We’re proud to be the top choice for families looking for Reception classes in Cambridge.
Where curiosity meets a warm welcome
We warmly welcome children to join our Reception class – whether moving seamlessly from our Unicorns Nursery, or an external nursery or school setting. Our Early Years team works hard to create a nurturing environment where play-based learning not only lays the foundations for future success, but also makes every day an exciting adventure for our pupils. From phonics to creative exploration, we strive to make children feel happy, safe, and ready to grow during their transition into school life.
Bursary Places available for Reception this September
We’re proud to provide an extraordinary education for local families. Find out if you qualify by speaking with our team today.
Why should you choose Reception at Sancton Wood School?
- Expert early years team: Our qualified, dedicated Reception teachers understand every stage of early childhood development and are experts at what they do best – providing an unbeatable school experience for our pupils.
- Play-based learning: We strive to make learning fun, with structured play sessions building core skills in literacy, numeracy and creativity, and a solid foundation for future learning.
- Smooth transition from nursery: Families joining from our Unicorns Nursery or other settings are supported through a careful, caring transition process to make the change as easy as possible for both parent and child.
- Arts, sport and music from day one: Enrichment begins in Reception, with music, movement and creative arts woven into day adventures to make school an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.
- Dedicated Reception classroom: We have a purposefully designed space scaled especially for our younger children, with indoor and outdoor learning environments and plenty of space to play and engage in activities.
- Cambridge city centre location: Our school is easily accessible from across Cambridge and surrounding villages, with outstanding transport links just on the doorstep.
Frequently asked questions
If you can’t find your answer below, be sure to contact our team through the form below and we’ll get back to you with the answer!
Do you need to pass an assessment to join Reception at Sancton Wood?
My child is currently at a different nursery — will they still settle in easily?
What does a typical Reception day look like at Sancton Wood?
Are bursaries available for Reception places?
If my child starts in Reception, are they guaranteed a place all the way through to Sixth Form?
What is the class size in Reception, and how much individual attention will my child receive?
No — Sancton Wood operates a non-selective intake, which means there is no entrance exam or formal assessment for Reception entry. We welcome children of all abilities and backgrounds. Our admissions process focuses on getting to know your child and family, and ensuring Sancton Wood is the right fit for you.
Absolutely. While many of our Reception children join from our own Unicorns Nursery, we regularly welcome children from a wide range of other nursery settings. Our Early Years team has a carefully planned transition programme to help every new child feel safe, confident and at home from their very first day.
Reception at Sancton Wood balances structured learning with plenty of purposeful play. Children experience daily phonics and early mathematics alongside creative activities, outdoor learning, music and movement. Days are designed to be stimulating but never overwhelming — our small class sizes mean teachers can follow each child’s pace and build on what excites them most.
Yes. Sancton Wood offers means-tested bursary support through the Dukes Foundation, with places available for Reception this September. If the cost of independent education has felt out of reach, we’d encourage you to get in touch with our admissions team to find out whether your family may qualify.
Children who join in Reception become part of the Sancton Wood family for their entire school journey if they choose to stay. Whilst each transition between key stages involves a review of progress, the vast majority of our pupils continue seamlessly from Prep through to Senior School and beyond. Starting in Reception gives your child the stability of one school, one community, and relationships with teachers and peers that grow stronger every year.
Reception classes at Sancton Wood are intentionally small, ensuring every child is genuinely known by their teacher — not just their name, but their interests, their learning style, and where they need a little extra encouragement. Our Early Years staff maintain a high adult-to-child ratio, meaning no child gets lost in the crowd during those crucial first months of school. This individual attention is at the heart of why our children settle quickly, make strong progress, and — most importantly — genuinely love coming to school.
Register your interest for Reception 2026
Ready to speak with our team about joining our Reception? Complete our short form below and our team will be in touch within 24 hours to speak with you and discuss next steps.