Forest School

Forest School emphasizes holistic development, aiming to challenge pupils with ambition while nurturing them with care. The school promotes values of kindness, respect, and service, fostering a community where pupils feel known, valued, and motivated. It places a strong focus on developing soft skills such as resilience, problem-solving, and self-reflection to ensure pupils are prepared for success at every stage of life.

The school provides a continuous educational journey from age 4 to 18, divided into Pre-Prep, Prep, and Senior School stages. The curriculum is designed to foster intellectual curiosity and subject mastery, with the Sixth Form offering A-Level pathways. Academic support is integrated through the 'Forest Learner' framework, and pupils have access to qualifications such as the Project Qualification.

The school aims to produce confident, intellectually curious individuals who are prepared for a changing world. Pupils are encouraged to master their subjects, think creatively, and develop into life-long learners. The school tracks leavers' destinations and supports students through futures planning.

The school provides learning support to help pupils thrive, with a dedicated team focused on inclusion and pupil welfare. The approach is designed to meet children where they are, providing the necessary support to ensure they can engage with the curriculum and reach their potential.

Forest School offers entry points at 4+, 7+, 11+, 13+, and 16+. Prospective families are encouraged to attend open events and school tours to meet staff and pupils. The admissions process includes registration, and the school maintains a policy of viewing sibling applications sympathetically, though siblings must still meet the school's entry requirements.

The school operates on a three-term structure: Michaelmas, Lent, and Trinity. Terms typically begin in early September, January, and April, with half-term breaks in October, February, and May/June. The academic year concludes in early July.

Located on the edge of Epping Forest, the campus features a mix of traditional and modern buildings, including a Grade II listed Dining Hall. Sports facilities include a sports hall with four badminton courts, a gymnasium, indoor cricket nets with video analysis, a 25m indoor swimming pool, a fitness suite, an all-weather pitch, netball courts, eight football pitches, and a dance studio. The school also houses the Deaton Theatre, a multi-use performance venue, and an Upper Library.

The school provides a wide range of co-curricular opportunities, including music, drama, and various clubs and societies. Pupils can participate in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), expressive arts, and numerous educational visits and expeditions. Sports offerings are extensive, featuring football, cricket, netball, and swimming. House competitions in music, drama, art, and sport are central to school life, fostering teamwork and leadership across age groups.