Admissions

Woodside Academy is a specialist educational environment with tailored provision which strives to help autistic children thrive and experience success at all stages of their education and for life after school.

Woodside caters for children and young people who

are aged 4-19
have a formal diagnosis of Autism and are working at earlier developmental levels than their chronological age
have an EHCP
will be working below national expectations relative to their age
may also have additional neurodivergent diagnoses, such as ADHD, Dyslexia and others
may be verbal or non-verbal
may have a range of sensory needs and differences
Ideally, they will be able to access and achieve success in a class environment of up to 10 children with 1 teacher and 2 adults
will be able to successfully access the class environments, access the curriculum, engage in structured activities, and build on their independence as they move up through the school.

Although we are a designated educational provision for those with Autism, this does not mean that Woodside is the best environment for all autistic children and young people.

For example, we do not offer a qualification pathway to GCSE level qualifications and so we would not be able to support children who can access these to reach their educational potential.

Our environment, our expertise, curriculum and resourcing mean that we are not equipped for children who have more complex and severe needs. Our provision complements the other support that is available within the London Borough of Bexley. This includes 'Resourced Provisions' attached to mainstream schools and other specialist settings.

Autistic children and young people develop and hit important educational milestones at different times as they are unique. Should it become apparent that a child placed at Woodside requires higher adult-facilitated support or a different educational expertise or environment, then we will raise our concerns with transparency with parents and carers through the Annual Review process.

These criteria aim to ensure that all of our children and young people receive the appropriate support and resources to thrive throughout their educational journey

Summer born children The evidence for children with complex needs is that the sooner they are in school, with multi professional input and support, the better. At Woodside we will not place a child out of year group as the highly personalised nature of the curriculum and our specialist approach mean that needs can be met within the appropriate age group. Decisions will be made on a case by case basis, in line with current legislation and guidance on ‘deferred entry under summer born criteria’, unless stated in the child’s EHCP that the child will be educated out of year group.

The Local Authority is responsible for making decisions regarding placements at Woodside Academy.

We are providing insight into Woodside Academy via the virtual tour which can be found on the home page.

Information about the Local Authority's SEN admissions can be found here. For information on Post 16, please contact the school directly.

Classes for the 2025-2026 cohort are now full.

Tour dates for 2025-2026 will to be published here shortly