Our pupils experience the best of both worlds, a city school surrounded by ancient forest.

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1 Forest School

2 Our pupils experience the best of both worlds, a city school surrounded by ancient forest.

3 Warden s welcome Forest is a large, vibrant school, with more than 1,300 boys and girls in equal proportion, from 4 to 18. Our traditional House structure means that each pupil is treated as an individual, of whom we have the highest expectations, while our size enables us to offer breadth and depth of opportunity. Forest School knows its pupils and knows itself. It puts the individual child at the centre of all it does and promotes a clear set of values, which underpin the Forest culture: EXCELLENCE DIVERSITY COMMUNITY HERITAGE This is a humane, open-minded school with both feet on the ground, in which the pupils all-round personal development is outstanding and academic attainment high. It is, above all, a happy school which understands the rich inter-relationship between the curricular, the co-curricular and the pastoral. We benefit from a tremendous location: on the very edge of north-east London, a city school surrounded by ancient forest, safe but not secluded, and within a diverse, dynamic community. There is boldness in the School s character, a readiness to be forward-thinking and adaptable, with pride in what we are and excitement for what lies ahead. Seeing the School for yourself and meeting our pupils and staff is the best way to learn more about us and our culture. We look forward to welcoming you to Forest School. Marcus Cliff Hodges Warden

4 What we stand for First established in 1834 as a grammar school with just 22 pupils, its eminent founding benefactors included William Taylor Copeland, a celebrated industrialist, Lord Mayor of London, and resident of Leyton, and William Cotton, an eminent merchant and philanthropist, Sheriff of Essex and later Governor of the Bank of England, and resident of Leytonstone. Today s Forest School continues to live up to the pioneering spirit and educational vision of our 19th century founders. Our site reflects the continual march of progress at Forest, with buildings ranging from the listed grand Dining Hall and the Georgian central façade to 21st century additions rich with technology, like the Martin Centre for Innovation. Throughout our history, we have been guided by a set of core values that still shape the way we do things now. We value and promote: Our diamond structure of single-sex and co-educational teaching, which suits girls and boys of all ages The expectation that good academic work matters, is respected and rewarded A commitment to opting in to the full life of the School and to making the most of the opportunities for involvement and self-expression A friendly, well-ordered environment underpinned by outstanding pastoral care The benefits of our location in north-east London and the diverse and multicultural profile of Forest pupils.

5 We understand the way boys and girls learn and have developed our school s diamond structure that plays to their strengths.

6 Diamond school Forest is London s only diamond school and is one of the very few in the country. At four, boys and girls are taught together in the Pre-Preparatory School before moving into single-sex classes at seven. From 7-11 in the Preparatory School and then in the Upper School, boys and girls are taught separately, before joining a coeducational Sixth Form at 16. Unlike at single-sex schools, however, boys and girls spend time together during breaks and during co-curricular activities. Forest School can offer the same benefits of a single-sex education while at the same time encouraging boys and girls to grow outside the classroom. The best of all worlds.

7 Academic excellence At Forest School, pupils are continually stretched and challenged because we encourage them to think beyond the narrow requirements of exams. We have a broad curriculum that promotes academic excellence while also pushing pupils to discover their own potential and abilities, recognising that there are different paths to success. We understand the way boys and girls learn and have developed our school s diamond structure that plays to their strengths. Our single-sex teaching between the ages of 7 and 16 creates a study environment that can be adapted to make boys and girls feel comfortable and which enables them to achieve their best. The happy, inclusive atmosphere at our school is a result of the success of our approach, as is the high proportion of our pupils who go on to further study at leading universities and medical schools.

8 We offer a broad, holistic education that extends beyond the classroom and prepares our pupils to be independent and instills the self-belief to live life to the full.

