Forest School, London Review 2026: Nearly Two Centuries of Independent Excellence

When the school's founders gathered in 1834, they imagined an institution of rigour and character; nearly two centuries later, Forest School sits on the edge of Epping Forest as a thriving independent all-through school for some 1,500 pupils aged 4 to 18. The 2024 ISI inspection confirmed that the school meets all standards with the early years provision identified as a particular strength. Academic results consistently excel, with three-quarters of GCSE entries at grades 9-7 and over half of A-level results at A or A*. The school remains genuinely selective at entry points, drawing from across London and beyond, yet the admission process reflects not just academic ability but a cultural fit with Forest's emphasis on individual development, intellectual curiosity, and community responsibility.

Forest School occupies a compact 30-acre campus where Grade II listed Victorian terraced buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries stand alongside modern purpose-built facilities. The chapel, rebuilt in the 1870s, anchors the campus visually and spiritually; it hosts weekly services central to school life, though the school celebrates all faiths and none. Walking the grounds, you notice the intentional separation between prep and senior sections, which creates age-appropriate atmospheres without isolation.

Mrs Claire Tao became Warden in September 2025, bringing a blend of corporate expertise and classroom experience. She trained as a biology teacher after careers in investment banking and human resources, and spent seven years as executive head across the Merchant Taylors schools in Liverpool. Her appointment signals the school's commitment to balancing heritage with contemporary educational thinking.

The school's motto, In Pectore Robur (Strength Within), appears throughout the grounds and guides daily culture. This is manifested in the school's explicit commitment to putting "the individual child at the centre of all it does" and promoting growth, hard work, diversity, responsibility, wellbeing, and community. The 2024 ISI inspection noted that leaders create "a culture of inclusivity and openness where pupils and staff express their views, contributing to the continued development of the school." Pupils describe the environment as genuinely kind; instances of bullying are rare, and when they occur, leadership response is swift and supportive.

The school's location deserves emphasis. Positioned at the edge of Epping Forest, within 10 minutes walk of Snaresbrook Underground station, Forest School offers something increasingly rare in northeast London: easy access to wild woodland alongside urban connectivity. The prep school's outdoor learning programme takes advantage of this, with weekly supervised activities in the woods where pupils learn woodland ecology and develop independence in natural settings.

GCSE Performance

In 2024, 78% of GCSE entries achieved grades 9-7 (the new A*-A equivalent), placing the school in the top 2% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking). This represents 119th in England overall, with significant local strength, ranked 1st among Waltham Forest schools (FindMySchool ranking). The reading, writing and mathematics average scaled score positions the school well above England comparisons.

These results are particularly striking given that Forest School takes a mixed intake, not selective by ability at secondary entry (though selective by interview and assessment of academic potential). Pupils progress well from their starting points. The ISI inspection explicitly noted that "academic attainment is high overall, with GCSE and A-level results well above the England average.". This reflects rigorous teaching, high expectations, and targeted intervention. The inspection also identified an area for development: strategies to support pupils are implemented less effectively in a few subjects, with school leaders already working on improvements.

A-Level Performance

At A-level in 2024, the picture is equally strong. Over 81% of entries achieved grades A*-B, again placing the school well above England averages. The school ranks 163rd in England (FindMySchool ranking) and 1st locally within Waltham Forest. Over 22% of entries achieved A*, suggesting significant numbers of students securing top grades in competitive subjects.

The breadth of A-level offering is comprehensive: 26 subjects including Classical Greek, Russian, History of Art, and Project Qualifications encourage intellectual range. This matters, as many independent schools narrow unnecessarily at sixth form; Forest maintains the curriculum breadth expected at a forward-thinking institution.

The ISI inspection found that "the quality of education is strong throughout the school." Lessons are characterized by knowledgeable, passionate teachers who are "clear about what they want pupils to learn" and who employ "effective classroom management techniques" ensuring lessons remain focused and purposeful. The curriculum is ambitious and regularly reviewed to prepare pupils for "their adult lives whilst maximising current enjoyment and engagement."

