Forest School

College Place, Snaresbrook, London, E17 3PY

Pupils

1521

Ages

4 - 18

Gender

Co-educational

Type

Primary & Secondary

Head Teacher

Mr Marcus Cliff Hodges

Boarding / Day

Day

Fees

£5,250 to £7,475

ISC Associations

HMC, IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA

Religion

Church of England

Bursaries

Available

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About Forest School

Forest School in London is a distinguished co-educational day school with a Church of England affiliation. Catering to both boys and girls aged four to 18, the school offers a comprehensive educational experience that is both academically rigorous and supportive of students’ personal development.

The school has achieved commendable rankings in national assessments, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence. It holds the 111th position in the Times National Rank, 136th in the A level Rank, and 107th in the GCSE Rank. These rankings are indicative of the school’s strong performance across various academic stages. Specifically, the A level results are noteworthy, with 19.4% of students achieving an A*, 50.1% securing A*/A, and 78.4% obtaining A*/B. At the GCSE level, 51% of students achieved A*/9/8 grades, 20.7% secured A/7, and 71.7% attained A*/A/9/8/7 grades. These statistics underscore the school’s robust academic framework and its ability to nurture high-achieving students.

The curriculum at Forest School is diverse and well-rounded, offering a wide range of subjects including traditional core subjects like Mathematics, English, and the Sciences, as well as Humanities, Arts, and Modern Languages. This broad curriculum ensures that students have the opportunity to explore various fields of interest and develop a well-rounded knowledge base.

Beyond academics, the school places a strong emphasis on extra-curricular activities, providing students with numerous opportunities to engage in sports, arts, and other interests. This holistic approach to education helps in the overall development of students, fostering skills such as teamwork, leadership, and creativity. The school’s facilities support these activities, offering well-equipped sports grounds, art studios, and performance spaces.

The wellbeing of students is a priority at Forest School. The pastoral care system is robust, ensuring that each student receives the support they need to thrive both academically and personally. The school has dedicated staff, including a Head of Learning Support, to assist students with specific learning needs, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Forest School’s co-educational environment promotes inclusivity and prepares students for the diverse world beyond school. The school community is welcoming to students of all faiths, reflecting its Church of England values while embracing a broader cultural and religious diversity.

The school’s leadership is committed to maintaining high standards and continuously improving the educational experience for its students. This commitment is reflected in the school’s steady performance in national rankings and the positive outcomes achieved by its students.

In summary, Forest School in London offers a well-rounded and high-quality education for boys and girls aged four to 18. With strong academic results, a broad curriculum, extensive extra-curricular opportunities, and a supportive pastoral care system, the school provides an environment where students can excel and develop into well-rounded individuals. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please book mark it using the button at the end of this review.

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ISI Review

Forest Preparatory School is a co-educational day school located in Snaresbrook, London, catering for pupils aged four to eleven. Founded in 1834, the school operates as a registered charity and is governed by a council. It comprises three schools on a single site: a boys' school, a girls' school, and a preparatory school, along with a leisure center. The preparatory school includes a Pre-Prep for children aged four to seven and a Prep for those aged seven to eleven. Since the previous inspection, the Pre-Prep has doubled its pupil numbers, reflecting its growing popularity.

The school aims to promote academic achievement and all-round personal development, integrating values of excellence, diversity, community, and heritage into its ethos. Currently, there are 271 pupils enrolled, with a balanced gender distribution. The school draws students from a wide local area, with a significant proportion coming from various ethnic minority backgrounds. The ability profile of the school is above average, and while no pupils have a statement of special educational needs, 16 are identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted an interim inspection over two days, focusing on compliance with regulatory requirements. The school meets all the requirements of the Independent School Standards Regulations 2010. The inspection evaluated the quality of education, personal development, and the effectiveness of governance, leadership, and management.

Pupils at Forest Preparatory School demonstrate excellent overall achievement, reflecting the school's success in fostering all-round development. High standards are evident across various subjects, including literacy and numeracy, where pupils exhibit strong communication skills and logical thinking abilities. The school provides a first-class curriculum, enriched by a wide range of extracurricular activities that promote personal, creative, and physical skills. Pupils also achieve high standards in sports, with some gaining selective coaching places with local professional clubs.

The quality of teaching is outstanding, with lessons carefully planned and conducted at a brisk pace. Teachers know their pupils well and utilize excellent resources to engage them effectively. Assessment practices are of high quality, allowing for tailored instruction that meets the diverse needs of students. The provision for pupils with special educational needs is well organized, ensuring they progress effectively.

Pupils' personal development is equally impressive, with strong spiritual, moral, social, and cultural growth. They exhibit confidence, friendliness, and a strong sense of respect for others. The school fosters a supportive environment where pupils take on responsibilities, engage in fundraising for charities, and develop excellent relationships with one another. The pastoral care provided by staff is comprehensive, ensuring that pupils feel valued and secure.

Governance at Forest Preparatory School is excellent, with the governing council providing effective oversight and direction. They ensure that statutory requirements are met and that safeguarding arrangements are regularly reviewed. Leadership and management are also outstanding, with well-organized procedures in place to monitor pupil progress and maintain high standards. The school benefits from excellent facilities, which enhance the learning experience for pupils.

Communication with parents is strong, with many expressing satisfaction with the school's approach to education and the support provided for their children. The school has a comprehensive complaints procedure, and any concerns raised by parents are addressed promptly and effectively.

The Early Years Foundation Stage at Forest Preparatory School is characterized by outstanding provision. High-quality teaching nurtures children's individual needs, promoting independent thinking and a love for learning. Children make excellent progress, demonstrating curiosity and enthusiasm in their learning experiences. The leadership and management of the Early Years setting are exemplary, ensuring that policies for safeguarding and promoting equality are thoroughly implemented.

Overall, the inspection findings highlight the school's commitment to providing a high-quality education that meets the needs of all pupils. The combination of excellent teaching, a well-rounded curriculum, and strong pastoral care contributes to the school's success in fostering both academic achievement and personal development. The school is well-positioned for continued improvement and success in the future.

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