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Family Support2 Children playing at a family event in College

Ustinov College welcomes students and their families from all over the world. We know that bringing your family to Durham can be a dauting process, so the information we provide is intended to provide assistance and guidance. The content is based on information we have received from parents, children and the Local Education Authority.

As a postgraduate College, we have a number of members who have come to Durham with their families. Many choose to live in Ustinov College accommodation at Keenan House, Dryburn Court, where they can meet other families and develop support networks, and others live in the local community. All students with families are welcome to seek the college's help in settling into life in Durham.

There are a range of events at our family site, including an extremely creative Halloween party where children dress up and win prizes, a popular Easter event, incorporating an egg hunt in the gardens of the College Principal, as well as films and art activities. Events like the barbecue are open to all and younger 'members' actively participate. Events are open to all members, living in or out.

Accommodation for families

Ustinov College welcomes students and their families from all over the world. We offer couples and family College accommodation at Ustinov. Our College residences are based on two different locations, Sheraton Park and Dryburn Court.

Couples accommodation is based at both locations. Family accommodation is based at Dryburn Court in Keenan House.
Click here to read more about our two locations.

Available accommodation:

14 Studios (Sheraton Park)
16 one-bedroom flats (Dryburn Court)
46 two-bedroom flats (Dryburn Court)
8 three-bedroom flats (Dryburn Court)

Keenan House, Dryburn Court - one, two and three bedroom flats

Dryburn Court, opened in September 2005, contains one, two and three bedroom flats for couples and for families with children. Car parking is available, and there is a small playground for children. Dryburn Court is just over one and a half miles to Elvet Riverside, two miles to the library and two and a half miles to Sheraton Park.

Keenan House flats include:

  • double bed and mattress in each double room
  • single bed and mattress in each single room
  • wardrobes and small set of drawers in each bedroom and 1 fitted desk in one bedroom
  • 1 x 2 seater sofa, table and chairs
  • kitchen with electric cooker, washing machine, fridge/freezer, toaster, kettle, microwave and vaccum cleaner
  • bathroom with shower curtain and toilet brush
Applying for a school place

If your child is between the ages of 5 and 16, then they are required to have full-time education. It is the parent's responsibility to ensure that their child has access to full-time education, and to attend. State schools are free for children between the ages of 5 and 18. Younger children may attend nursery school from age 3. This is also free in state nurseries but in private nurseries fees vary between £25 and £40 per day.

All state schools in County Durham are co-educational. That means boys and girls are taught in the same class. There are some Church of England and Roman Catholic schools, but no Muslim or Jewish faith schools in Durham.

You can contact the school directly for more information about the school. To apply for a place in a school, you have to apply through the Local Education Authority, Durham County Council. We advise you to contact their School admissions and transport department as soon as you possibly can. The closing date for applications to schools is usually very early, so if you are new to Durham, you will have to make a late application.

If you would like more information, please contact the the College Student Support Team who can help you with the process of applying for a school place for your child.