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Kids

  • Best new kid’s reads, from picture books to YA

    From Olaf Falafel's Blob Fish to the pre-teen adventure novel snapped up by Netflix and Julia Walton's latest YA romance, we've got your family summer reads covered.

  • The best of outdoor art in Bucks and Oxon 2022

    Sculpture, photography and street art... we've rounded up the best temporary and permanent art you can enjoy en plein air (beret optional)

  • The Chilterns: home of epic family days out & mini-breaks

    Not everyone is lucky enough to have an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on their doorstep, but here in Bucks and Oxon, we’ve got a veritable pastoral playground in the shape of the gorgeous Chilterns (which of course stretches right into Beds and Herts as well!) and Chilterns Tourism is a great resource for family […]

  • Queen Anne’s, Caversham

    Muddy says: A dynamic girls' day and boarding school that's revolutionising the way teens are taught. Set in 34 acres it boasts 'wow' facilities, results and a cool sixth form centre.

  • Has the IB finally overtaken A levels as the smart choice for kids?

    The International Baccalaureate is admired by universities, respected by companies and gaining traction in the UK with online school Kings InterHigh offering the first ever fully-virtual IB from Sept 22. What’s the fuss about? We ask Head of Sixth Form Alessandro Capozzi

  • Beacon Boys

    The Beacon School, Amersham

    Leading single sex prep school in the UK, The Beacon has an impressively inclusive, family feel to it, with a focus on pastoral care and turning out well-rounded boys.

  • oratory school outside garden green timber frame

    The Oratory Prep School, Goring Heath

    Academically strong with excellent pastoral care, The Oratory Prep School in Oxfordshire is a co-ed Catholic day and boarding school set in 65 pretty acres.

  • St Edward’s School

    Looking for a city school? St Edward's School in Summertown, Oxford is a corker, with half of the cohort taking the IB rather than A-levels. Read on for the Muddy verdict.

  • KA-BOOM! lands with a bang at The Story Museum, Oxford

    Need something to keep mini artists entertained this month? This new exhibition exploring the art of the comic book is a dead cert to spark their imaginations

  • Man the forts! The best castles within 90 minutes

    Ready for a right royal day out? We've rounded up 12 of the coolest castles in Bucks, Oxon and beyond for the Jubilee weekend. Tiara at the ready, let's go!

  • Cokethorpe School (Senior), Witney

    A rural, relaxed mixed school set in a Bridgerton-esque stately home. The grounds are stunning, facilities are strong, and there’s an all-rounder focus that will appeal to many.

  • Parents Get Lost! Summer camp is a kids-only paradise

    Arrrrgh! Adopt the brace position for the long summer holiday. Shrug off the parental guilt and send your child to camp. It's a US import that kids love. We found just the place…

  • Doing the 11+? Meet your child’s new online BFF

    Entering your child into grammar or private school exams and steeling yourself for eye-watering tuition fees and homework battles? Relax your shoulders (and, er, put the gin bottle back) - here are 5 reasons new online platform Paideia can help.

  • Stressed or unhappy child? Here’s how to help

    Have a kid that's struggling with their feelings? Take five and read these five nuggets of advice from author Poppy O'Neill before you tear your hair out.

  • Kids & eco anxiety: how to tackle it

    Getting past the doom and gloom to focus on positive action isn't always easy - but here's how from Leisa Stewart-Sharpe, who's written books for Sir David Attenborough's TV series

  • Christmas gift guide: for tweens & teens

    Wondering what to get those mopey teens? From TikTok gadgets to trendy fashion to the all-important skincare, here are 28 hand-picked gift ideas they'll love (even if they won't admit it).

  • Does the world need another online school?

    Pearson Online Academy UK Global thinks so! With the launch of the educational behemoth's founding school in September, Muddy gets the lowdown from Principal Jo Vigneron

  • Their words: what kids really think of online school

    What if you're too scared to put your hand up in class, too exhausted to get out of bed, struggle with SEN, or too busy playing golf? Four kids explain why they made the switch and what they think of life at InterHigh, an online school.

