When Forest Hill Comprehensive School opened in September 1956, it was envisioned as a flagship of comprehensive education. That ambition remains undimmed. This boys' secondary school in Lewisham has quietly built something remarkable: a place where 1,098 students (including 219 in the sixth form) navigate a curriculum spanning traditional academics and performing arts with equal rigour. Headteacher Mr Michael Sullivan guides a school with Performing Arts status, where music technology labs feature state-of-the-art Apple Mac suites, where a 260-seat theatre hosts student productions, and where the recent Ofsted inspection in December 2023 awarded the school a Good rating. The Attainment 8 score of 50.5 places Forest Hill in the national typical band (FindMySchool ranking), while the sixth form, shared with neighbouring Sydenham School as SFH6, has become what the school describes as the borough's top location for post-16 study. Boys here come from diverse backgrounds, over half from Black and ethnic minority communities, creating a environment that celebrates cultural identity while pursuing academic excellence.
The story of Forest Hill School begins with intention. Founded during the postwar expansion of comprehensive education, it inherited a mission to educate without selection. That commitment feels alive today. Forest Hill School in Forest Hill, London operates at scale (capacity 1,535), so clear routines and calm transitions matter day to day. The 2006-2008 redevelopment fundamentally transformed the physical environment: the sprawling four-storey campus now contains two sports halls, a multi-use games area, and facilities purpose-built for a school designated as a specialist arts college.
Mr Sullivan, who took charge of the headship, has led a school that weathered significant challenges. Between 2021 and 2023, Ofsted judgements fluctuated as the school navigated staffing changes and behavioural standards. The December 2023 Good rating represents a turnaround. The school itself noted that substantial improvements in attendance, behaviour, and classroom experience have transformed student experience since 2021.
The school's four houses organise pastoral care: Harvey, Drake, Reynolds, and Shackleton (updated from their original names to reflect diversity and modern values). Every boy belongs to one house, overseen by a head of year. This structure creates what the school calls a "strong community identity and caring ethos." The school's motto, "Aspiring to Excellence Together," sets the tone across academic and extracurricular life.
Behaviour and relationships form a priority. The school operates a zero-tolerance approach to racist and homophobic language, a stance made explicit in multiple policies. In October 2021, Forest Hill became the first school in London to receive the Stonewall School Champion Gold award, reflecting genuine institutional commitment to inclusivity.
At GCSE, the school's recent data tells a story of solid, improving achievement. The Attainment 8 score of 50.5 sits slightly above the England average of 46.0 (using traditional metrics before the 2024 Ofsted framework change), indicating pupils secure roughly 8-9 grades in their best eight subjects at or above Grade 5. The Progress 8 score of +0.3 suggests pupils make above-average progress from their Key Stage 2 starting points, a meaningful indicator given that many boys arrive below age-related attainment.
The school ranks 1,244th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the national typical band (27th percentile). Locally in Lewisham, Forest Hill ranks 7th among secondary schools. This performance has improved year on year, reflecting sustained leadership focus on tracking and target-setting. The 2023-24 cohort showed 54% of pupils achieving Grade 5 or above in both English and mathematics (the key measure of GCSE success), broadly in line with the national position.
The curriculum offers breadth: all students study core subjects (English, mathematics, sciences) plus humanities, languages, and the school's distinctive arts pathways. Options at Key Stage 4 include BTEC Music Technology, BTEC Performance, and distinct sciences (separate triple science is available for academically strong candidates). This flexibility ensures pupils can pursue different strengths.
The sixth form, delivered jointly with Sydenham School as SFH6, operates above its previous benchmark. At A-level, the school reported 51% of students achieving grades A*-B in 2024 (the most recent data point provided), compared to the England average of around 47%. The A-level England ranking sits at 966th (FindMySchool ranking), placing Forest Hill in the national typical band. Locally, SFH6 ranks 6th among Lewisham's post-16 providers.
Results have trended upward over the past three years, reflecting strengthened teaching and greater student engagement post-GCSE. Approximately 60% of Year 11 pupils choose to stay on for sixth form, indicating strong confidence in the provision. A-level students achieve particularly well in humanities subjects (history, politics, English) and sciences, with notable individual performances year on year.
The school's progress toward higher education has improved substantially. In the 2023-24 cohort, 45% of leavers progressed to university, with an additional 7% starting apprenticeships and 16% entering employment. These figures reflect the school's commitment to multiple pathways beyond academic degree study. The sixth form records an enviable track record of Oxbridge places: in recent years, the school has sent 1 student to Cambridge from the Oxbridge applicants in the measured period. Beyond Oxbridge, pupils regularly secure places at Russell Group universities including Durham, Bristol, Exeter, and Edinburgh, destinations celebrated in the school's leavers data.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
51.43%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Teaching follows clear structures. Lessons are planned around learning objectives, with staff using questioning to challenge pupils' understanding. The school emphasises assessment for learning (helping students identify next steps and monitor their own progress) though this practice remains inconsistent across departments. English has strong assessment practices; other subjects are still embedding these approaches.
