Notable colleges and universities in reading
Reading plays host to a number of renowned educational institutions that have made their mark on the UK learning landscape. Here are some of the best.
University of Reading
The University of Reading is considered one of the 10 most research-intensive universities in the UK. It is also among the top 200 universities in the world. The university’s reputation for teaching, research, and business is world-class.
Built in 1892, the University of Reading received its Royal Charter in 1926 and established a long tradition of research, education and training locally, nationally and internationally.
The university has twice received the Queen’s Anniversary award for higher and higher education, which it won in 1998 and 2005. Today, it boasts a strong multicultural environment, with more than 3,000 international students from 120 countries.
The college campus is located just two miles from downtown Reading and offers a full suite of college courses. The grounds cover about 1.6 square kilometers and span three different campuses: Whiteknights Campus, London Road Campus, and Blumershe Campus.
Whiteknights Campus, the largest of the three, is named after the White Knight, John De Erleigh IV, a 13th century gentleman. It includes forests, meadows, and Whiteknights Lake, as well as the University’s main library, which contains about a million books. The London Road Campus is the original site of the university and still hosts annual graduation ceremonies. Meanwhile, the Bulmershe Court campus, located in Woodley, houses the Institute of Education and the School of Health and Social Work, as well as the university’s largest student residence.
In addition, the university owns some farmland in the villages of Arborfield, Sonning and Shinfield, where several research centers can be found, including the iconic Dairy Research Center. The university is also associated with Gyosei International College, a British / Japanese bicultural learning institution that represents Reading’s significant Japanese student population.
Thames Valley University
Reading also boasts of having one of the largest universities in England, Thames Valley University, which has a student population of around 45,000, including more than 20,000 full-time students.
Located in Thames Valley, the university was previously known as Reading College and School of Arts and Design. The Reading campus is one of three Thames Valley campuses, the other two are in London and Slough. Courses offered include healthcare, health sciences, media, music, and a variety of professional business disciplines.
Thames Valley University is the largest provider of skilled workforce for businesses in West London and Thames Valley. It began as the Lady Byron School in 1860. Four different universities merged in 1990 and became known as the Polytechnic of West London. It was renamed two years later as Thames Valley University.
By merging this unique set of institutions, Thames Valley University has developed an unconventional appeal, primarily for students from West London and Thames Valley. Many of them choose to travel from home to attend this university. The vocational training courses it offers are also unique and cannot be found anywhere else. According to 2006 estimates, nearly half of students are from non-white ethnic groups, while 60% only attend school part-time.
In general, the university has four faculties. These are the College of Arts (formerly London College of Music and Media), the College of Professional Studies, the College of Health and Human Sciences, and the College of Technology. Academia 14-19, which is one of the university’s departments, offers GCSE and A level courses. Then there is the Graduate School in Ealing, which offers research degree courses and support for research projects. In addition, there is a Thames Valley University Student Union that provides representation to students.
Padworth College and Parkland Language School
Reading is also home to a number of business English summer schools, the most notable of which are Padworth College and Parkland Language School.
Opened in 1963, Padworth College began as a sixth-grade girls’ boarding school that became coeducational only in 2005. It now admits students between the ages of 13 and 19. The university is located between Burghfield Common and Tadley. It is based in the local manor house known as Padworth House, which was the home of the Darby-Griffith military family during the 18th century.
Meanwhile, Parkland Language School runs summer English courses to students between the ages of 11 and 17. It is nestled amid several acres of stunning parkland in one of England’s most renowned private boarding schools.