International Students with Families

For information on accommodation available within the University for families please visit the University's accommodation webpages.

For information on how to find privately rented family accommodation please visit the Student's Union webpages.

Schooling

UK state schools are run by the local education authorities and are free up to the age of 16.

If your child is under 16 and will be with you in Cardiff as your dependant for more than 6 months then they should be able to go to a state school free of charge.

The state system is divided into 3 types of school:

• Nursery school (3-5 years of age)
• Primary school (5-11 years of age)
• Secondary school (11-16 years of age)

Find a school

For further information and a list of the state schools in and around the Cardiff area visit the Cardiff Council website or phone +44 (0)29 2087 2087.

Children for whom English is a second language

If you think your child will need support with their English Language, then this is available through Cardiff Councils’ Ethnic Minority Achievement Service and children are supported in their own school. Your child’s school teacher should be able to access this additional English language support for your child.

The cost of childcare in the UK is relatively high. International students should budget accordingly.

University facilities

The University Day Care Centre provides childcare for children aged ten weeks to five years. It caters for up to 64 children and demand for places is extremely high.

Family Information Service

Cardiff Council's Family Information Service is designed to make it easy for parents to find all of the information they need about a broad range of services for children including a searchable childcare database. The Family Information Service Team are on hand to provide additional information, advice, guidance and support if you cannot find what you are looking for on their website or you need more detailed information. You can contact them on +44 (0)29 2035 1700.

Private nurseries

For a list of private nurseries in the Cardiff area please go to the Cardiff Nurseries website.

Childminders

Childminders work from home providing childcare to children of various ages. Childminders must be registered and inspected regularly. For information go to the Cardiff Council website, or phone +44 (0)29 2035 1700.