If you or your partner are pregnant and/or have the child here in the UK, it is important to know the following information. A baby born in the UK does not automatically get British Citizenship. If you or your partner are pregnant or have had a child born in the UK, it is important that you get in touch with one of our International Student Advisers about next steps. Find out more about requirements for dependent applications.

Childcare in the UK provide information on childminders, free childcare, parental leave, laws on leaving children home alone, finding babysitters and general information and guidance.

Please see our information on schooling in the UK on this webpage.

 

Helpful resources:

Across the UK there are five stages of education: early years, primary, secondary, further education (colleges/sixth form) and higher education (universities).

The academic year in the UK runs from September until July and the year is split into three terms, autumn, spring and summer. 

In the autumn term, students will receive a two week Christmas break whether they celebrate Christmas or not. There is another two week break around Easter and a longer Summer vacation from the end of July to the beginning of the new school year. There will also be half term breaks midway through each term. Schools may differ with regards to break dates, so please check directly with your child’s school.

All you need to know about different types of schools in the UK.

The education system here in the UK may be different to the one back in your home country. The table below will help you to identify which school you want your child to go to. 

There are different types of schools in the UK and these are detailed below:

1. State schools are run by the local authority and free to all children under 18.

2. Academy schools receive funding directly from the government and are run by an academy trust. They are also free to all children under 18.

3. Special schools are for children with additional needs.

4. Free schools are funded by the government but are not run by the local authority. They have more control over how they do things.

5. Faith schools are where a particular faith is practiced and encouraged.

6. City technology colleges are independent schools in urban areas that are free to go to. They’re funded by central government. Companies can also contribute.

7. State boarding schools provide free education but charge fees for boarding.

8. Private schools charge fees to attend and pupils do not have to follow the national curriculum.

The best way to find out more about a school is to look at their website. Schools in the UK are rated by a governing body called Ofsted from ‘Outstanding’ to ‘Inadequate’, so this will be mentioned on website, as well as other things that will help you get an idea of what the school is like. Find out more about a school’s performance/grade.

More information about school terminology

The ‘applying for school’ journey checklist

All you need to know about the types of application and how to apply.

Find out how to apply to primary and secondary school places for your child(ren).

If you’re applying from another country, contact the Reading Borough Council or Wokingham Borough Council, depending on where you plan to live.

You may need to supply proof of your new address (tenancy agreements, council tax letters/bills and mortgage completion documents), and prove that you’ll live in the area before the start of the next school term.

Appeals

If your child does not get offered a place you have applied for, you have the right to appeal. Find out more information about admission appeals for Reading Borough Council and Wokingham Borough Council.

In-year admission

Applications for school places 'in-year' are for admission during the school year, instead of the normal point of entry in September. Find out more about in-year admissions.

If you miss the deadline for in-year applications, you can still apply for a school, but the application process will be different. Find out more about late applications (applications submitted after the beginning of September).

The school system in the UK is ‘catchment’ based. Each school has a designated area which is called its ‘catchment area’. This means your child will be more likely to get a place at a school in the catchment area of where you are living (this will usually, but not always, be the closest school). You can apply for a school outside of your catchment area if you find a school you like, but it may be less likely your child will be given a place.

Reading Borough Council

Primary/infant and junior school applications

Secondary school applications

Finding your designated/catchment areas

 

Wokingham Borough Council

Primary/ infant and junior school applications

Secondary school applications

Finding designated/catchment areas

 

Neighbouring Local Authority school admission

Bracknell Forest District Council

Oxfordshire County Council

Slough Borough Council

The Royal Borough of Maidenhead and Windsor

In the UK children usually start school (reception) in September after they have turned four years old. However, if your child is born during the summer period, you can request to delay the entry to reception for a year, though it may not always be granted.

School leaving age can depend on where you live. Find out more about how long your child needs to stay in education.

If you child is enrolled in school and under the age of 16, you must report if your child is absent. If you do not, the school may contact you. You will need to call the school in the morning to inform them or report the absence via other means if appropriate. Check with the school in advance what their policy is on reporting absences, as each school has different procedures.

When can my child miss school?

Your child can miss school if they are too ill to attend.

Your child can miss school if you have been given permission in advance by the school. For example, to attend an event (e.g. Eid). If you would like to take your child out of school during term time, you must seek permission from the school in advance.  Your child’s headteacher will decide if the absence can be authorised during term time and how many days your child can be away from school.

Your child’s school and local council can use various legal powers, if they see your child is missing school without a good reason. For instance, you may be prosecuted, fined, attend compulsory classes etc. Find out more information on the legal actions.

If your child has medical needs or has disabilities which are preventing them from attending school, you should inform the school as soon as you can, as they must make reasonable adjustments for them.

It is important to plan and make sure your child gets to school on time and is picked up on time. If you cannot pick your child up and require someone else to pick them up, do inform the school as the school needs to ensure safety of the child.

Information if you need help getting your child to attend school.

Information about school attendance and absence.