August 2024
Forest School announced Claire Tao as the new Warden starting September 2025, succeeding Marcus Cliff Hodges who is retiring after twenty years.
All-through school
Forest School
Forest is an independent day school located on the edge of Epping Forest for pupils aged 4 to 18.
Day fees
£21,966 – £31,644
Entry
Observation + InterviewSelective
Next deadline
Fri 9 Oct 202616+ registration closes
Updated 4 months ago
At a glance
Key facts
Head
Claire Tao Warden
Head
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
1,605
759 girls, 831 boys
Location
Walthamstow, Waltham Forest
Day or boarding
Day
Age range
4 to 18
Religious ethos
Church of England
Founded
1834
Sixth form
267 pupils
Entry points
4+, 7+, 11+, 13+, 16+, 18+
Nearest station
Wood Street (rail)
Show 5 more factsShow fewer facts
Average class
16 pupils
Bursaries
Up to 100% of fees
Scholarships
Sport, Academic, Art +2
A-level A*–A
81%
2025
GCSE 9–7
72%
2025
Overview
About Forest School
Forest School puts the individual child at the centre of all it does and promotes a clear set of values, which underpin the Forest culture.
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent co-ed all-through school in Waltham Forest for ages 4–18. Selective entry, C of E ethos, top-tier London fees.
Best for
- Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 4–18) rather than separate prep + senior.
- Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
- Families who value a C of E ethos in school life.
- Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
- Families comfortable with top-tier London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
- Fees sit at the top of the London market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
- Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
- The C of E ethos shapes assemblies, holidays and pastoral life. Comfortable for committed families; worth thinking about for those of other or no faith.
AdmissionsApplication timeline
Admissions
Application timeline
September 2027 entryRegistration tbcCloses 22 Sept 2026Reply by 3 Nov 2026
- TBCOpen dayTo be confirmedBy arrangementPrivate Tours Available
- Sep22Registration closesPassed
- Nov20Bursary deadlineNextScholarship & Bursary
- Sep28AssessmentPassed
- Oct12Offers
- Nov3Acceptance deadline
Not yet published: registration opens, interview.
UpcomingOpen events
Upcoming
Open events
Private tours by arrangement with admissions.
Fees & costFees
Fees & cost
Fees
£21,966 – £31,644per year · Day · 2026-27 · est. (3 x term)
By entry point · 2026-27
13+£26,370
7+£20,589
Extras: registration, deposit, uniform, lunches, trips, music lessons, exam fees.
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Questions about Forest School?
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Quick answers about Forest School
Answered only from Forest School's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Financial support
Bursaries & Scholarships
What sets it apartDistinctive features
What sets it apart
Distinctive features
all-through 4-18
Extended Project Qualification
super-curriculum
Forest Personal Development curriculum
14 Houses system
extensive co-curricular programme
situated in London with 50 acres grounds
state-of-the-art Sixth Form facilities
arts and sports excellence
large and diverse community
Beyond the classroomActivities & co-curricular
Beyond the classroom
Activities & co-curricular
sport
Sports Teams
music
Music Ensembles
drama
Drama Club
academic club
Debating
On campusFacilities
On campus
Facilities
sports
Sports Facilities
arts
Art StudiosDrama StudioMusic Facilities
academic
Library
wellbeing
Dining Hall
OutcomesLatest exam results
Outcomes
Latest exam results
Outcomes2025 A-LEVELS
49
of all A Level grades were A*-A81
were A*-B88
of pupils secured places at Russell Group90
placed at their university of choice32
at 978
at 9-781%
A-level A*–A
72%
GCSE 9–7
DestinationsWhere leavers go
Destinations
Where leavers go
77%
to Russell Group
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort | 125 | 135 | 138 | 120 | 120 |
| Oxbridge | — | — | 8 | 3 | — |
| Russell Group | 96 | 104 | 106 | 92 | 90 |
| US Ivy | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Medicine | — | — | 7 | 12 | — |
Top universities (2025)
University of NottinghamUniversity of LeedsUniversity of WarwickUniversity of ExeterKing's College LondonUCLUniversity of ManchesterUniversity of Birmingham
CurriculumQualifications offered
Curriculum
Qualifications offered
GCSEA LevelEPQ
In the newsRecent coverage
In the news
Recent coverage
Recommended next step
Registration closes 9 Oct 2026 (16+)
Add it to your plan and book a visit before you apply.
Fit for your child
Is Forest School right for your child?
Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.
Check fit for my childPastoral careWellbeing
Pastoral care
Wellbeing
Mental health support
Forest School's pastoral care ethos places wellbeing at the heart of school life, with dedicated pastoral structures in both the Prep and Senior Schools. The school operates a house system that provides pastoral support and pupil leadership opportunities across all age groups. Forest partners with Place2Be to support student mental health and wellbeing, and maintains a comprehensive pastoral care framework that includes faith and belief support through the school chapel.
PathwaysFeeder schools
Pathways
Feeder schools
13 offers
GovernancePolicies & documents
Governance
Policies & documents
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Also consider
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FAQQuestions parents ask
FAQ
Questions parents ask
What kind of child is Forest School best for?+
Forest School suits: Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 4–18) rather than separate prep + senior; Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex; Families who value a C of E ethos in school life; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school; Families comfortable with top-tier London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
How much are the fees at Forest School?+
Day fees at Forest School are £7,322 to £10,548 a term in 2026-27 (£21,966 to £31,644 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at Forest School?+
The next open morning at Forest School is on 24 November 2026. Booking is usually required.
How does admissions work?+
Forest School is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.
Does Forest School support SEND?+
Forest School offers some SEND support. Ask admissions which needs it can meet.
What ages does Forest School take?+
Forest School takes pupils from age 4 to 18.
Is Forest School a day or boarding school?+
Forest School is a day school.
Is Forest School co-educational or single-sex?+
Forest School is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.
Where is Forest School?+
Forest School is in Waltham Forest, E17 3PY.
How do I contact admissions at Forest School?+
Contact Forest School by phone on 02085201744.
Data
Forest School in numbers
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