It really depends on various factors. Why have you chosen Reading, presumably because of a job? Whereabouts is that job, if you were to live outside Reading and commute? You may like Reading, it's just not a nice town IMO and I'm a complete country girl so would never live in a town. I live just a few miles from central Reading but very rurally. I love the fact that most days I don't see another living creature other than deer or guinea fowl in the garden, but we can be in central London in 40 minutes. Most areas around Reading are very good for families, it will really depend on what suits you and where in Reading you'll need to get to for work. The best thing to do is plan at least a week here and drive around. You won't be able to visit schools in the summer unfortunately, but you can at least narrow down areas.

It is VERY competitive (something like 1000 girls sit the exam each year for 96 places). It and also won't suit every girl. My daughter took the exam and passed, but decided it wasn't for her. It's a high pressure school so only suitable if your child is very driven, confident and academic. It's also single sex, which again my daughter wasn't keen on. I'd doubt your daughter would pass the Kendrick exam if she's not been educated in a British system, but if you did want to try for it then the exam is early September and the only open days are fairly soon IIRC, so you'd need to plan a quick trip over to see it. You'd also need to move earlier, as you have to be living in catchment in August to be eligible for a place.

HTH.

It’s so nice of you! Thanks again for your advice and information!

We chose Reading because my friends recommended that it’s a vibrant place and close to London, and with good schools. Will surely travel around in summer to explore more!!

Actually, we’re interested in Green Park Village, does it belong to Central Reading? Do you know about that place?

christmasoompa and BritInParis, you two are amazing! Thanks so much for your comments and information. In fact, I’ve been to UK only once and then decided to migrate here with the family, and we haven’t even found a job yet. It’s a big decision for us!

We used to be living in a very busy city which we think is too hectic for us, so we’re looking for places which will be more relaxed but at the same time can access to shops and restaurant easily. I’m not sure if we can adapt if it’s completely the other extreme which we can’t see a living creature most of the days. =p

UK is so big and we don’t know the place well, so it would be a great help if you can name more of the nice countrysides surrounding Reading (like Bracknell, Twyford) and the names of the good schools around so that I can do more research.

I know I can check the Ofsted report for good schools, but I think the rating alone may not be the whole picture, so it would be great if I can hear more local wisdom from you.

Thanks a million in advance!

Do you mean that there’s another thread? Where can I find it? Thanks!

We chose Reading simply because my friend recommended it to us. Seems it’s not as busy and expensive as London, yet you can go to London within half an hour train, and most importantly, we heard that the schools in the area are good.

I’m looking at one of the popular schools you mentioned Bohunt, it looks very nice with good facilities. Any strategy to get into those schools? If we’re not in the feeder primary school, is it the only thing we can do is to find a house close to the school?

Many thanks!

It is a fabulous school, was brand new 3 years ago so yes, very good facilities. But from what you've said it wouldn't suit you, you'd have to live within about a mile of it to be sure of getting in, and that would mean no restaurants and shops within walking distance other than one small village shop.

Not all schools have feeder schools (Bohunt doesn't for instance), but if not then yes, it's done on distance. Have you read the documents linked to above? They clearly set out the various categories for school admissions and explain it all, generally speaking you'll have children with special needs or children of staff first, then siblings in the catchment area, then children in the catchment area (closest first getting places), then all others.

Thanks christmasoompa! I’ll do more research. Thanks a lot!

After doing some research, we want to live near Bohunt School in order to get in. I am comparing Nightingale Field vs Kingsley Park. Any comment about the two development sites? Which developer is better, Crest Nicholson or Redrow? Many thanks!

We do have some savings to support. Will find job when we settle down.