Forest School
School summary
One of the larger independent schools in London's Waltham Forest, Forest School educates around 1,614 pupils across a single co-educational community, including a sixth form of 267. Founded in the Church of England tradition, it is led by Warden Claire Tao and inspected by the ISI. A pupil-to-teacher ratio of roughly 12 to 1 keeps classes manageable, and a thoughtful phone policy - Yondr pouches for Years 7 and 8, with older pupils keeping devices out of sight - signals a measured approach to digital distraction. Day fees range from £22,575 to £32,070 a year, with bursaries and assisted places available for families in genuine need.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
78%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
48%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
81%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
Teaching & academics
Results sit comfortably above national benchmarks: 78% of GCSE entries reach grades 9-7, against a national average of 23%, while at A-level 48% achieve A*-A and 81% A*-B (national averages 28% and 55%). The sixth form leans towards rigorous, analytical subjects, with Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Economics, History and Government and Politics among the most popular choices. GCSE, A-level and the EPQ are all on offer, alongside Spanish and Chinese, and around 7.3% of pupils receive SEN support.
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Warden · Claire Tao
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 267
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Sport is a notable strand, with football, hockey, athletics, cricket and netball among the main games. Creative subjects also draw strong numbers, reflected in the popularity of Drama and Theatre Studies and Fine Art at GCSE.
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- C of E
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 7.3%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Mobile phone policy
Yondr pouches for Years 7-8 (locked until end of day); middle and sixth form keep phones out of sight; exceptions for medical needs
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £22,575 - £32,070
Bursaries and assisted places for families in genuine need
Schools nearby
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Daiglen School
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East London Independent School
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Daffodil Preparatory School
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Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A large, academically strong London independent that suits ambitious families - particularly those drawn to mathematics, economics and the humanities. Bursary provision keeps the door open to pupils who would thrive but need financial support.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Forest School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.