Welcome to Reception at Winston Way Academy

Where Happy Children Thrive, Learn and Shine

Choosing your child's first school is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. At Winston Way Academy, we understand just how significant those first school experiences are, and we are committed to ensuring every child feels happy, safe, valued and excited to learn from their very first day.

Our Reception provision is a vibrant, nurturing and inspiring environment where children develop confidence, independence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. Through carefully planned play, engaging experiences and high-quality teaching, we help every child build the strong foundations they need to flourish throughout their primary education and beyond.

With three Reception classes and places for up to 90 children each year, we create a warm and welcoming community where every child is known, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.

We are incredibly proud that Winston Way Academy was selected as Redbridge's only school to showcase excellence in Early Years and Attendance as part of the London RISE Open Education Fortnight.

This pan-London initiative celebrates outstanding educational practice and provides opportunities for schools across the capital to learn from one another. Throughout March 2026, we welcomed educators from across London to see our Early Years provision in action, observe our teaching and learning, and explore the approaches that help our children thrive.

Being chosen to host these events reflects the strength of our Early Years practice and our commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for every child.

Why Parents Choose Winston Way

At Winston Way Academy, our Reception children benefit from:

• A nurturing and caring environment where every child feels valued.
• Outstanding relationships between staff, children and families.
• Engaging indoor and outdoor learning spaces designed to spark curiosity.
• A rich curriculum that develops communication, language, literacy and mathematical understanding.
• High expectations alongside excellent pastoral care.
• Opportunities for creativity, exploration and discovery through purposeful play.
• A smooth transition into school, helping children develop confidence and independence.
• Membership of United Learning, one of the country's leading educational trusts.

We believe that children learn best when they feel secure, happy and inspired. Our dedicated Early Years team works closely with families to ensure every child feels a strong sense of belonging from the moment they join our school community.

To find out more about the outcomes achieved by our pupils, please visit our Results and Performance page.

Our school's admissions are managed by the London Borough of Redbridge. For full details on how to apply, please visit the Redbridge Admissions website.

Children usually start Reception in the September following their fourth birthday, and applications are typically submitted in the Autumn term of the year before. Places are allocated in the late Spring or early Summer term. If a place is not offered, parents have the right to appeal through the local authority.

If you have any questions regarding your application, Redbridge Admission Team can be contacted at:

London Borough of Redbridge – Admissions and Awards
Lynton House, 255–259 High Road, Ilford, IG1 1NN
Phone: 020 8708 3121
Email: admissions@redbridge.gov.uk

If you need assistance in applying for a Reception school place for your child, feel free to contact our office and we will be happy to help. 

Winston Way Academy - a Place to Belong, Learn and Succeed