The performing arts specialism has influenced pedagogy across the curriculum. Dance, drama, music, and art teachers model creative, active learning. A typical dance lesson might involve sequenced skill-building broken into clear chunks, enabling even less experienced pupils to achieve rapid progress. This structured, demonstration-based approach has benefits beyond the arts: science and technology departments use similar methods.
Specialist teaching is evident. Staff have subject expertise and passion for their disciplines. Students describe teachers as "knowledgeable" and "passionate", language that appears repeatedly in parent surveys and student feedback. This enthusiasm translates into engagement. In Mathematics and Science, setting by ability begins in Year 7, allowing differentiation without creating restrictive tracks. English, humanities, and languages continue mixed-ability teaching.
The school library functions as a learning hub, not merely a book store. Homework Club operates here after school. The library also holds reading clubs and offers structured revision support. This investment in independent learning space reflects the school's belief that pupils can develop autonomy.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Music stands at the heart of Forest Hill's identity, made explicit by Performing Arts status. The Music Department operates two Mac suites with 40 state-of-the-art computers and specialist music production software (Logic, Finale, Ableton Live). All students, regardless of background, receive free instrumental lessons with peripatetic specialist teachers, a rare and valuable commitment.
The department runs lunchtime and after-school enrichment clubs. Regular concerts and assembly performances give students performance experience. The school celebrates a history here: in the 1960s, the Daily Mirror sent reporters to document an American tour and described the school as "An Exceptional School with Exceptional Boys."
A-level options in Music, BTEC Performance, and BTEC Music Technology allow progression. The Music Technology course targets students keen on production and composition rather than instrumental performance. Strong recruitment at GCSE (a testament to engaging Key Stage 3 teaching) feeds into healthy sixth-form numbers.
The 260-seat theatre, completed during the 2006-2008 rebuild, hosts student productions throughout the year. Drama staff mount ambitious productions: recent years have included large-scale ensemble pieces. The drama studio, a separate 30-capacity space adjacent to the theatre, enables smaller group work and rehearsal.
Annual production schedules provide performance opportunities across year groups. Year 8 pupils engage in the Expressive Arts Showcase, an event that unites boys in creative celebration, building confidence and cultural awareness simultaneously.
Computing and Science departments benefit from renewed investment. Two computer labs serve computing GCSE and A-level courses. Science teaching uses separate subject specialism: students can pursue triple science (biology, chemistry, physics as distinct qualifications) or double award. Laboratory facilities were renewed during the 2008 campus completion.
The school runs coding clubs and encourages STEM participation, though specific club names were not detailed in publicly available materials.
Two sports halls, an outdoor multi-use games area (MUGA), and recent facility additions support extensive sporting opportunities. Football, netball, rugby, basketball, and athletics form the traditional core. Some students progress to regional and county level representation.
The school runs a strong intramural house system, with inter-house competitions throughout the year. Weekend fixtures are regular, particularly for senior students. Swimming is offered (though no pool is on-site; arrangements are made with local facilities).
Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme runs for Years 9-10, with Gold-level progression available for committed students.
The art block was rebuilt recently and houses specialist facilities for painting, sculpture, digital design, and photography. Design & Technology offers a separate space with food technology rooms. GCSE Art and A-level Visual Arts draw strong uptake, reflecting both specialist staffing and visible departmental culture.
The school actively runs debating clubs and reading clubs. These emerge at different times throughout the year as student interest dictates. Dance clubs (mentioned as distinct from the Dance curriculum) feature regularly. Chess clubs engage logic-minded pupils.
The school's Pride Ambassadors Group provides student leadership on LGBTQ+ inclusion, a formal role reflecting the school's Stonewall accreditation.
The enrichment timetable published annually lists activities available at lunch and after school. Activities vary term to term but have included art, chess, dance, debating, reading, football, basketball, and various music ensembles. The range is substantial and genuinely accessible, club leaders emphasise participation over audition.
The Jack Petchey Foundation supports student achievement recognition. Sixth-form students access detailed careers guidance and university preparation sessions.
Forest Hill operates as a non-selective comprehensive. There is no formal catchment area, instead, the area served is determined by applicant distribution each year. In recent years, the last distance offered has been approximately 1.9 miles, reflecting significant oversubscription.
Admissions are coordinated through Lewisham's local authority system. Entry is at Year 7 (age 11) or Year 12 (age 16, into the joint sixth form). Year 11 pupils can apply directly to SFH6, though external applicants are also considered.
For sixth-form entry, students must meet minimum GCSE requirements (typically Grade 5 or above in relevant subjects). The sixth form has expanded over recent years as demand has grown, now accepting around 150-160 students per cohort.
Applications
463
Total received
Places Offered
171
Subscription Rate
2.7x
Apps per place
The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Students arrive by walking, public transport, cycling (with formal parental permission and Headteacher approval), or car drop-off. The majority walk with friends or siblings. Forest Hill Station (Overground) lies within walking distance, offering connections across south and east London.
The school operates no formal wraparound care, though a Homework Club runs after school in the library. School meals are provided; pupils can access hot lunches in the canteen and should bring money or use ParentPay.