In the early years, teaching is particularly distinguished. The "Enquiring Me" curriculum celebrates children's natural curiosity and links learning to real-life situations. The outdoor space is actively used for learning, and the result is notably confident, articulate children who transition exceptionally well to Year 1. Teachers in early years understand how children develop knowledge and skills and embed this understanding into every aspect of provision. The ISI noted that children "progress particularly well during the Reception Year so that they are exceptionally well prepared for Year 1."

The senior school employs sophisticated pedagogy. Teachers give pupils appropriate tasks with suitable support and challenge; in English, for instance, pupils are offered autonomy to plan creative writing with prompts available for those needing guidance. Pupils with high prior attainment benefit from a "super curricular programme," ensuring academic stretch. Pupils with SEND are identified early, supported effectively, and make progress in line with their peers. English as an additional language pupils receive appropriate support and make similar progress to native speakers.

The school's research project requirement for all Year 10 and Year 12 pupils is noteworthy. These structured research projects develop scholarship skills, intellectual curiosity, and time management. The school explicitly teaches examination technique, and recent focus here has increased pupil confidence.

The school employs targeted feedback systems, with teachers helping pupils take responsibility for their own learning. There is skilled use of questioning to develop oracy and deep thinking. Collaborative planning across subject teams ensures content and skills are developed at increasing complexity, resulting in pupils becoming "eloquent, confident and communicate clearly."

The vast majority of leavers progress to higher education. In 2024, 71% entered university, while 2% progressed to further education, 4% to apprenticeships, and 7% to employment. These figures (from the official leavers destinations data) tell only part of the story.

Oxbridge remains a key destination. The school saw 5 Cambridge acceptances in the measurement period, from 18 applications, representing a strong offer rate. While Oxbridge numbers are smaller than at selective entry schools, this reflects Forest's mixed intake; the fact that the school consistently sends students to Cambridge and Oxford demonstrates high-calibre preparation.

Beyond Oxbridge, the school's leavers list includes Russell Group universities prominently. Students regularly secure places at Imperial College, UCL, Edinburgh, Durham, Bristol, and Warwick. Medicine remains particularly popular, with strong placements achieved in recent years. The careers department is "firmly rooted in national guidance such as the Gatsby benchmarks," and pupils are encouraged to "think widely and open-mindedly" about futures, inspired by personality assessments and workplace visits.

Forest School's co-curricular offer is extensive and genuinely differentiated. Rather than listing every available activity, the school philosophy focuses on opportunities for every pupil to develop interests beyond academics, with particular strength in music, drama, sport, and intellectual societies.

Music: Central to School Life

Music is woven into the fabric. The school operates multiple performing ensembles across both prep and senior phases, including orchestras, choirs, and smaller chamber groups. Weekly chapel services feature student musicians. The ISI inspection noted pupils engage in "sports, drama and music" as key areas. Individual instrumental tuition is available, with termly lessons charged at £390.21 for 40 minutes (10 lessons). The school maintains music facilities including practice rooms and performance spaces, though specifics are not published online.

Student musicians have opportunities for formal performance; the annual concert calendar and individual ensemble recitals provide regular platforms. Music scholars enter at the senior level and receive 10-25% fee reductions alongside academic tuition.

Drama and Theatre Arts

The school partners with Hackney Empire, the renowned local theatre, bringing professional-level opportunities to student performers. Student-led drama societies and regular theatrical productions ensure that drama reaches beyond specialists. The ISI highlighted "drama" as one of the key co-curricular areas where pupils develop skills.

Sports: Inclusive and Competitive

The school offers "several hours a week of timetabled sport which caters to all, from elite sports people to those who dislike traditional sports." Major sports include hockey, football, netball, cricket, basketball, tennis, athletics, swimming, and cross country. On-site facilities include dedicated pitches, courts, and a swimming pool on the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre campus. The school maintains sports scholarships offering fee reductions for talented athletes.

The school acknowledges the emotional and developmental value of sport beyond elite competition. Year 7-9 pupils have less choice, ensuring broad physical activity; older students can opt for pathways suited to different ability levels and interests.