  • May’s top releases for Children’s Book Week

    It's Children's Book Week! Need some new reading material for your little bookbugs? These seven new releases should have them captivated (and quiet).

  • The 7 questions everyone asks about online schools

    Where does the social side, sport and extra-curricular come in to virtual education, and what about a timetable and exams? We tackle the big questions about online schools

  • No Easter childcare? We’ve got it sorted

    Can’t bear to have kids lolling around the house over the Easter hols? No fear: help is at hand with the return of Ultimate Activity Camps across the Muddy counties.

  • Half-term hack: the best online courses for kids

    Run out of ways to entertain the kiddos? Check out Muddy's list of the best online classes and workshops that you can do from anywhere across the country, just in time for half-term.

  • Harrow School online – your prayers answered?

    Combining Harrow's heritage with leading online tech, Harrow School Online offers co-ed learning for ages 16-18. We spoke to the new head for the full lowdown.

  • FREE specialist fitness class for tweens and teens

    The brilliant online FitLife Academy focuses on fun classes for 10-15 year olds. Try for free and, if they like it, use our Muddy exclusive deal to keep them active (and out of your hair) all month!

  • Stop fussing! And other lockdown lessons

    Parenting can be a little fraught when you're essentially under siege in your own house. So we decided to talk to our young people to find out what they think we could be doing better.

  • How to help your kids get the careers they want

    It’s never been tougher for young people to find a foothold on the labour market so how, as parents, can we help them get ahead?

  • 6 reasons to consider InterHigh

    If you're one of the many parents considering an alternative to mainstream education right now, virtual school InterHigh could be the answer to your prayers.

  • 10 of the best subscription boxes for kids

    Running on empty when it comes to entertaining the kids? Royal Mail comes up trumps with these brilliant subscription boxes – time to sit with a gin and wait for the postman.

  • How to manage back-to-school anxiety

    With the nation’s schoolchildren poised to go back to school, it’s a tense time for everyone. So, how, as parents, should we control our fears? Muddy finds out.

  • Children's books

    10 books for younger kids

    Kids have had a lot on their plates: no school, no play dates, and slim chance of a summer of fun in the sun. Here's 10 great book for ages 5-8 to create a fictional escape route from the madness.

  • Is it time to try an online school?

    With many children struggling to study at home and doubts over September start dates, specialist ‘virtual’ schools are gaining huge traction - but what do they offer that’s different?

  • Parent ‘Lockdown learning’ survey – the results

    Earlier this month we commissioned our own comprehensive survey amongst Muddy readers into Lockdown Learning – and we’ve been blown away by the response! Thank you to the 1200 of you who expressed how you felt about virtual-schooling, the difficulties you and your children were facing, as well as revealing surprise success stories and offering […]

  • Kids driving you nuts? The best parenting books

    And we all thought parenting was hard BEFORE lockdown. Jeez! We've got five brilliant new books that promise to help.

  • To school or not to school?

    It's the dilemma that's dividing the nation - is it safe to send our children back to school on Monday? Two Muddy editors, one pro and one against, explain why they've made their personal decision.

  • 5 things I’ve learned about motherhood

    Acclaimed author (and Muddy favourite) Clover Stroud is in the midst of raising her 5 children. Miraculously she's found time to write a book about it all. Here's a taster.

  • Easter activities SORTED!

    Are you in Half-Term recovery mode? Now the kids are back at school (praise be), plan for an easier Easter with Barracudas Activity Day Camps – I reckon your ankle-biters will love it.

  • J’adore/ J’abhor

    Parlez-vous teen slang? The language barrier has always been a problem when it comes to parent/child communications. Do you find the way your little darlings speak totally basic or, like, lit?

  • Your ultimate Autumn Walks guide

    Grab your kids, your besties, your dog and anyone else who is free to join you on our first Autumn Walks initiative with Joules - and win coats and wellies for the whole family!

  • Sweetest summer fashion

    There's no shortage of gorgeous children's companies, but high street brand Joules is our pick for the best-dressed kids on the beach.

  • Cute babywear

    Is there a new little prince or princess in your family too? Click this way for the cutest newborn clothes around. Awwww!

Reader Treats Just For You!