The Forest School

Pupils

Pupils

1,115

Capacity

1,140

Girls / boys

33% / 67%

Free school meals

13%

Staff

Teachers (FTE)

61.6

Teaching assistants (FTE)

10.5

Leadership (FTE)

6

Part-time teachers

17%

School workforce census, 2025/26.

How do I apply for a place at The Forest School?

Apply through the council where you live by 31 October in your child's Year 6, for a place starting the following September. You apply to your home council even if The Forest School is in another council's area, and can usually list between 3 and 6 schools in order of preference. Offers are sent on 1 March, or the next working day.

Does living near The Forest School guarantee a place?

No. Distance only counts when The Forest School has more applicants than places. Then its admission criteria, set by its academy trust, decide who is offered a place first. Children in care or adopted from care come first by law. Most schools put brothers and sisters of current pupils next, then distance or a catchment area. How far away the last place went changes every year, depending on who applies.

How many pupils are at The Forest School?

The Forest School had 1,115 pupils aged 11 to 16 at the latest school census. Its official capacity is 1,140. It is a mixed school with no sixth form, so students move on at 16.