Clubs and Societies: Intellectual and Social

The school offers an extensive array of societies beyond traditional academic societies. Named clubs include History Society, Mythology Club, Pottery Club, Photography Club, Sub Aqua Club (recently featuring dives at Stoney Cove), Table Top Society, and Pride Society. The school explicitly states that "students can also take the lead in running clubs and societies with the support of their teachers," developing leadership and entrepreneurship.

Additional programmes include Model United Nations, house fundraising initiatives, and the Combined Cadet Force. The school publishes a dedicated Clubs and Societies Booklet each year, and clubs meet before form, during lunchtime, and after school. The ISI noted that pupils benefit from "a varied programme of co-curricular activities," and that pupils are "consulted about the programme."

Specialist Facilities

The Martin Centre for Innovation (opened 2013) provides STEM and technology infrastructure. The refurbished science block (2016) features advanced laboratories. The Sylvestrian Leisure Centre houses a modern sports hall and performance spaces. The Grade II listed Memorial Dining Hall (1886), designed by Richard Creed FRIBA, serves as both practical dining space and architectural focal point, built with a foundation stone incorporating the most recent school magazine at the time, a charming historical touch.

The outdoor estate includes astroturf pitches, athletics tracks, and woodlands directly connected to Epping Forest. The school's 30 acres of grounds are described in official accounts as "wooded paths and meadows that connect seamlessly to Epping Forest," providing unparalleled access to wild learning space for a London school.

Other Pathways

Forest In Action represents the school's commitment to social responsibility, with pupils engaged in community-based initiatives. The school maintains partnerships with local charities and other schools. Trips and expeditions are regular; off-site visits are included in fees (excluding residential trips). Duke of Edinburgh Award schemes run through the school, with activities supported by the cadet force and outdoor learning programmes.

Fees effective from September 2025 are structured by year group:

• Reception to Year 2: £7,525 per term
• Year 3: £8,009 per term
• Years 4 to 6: £8,655 per term
• Years 7 to 13: £10,690 per term

These fees include lunches, resources, most off-site visits, and co-curricular activities. VAT is included. A £1,400 acceptance fee is payable upon confirmation of a place.

Additional costs include individual music lessons (£390.21 per term for 40-minute weekly lessons), breakfast (available at extra cost), and exam fees (charged in addition to basic fees). School textbooks are issued on loan; damage charges apply. Specialist magazine subscriptions and CCF membership incur fees.

The school offers 5% reductions for clergy children and 5% for sibling two and beyond (applied to the older child's account); these reductions do not apply to Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 pupils. Scholarships are awarded for academic, music, sport, and art achievement at various entry points and offer 10-25% reductions.

Bursaries are means-tested and available to families with sudden income reduction. Hardship funding is reserved for pupils in key stages (Year 6, 11, 13) equivalent to at least two places annually, with exceptional consideration for Year 5, 10, and 12. The school encourages parents to consider the School Fees Protection Scheme and fee-payment schemes linked to life insurance.

Forest School is selective by interview and assessment, though not by prior achievement alone. Entry points occur at 4+ (Reception), 7+, 11+, 13+, and 16+ (sixth form).

At 11+ entry, approximately 140 Year 7 places are available. Candidates sit entrance assessments in Mathematics, English, and Reasoning. The school aims to select for academic potential, intellectual curiosity, and good character rather than prior tutoring advantage, though as with many independent schools, some families do invest in external preparation. The admission process involves parents meeting school staff, allowing genuine assessment of fit.

At 16+, entry to the sixth form is open to internal pupils meeting A*-B requirements at GCSE, and external candidates are assessed on subject combinations and predicted grades. The school actively recruits talented students from state schools, having recently expanded sixth form intake.

Scholarships are available across academic, music, sport, art, and dramatic achievement, offering 10-25% fee reduction. Means-tested bursaries are available, with hardship funds reserved to retain pupils in Year 6, Year 11, or Year 13 whose family circumstances have changed unexpectedly. The school's commitment to access is genuine, though fees remain a practical barrier for most families.

