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University Of Reading Listed In The Top 200 Universities In The World

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The University of Reading has maintained its place in the top 200 institutions in the QS World University Rankings 2019 published today.

The University ranked 195th overall, out of 1,000 top institutions in the world considered by the compiler, and was 29th highest out of the 76 UK institutions featured in the QS table. The consolidated position sees Reading in the top 200 institutions for the last four years.

Highlights include a strong performance globally for the ratio of international students to UK students, as well as the University’s proportion of international academics, with rising ranks of 87th (up three places) and 129th (up 25 places) respectively. This bucks the trend for universities in the UK – with 53 out of 76 universities seeing their international student ratio drop.

“This is no mean feat and we are proud to have achieved this status once again” – Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor, University of Reading

The QS World University Rankings is a respected, independent benchmark of university quality. Published annually, the league table is based on expert opinion from thousands of academics and employers around the world, as well as the analysis of citations and papers, to measure the impact of the research produced by the universities ranked.

The more detailed results for the University of Reading include:

Globally:

  • 87th globally for international student ratio – demonstrating the University’s success in attracting overseas students.
  • 129th for international faculty ratio – demonstrating the University’s success in attracting academics from overseas.
  • 215th for international employer reputation – demonstrating the University’s links with industry.

Nationally:

  • Joint 24th in the UK for international student ratio.
  • Joint 24th in the UK for international faculty ratio.
  • 27th in the UK for academic reputation.
  • 31st in the UK for employer reputation.

Sir David Bell, University of Reading Vice-Chancellor said: “This is the University of Reading’s fourth consecutive year in the top 200, according to the QS World University Rankings. This is no mean feat and we are proud to have achieved this status once again.

Reading has always had a strong international outlook and I am pleased that we continue to attract both students and academics from overseas, particularly at a time when the majority of UK institutions seem to be feeling the impact of Brexit on staff and student numbers.

We judge our success as an institution in many ways, of which league tables are one. While they are subject to fluctuation from year to year, we take encouragement from this year’s score and continue to treat the QS World University Ranking as a helpful performance indicator.

In other recent league tables, Reading was ranked 32nd in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2019 and joint 24th in the UK in the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018. Reading is currently ranked between 201-250 in the world and 32nd in the UK, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2017/18.

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Reading Labour MPs Vote Against Assisted Dying Bill

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Terminally-Ill-Adults-Bill

A deeply emotional and historic vote took place this week. The House of Commons approved the Terminally Ill Adults Bill—law that proposes to grant terminally ill persons under English and Welsh jurisdiction the right to have assisted death by a medical practitioner if it should pass the House of Lords.

The bill passed with a thin majority of 314 votes to 291 and sparked national debates brimming with saxophonic emotion. It was a free vote; that is, members of Parliament could vote according to conscience, and the party was not expected to bind them. The bill secured the support of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer but apparently was rejected by Leader of the Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch and Health Secretary Wes Streeting.

All three of Reading’s Labour MPs, Matt Rodda (Reading Central), Olivia Bailey (Reading West and Mid Berkshire), and Yuan Yang (Earley and Woodley), voted against the bill. They may well have objections rooted in such concerns as the safeguarding of vulnerable people, possible pressure being put on those with life-limiting conditions, and just the sheer moral gravity of a change of that kind.

For many people in Reading and elsewhere, this bill goes well beyond politics. It arises out of dignity, choice, and compassion for the hardest moment. Respect goes to those who voted with care and conviction; passing of this bill has been another step toward giving people in unbearable suffering the freedom to choose how and when their life ends-on their terms, with support, been one of the options, and without pain. It’s a difficult subject to deal with, but at its basic level, one of a few simple human desires is to die with dignity.

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Reading Buses Fares to Rise from 2nd June as Government Cuts Funding

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Reading buses

From Sunday 2 June, fare adjustments will take effect across the Reading Buses network. Updated pricing details are outlined below.

These changes have been introduced in response to rising operational costs, including higher employer National Insurance contributions and changes in government support. For most passengers, the fare increase will be minimal. In many cases, customers can avoid the higher fares by choosing multi-journey, weekly, or season tickets.

Government Fare Cap

On routes where single fares exceed £3, prices will continue to be capped at £3 as part of the UK Government’s Help for Households initiative.

Changes to Reading All-Bus Tickets

Government funding that previously subsidised the Reading All-Bus day ticket ended in March. As a result of this and increasing costs, some All-Bus ticket prices have been raised.


Updated Fare Information

Single Fares within Reading
Single journey fares will increase by 10p.

simplyReading Day Tickets

  • Adult: £4.50 via the app or contactless tap on, tap off; £5 if purchased from the driver
  • Boost (for young people): £4, available both via the app and from the driver
  • Group ticket (valid for up to 4 people):
    • £8 during off-peak hours (after 9.30am on weekdays, and all day on weekends and bank holidays)
    • £10 during peak hours (before 9.30am on weekdays)
    • Available on the app and from the driver

Reading All-Bus Tickets
Valid for travel on Reading Buses, Thames Valley Buses, Carousel Buses, and Thames Travel within the simplyReading zone.

  • Adult: £4.90 via the app or tap on, tap off; £5.40 from the driver,
    (Currently, it costs £4 on the app and £4.50 on the bus)
  • Young person (under 18): £4.20 (currently £3 if bought on the app)
  • Group ticket: £8.80 off-peak / £10.80 peak

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Opinion: Reading’s RingGo-Only Parking System Is Ridiculous, Not Revolutionary

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Reading Borough Council’s recent move to scrap cash and card payments for parking in favour of RingGo-only app payments isn’t just inconvenient — it’s verging on the ridiculous.

Across the town, parking machines have been “covered” — not with proper signage or professional notices — but with what look like black bin bags and hastily stuck-on paper notes held in place with bits of sellotape. These make-do signs read: “This machine is only accepting RingGo payments. Location code…” as if that explains everything.

Frankly, it’s comical — if not insulting. This slapdash presentation makes a mockery of a serious change that impacts thousands of residents, workers, and visitors.

The council claims the shift will save money, cutting annual costs from £44,000 to a leaner £29,000 by removing cash collection and maintenance fees. But what about the cost to the public?

Not everyone owns a smartphone. Not everyone is comfortable navigating apps or calling an automated line to pay for a simple parking space. This move sidelines the elderly, the less tech-savvy, and anyone without reliable access to mobile data and tourists unfamiliar with the app.

Worse still, these makeshift signs — flimsy bits of paper stuck to bin bags — give the impression of a temporary issue, not a carefully considered, permanent change. It’s a poor substitute for clear communication and thoughtful planning.

Yes, the council wants to modernise and save money. But that shouldn’t come at the expense of accessibility and common sense. Reading deserves a parking system that works for everyone — not just those who have the right app and enough battery.

If the council insists on digital-first, it must still provide physical, well-marked options and a respectful transition. Bin bags and sellotape won’t cut it.

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