9 Music at Forest Whatever form of music a child is passionate about, we are here to help them have fun as they learn and achieve their musical ambitions. With five bands, four orchestras, twelve choirs, countless small ensembles and more than 45 specialist music staff, Forest has an extremely busy and lively music department and there is something for every pupil to enjoy. With small-scale informal concerts after school or at lunch time, and large-scale concerts in school or at public venues such at St John s Smith Square,Westminster, and Chelmsford Cathedral, every pupil can shine. Most ensembles are open to all, although pupils may wish to audition for the premiere groups such as the Chamber Orchestra, the Big Band, the Opera Group, the Symphony Orchestra and the Senior Chapel Choir. We are very proud of what our pupils achieve, and foster serious academic study as well as excellence in all aspects of performed music. Our aim is to ensure that young people have the chance to discover their talent and make the most of all their musical opportunities.

10 Sport at Forest Sporting excellence is part of our heritage and Forest is well known for the quality of its sport: as well as fielding strong teams, our pupils are regularly selected at district, county and national level. What we value most, however, is that everyone, whatever their level, is encouraged to join in and to enjoy sport. Forest has excellent on-site provision for all kinds of sport, including extensive playing fields with a variety of pitches, a new all-weather astro turf pitch, tennis and netball courts, and the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre which houses two heated swimming pools, cricket nets and a state-of-the-art fitness and conditioning suite. The sports we offer include the mainstream football, hockey, netball, cricket, basketball, athletics, gymnastics, tennis and swimming, as well as golf, tae kwondo and fencing. We have extensive fixture lists throughout the year, along with inter-house matches, so all pupils have the chance to take part and compete.

11 Drama at Forest Performed drama is a central element of the cocurricular programme and our pupils benefit from an excellent range of high-quality, purposebuilt facilities. Full-scale productions give large numbers of pupils the chance to act, or to develop design or technical skills. In addition, House drama competitions give them exciting opportunities to select, cast and direct their own material for performance. The School has a fine range of facilities for this, including the 350-seat Deaton Theatre with its state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment.

12 Art at Forest At Forest we encourage everyone to enjoy exploring the huge number of artistic possibilities available. Art and Design at Forest flourishes in well-resourced studios and workshops in the centre of the School. The success achieved by examination groups comes down to our strong emphasis on the acquisition of skills and the high expectations we have of all our pupils. The facilities are always buzzing with activity as pupils dedicate as much time as they wish to their creative passions outside normal classroom hours.

13 Pastoral care Our goal is to produce well-rounded individuals who leave our school with the confidence to be themselves and make a difference. Underpinning the pastoral care of our pupils is the commitment and hard work of our staff, supported by a secure House structure. Our system is geared to giving every child the support they need to progress socially, morally and academically. Throughout their time with us, pupils have a tutor who can advise them on any aspect of school life. The striking Chapel of St John the Baptist is at the heart of the School and plays an important part in Forest s daily routines. Although our school is in the Anglican tradition, our outlook is ecumenical. We have an extremely broad community with pupils from a variety of cultures and faiths, or none. The participation of pupils from other Christian denominations and faiths is encouraged and we are proud of the rich mix of beliefs that are to be found at school and the insight this gives us all. Collectively, we foster an environment where emotional well-being, tolerance, self-respect and respect for others are all championed. These are the cornerstones of our community.

14 Forest in the city Located within 6,000 acres of ancient woodland in London s largest open space, the School has occupied this historic site in Epping Forest since A London school like no other, our pupils experience a taste of two, very different, worlds: Forest is a city school surrounded by green open space. Unusual for this large, bustling city, the School grounds lie across two London Boroughs, and our pupils enjoy the space and tranquillity provided by the Forest. It is hard to believe that the School is just 20 minutes from London Liverpool Street tube station and just a 25 minute drive away from Canary Wharf. London s most iconic sights, including the major museums, galleries and public institutions are within easy reach, and access to London s cultural, institutional, historical and intellectual life is an invaluable part of a Forest education. Our school coaches and excellent public transport links, including proximity to the Central Line, make for easy access from a wide area of London and Essex. There are very few schools located so centrally in the City and seemingly so far from its busyness.

15 Forest School Snaresbrook London E17 3PY