The 2024 ISI inspection rated pastoral care as meeting all standards, with particular praise for behaviour, mental health support, and safeguarding. The school's pastoral structure combines form tutors, house systems, and specialist support services.

Behaviour is consistently good. The ISI noted that "pupils behave well," understand clear sanctions, and "welcome conversations with staff that help them understand the impact of their behaviour." Early years children are "very well supported to manage their emotions and show consideration to others." The school maintains detailed behaviour records facilitating reflection and pattern identification.

Bullying is rare. When incidents occur, school leaders take "appropriate and prompt action, providing both consequences and support." Pupils appreciate "many trusted adults with whom they can share concerns about bullying."

Mental health support is strong. The school operates an on-site counselling service in partnership with Place2Be, providing pupils with extra layers of support beyond form tutors and house staff. The RSHE programme was recently redesigned in association with professional experts, using age-appropriate materials. Assembly and RSHE topics intertwine (e.g., vaping is introduced in assembly then explored in detail in RSHE), creating both planned and responsive education on key issues.

The school's medical provision is "extremely well developed." A full-time on-site doctor oversees the medical centre, supported by trained paediatric first aid staff in early years. The medical team provides training to staff and parents via webinar programmes.

The campus is well-maintained. Classrooms, corridors, and public areas are "clean and attractive." The school maintains "a clear sense of shared responsibility for health and safety." The 30-acre site includes early years outdoor play areas, sports pitches, woodlands, and facilities shared with the adjoining Sylvestrian Leisure Centre. Recent building projects have prioritised thoughtful design supporting pupils' wellbeing and accessibility.

School hours are 8:50am to 3:20pm for most pupils, with breakfast and after-school care available. The school operates a dedicated school bus service with published routes across northeast London and surrounding areas.

Independent school fees. At £10,690 per term for secondary pupils, Forest School requires significant financial commitment. While bursaries and scholarships exist, they are limited. Families should carefully verify whether the school is financially sustainable for their circumstances before pursuing admission.

Selective entry barriers. While the school does not select purely by prior achievement, the entrance process involves assessments in Mathematics, English, and Reasoning, typically alongside independent school interviews. Families from state schools may find the process unfamiliar and may benefit from practice or guidance.

Single-sex peer groups in prep school. While the senior school is fully co-educational, some year groups within the prep school are single-sex for certain activities (notably sports). Families prioritising co-education from age 4 should clarify arrangements.

Parent communication. The ISI inspection noted that "general communication with parents is not as effective as it could be. Parents are not always consulted about school matters, when it would be appropriate for them to be given the opportunity to contribute their views. This leads to some dissatisfaction among the parent body." Families valuing extensive school-home communication may wish to discuss this further before entry.

Forest School represents a rare London combination: genuine intellectual rigour paired with pastoral thoughtfulness, heritage respect matched by forward thinking, and selective admissions without narrow academic streaming. Nearly 200 years after its founding in 1834, the school remains true to its intellectual mission while embracing contemporary educational priorities around wellbeing, diversity, and social responsibility.

The 2024 ISI inspection confirms that all standards are met, with early years identified as a particular strength. GCSE and A-level results consistently exceed national averages, placing the school in the top 2-3% in England (FindMySchool rankings). The school's facilities are modern and purposeful. The curriculum balances academic breadth with specialist depth. Co-curricular opportunities span music, drama, sport, and intellectual societies. Pastoral care is genuinely supported, with on-site counselling and a full-time doctor.

For families seeking a rounded, intellectually ambitious independent school with genuine community values and accessible location, Forest School is exceptionally strong. The main barriers are financial (fees remain substantial even with bursary support) and admissions selectivity (entry is genuinely competitive). Families comfortable with these parameters will find a school that knows its pupils, challenges them appropriately, and supports their flourishing across academic, personal, and social dimensions.

Best suited to families within London and surrounding areas who value independent education, intellectual rigour, and pastoral care. The school appeals equally to families seeking traditional academic pathways and those prioritising whole-child development alongside strong results.