At Akeley Wood Junior School, our Reception pupils are known, supported, and encouraged to flourish from day one.
We want the best possible foundation
The best early education develops more than academic skills alone.
We aim to:
Build confidence
Support academic progress
Help your child feel they belong
Children who join our independent school develop confidence and a genuine love for learning, putting them on the path to success.
Looking to change schools?
Is your child's current school not the right fit? Starting Reception is a major milestone - for children and parents alike.
Does your child need:
A smaller, calmer environment?
More individual attention?
More stretch and challenge?
At Akeley Wood, our small Reception classes allow us to really know every child and support them as individuals from the very beginning.
Outstanding Early Years Outcomes
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Good Level of Development (GLD) is a statutory assessment completed at the end of the Reception year.
The resulting data shows whether a child has achieved the expected milestones across key foundational areas – specifically communication, physical development, personal/social skills, literacy, and maths – to determine their overall readiness for Year 1.
(Results from 2025 – national average of 68%)
79% of pupils
Meeting or exceeding Good Level of Development. (2025 results)
What makes Akeley Wood Junior School different?
Specialist teaching from Reception
Reception pupils benefit from specialist teaching in French, Performing Arts and cooking - helping children build confidence across a broader range of subjects from an early age.
Strong foundations in literacy and numeracy.
Akeley Wood’s Reception curriculum focuses on synthetic phonics and Maths Early Learning Goals, helping children develop secure early literacy and numeracy skills that support future academic progression.
Space to explore, discover, and grow.
Set within the Wicken Park estate, children benefit from acres of outdoor space including Forest School, sports facilities, and dedicated Reception areas designed to support active, hands-on learning. The rural setting gives children space to explore, build independence, and grow in confidence from an early age.
Learning in the great outdoors.
With weekly Forest School and further rich outdoor learning opportunities, children connect with nature and learn in natures classroom within our stunning setting.
Developing curiosity, resilience, and independence.
Through collaborative learning, problem-solving, and outdoor experiences, children are encouraged to ask questions, think independently, and develop the resilience needed to thrive throughout school life. Small classes and personalised support help every child feel known as an individual and confident to find their own voice.
Preparing children for the future.
Alongside strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, Akeley Wood develops communication, creativity, independence, and problem-solving skills through a broad and modern curriculum. Helping prepare children not only for the next stage of education, but for the future beyond school.
Get in touch today
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