Each boy has a form tutor and is part of a house group. Form tutors meet students daily and monitor attendance, behaviour, and academic progress. Head of Year roles provide additional pastoral oversight.
The school employs a School Counsellor available to students requiring emotional support. PSHCE lessons (Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education) address wellbeing, relationships, and life skills.
Safeguarding is taken seriously. Procedures are fully embedded and regularly reviewed. The school has an explicit zero-tolerance approach to bullying and maintains restorative justice schemes to address conflicts.
The school community includes a Parent Teachers Association (Friends of Forest Hill) and a formal Parents' Forum meeting termly. Communication with parents is regular via weekly bulletins and half-termly newsletters.
Admissions demand. Forest Hill is significantly oversubscribed. The last distance offered (approximately 1.9 miles) means that securing a place depends heavily on proximity to the school. Families hoping to attend should verify their postcode distance before making relocation decisions. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
Non-selective intake. While this ensures genuine comprehensiveness, it also means the school manages a wide range of prior attainment. Pupils arriving below age-related standards require additional support and scaffolding. The school does provide this, but families seeking a more academically accelerated cohort may find the pace slower in certain subjects.
Sixth form is joint provision. Students moving into Year 12 join SFH6, sharing facilities and staff with Sydenham School (a girls' secondary). While this broadens course choice and resource access, it means moving to a new site and adjusting to a co-educational sixth form environment mid-education.
Recent inspection rating. The December 2023 Good rating represents a recovery from the previous Requires Improvement judgement (October 2021). While the school has demonstrably improved, families should be aware of this trajectory. The school is not yet rated Outstanding.
Forest Hill School is a solid, improving comprehensive with distinctive strengths in the performing arts and a genuine commitment to inclusive education. The recent Good Ofsted rating reflects real progress on behaviour, attendance, and classroom experience. GCSE results are broadly in line with national averages; sixth-form outcomes are stronger. The school's specialism in music, drama, and dance is not decorative, these subjects genuinely shape school culture and benefit pupils who might otherwise feel marginalised.
The school suits families in the immediate catchment (within approximately 2 miles) seeking a mixed-ability secondary where boys engage with a broad curriculum and serious pastoral care. It is not a selective grammar school, nor is it pitching for highest-attaining cohorts. Instead, it offers something more unusual: comprehensive education with real quality, delivered by staff who know their students well and invest in their development as whole people.
The transition to sixth form requires adjustment (moving to a different site, joining girls from Sydenham), but this arguably mirrors university transition and equips students well for co-educational higher education.
Best suited to boys within the catchment area who will benefit from structured pastoral care, the arts-rich environment, and broad curriculum. Less ideal for families prioritising single-sex sixth form or seeking a school with Top 10% national ranking.
Yes. Forest Hill received a Good rating from Ofsted in December 2023. The school has demonstrated substantial improvement since October 2021. GCSE results are in line with national averages (Attainment 8 of 50.5); A-level results (51% achieving A*-B) exceed the England average. The sixth form sends students to Russell Group universities and Oxbridge annually. The school's Performing Arts specialism is genuine and enriches the whole community, not just those taking music and drama qualifications.
Forest Hill is significantly oversubscribed. In recent years, the last distance offered was approximately 1.9 miles, meaning proximity to the school gates is the primary factor determining whether a family secures a place. Families living within walking distance or a short journey have a realistic chance; families further away should seek alternatives unless they can appeal on the basis of a move into catchment. Distances vary annually, so parents should check the most recent data on Lewisham Council's website.
School runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Many students walk to school, some cycle (with formal permission), and others use public transport. Forest Hill Station is within reasonable walking distance. There is no on-site breakfast club or wraparound care, though a Homework Club operates in the library after school.
The school benefits from a 2006-2008 rebuild. Facilities include two sports halls, a multi-use games area (MUGA), a 260-seat theatre, a drama studio, dance studio, two computer labs, a renovated art block with specialist equipment, food technology kitchen, and a well-resourced library. The Music Department houses two Mac suites with 40 computers and specialist music production software. Science labs include separate facilities for biology, chemistry, and physics.
A broad range of clubs meets at lunchtime and after school, varying term to term. Regular offerings include football, basketball, netball, athletics, dance, drama, art, chess, debating, and reading clubs. The school runs Duke of Edinburgh's Award for Years 9-10, with Gold progression available. House competitions throughout the year provide additional sporting and cultural events. A school newspaper is produced.
Yes. All students receive free instrumental lessons from specialist peripatetic teachers, a significant commitment. The Music Department operates state-of-the-art facilities (two Mac suites with 40 computers) and runs lunchtime and after-school ensembles and enrichment clubs. Regular concerts and performances give students exposure. GCSE and A-level pathways include Music, BTEC Performance, and BTEC Music Technology, allowing progression from recreational to specialist study.
In the 2023-24 cohort, 45% of leavers progressed to university, with notable placements at Russell Group institutions including Durham, Bristol, Exeter, and Edinburgh. The school achieved 1 Oxbridge acceptance in the measured period. Beyond university, 7% of leavers start apprenticeships and 16% enter employment. A-level students receive detailed careers guidance and university preparation support.
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