About Forest School
Forest School is a co-educational independent day school on the edge of Epping Forest in Snaresbrook, north-east London, founded in 1834 by William Taylor Copeland. An all-through school for ages 4–18 with around 1,240 pupils, it combines strong academic results with a wide co-curricular programme. As an independent school it charges fees — £7,475 a term (about £22,425 a year) for the senior school in 2025/26.
Entry to Year 7 (around 140 places) is by the school's own entrance test — a digital test (Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Puzzles & Problem-solving) of about 70 minutes, plus a paper-based written English assessment of 30 minutes.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Forest School
Forest runs its own admissions. Complete the online Senior School registration by midday in mid-November of Year 6 (a £180 registration fee applies, £240 overseas). The 11+ entrance test has two parts: a digital test (about 70 minutes) covering Mathematics, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning and Puzzles & Problem-solving, and a paper-based written English assessment of 30 minutes. There are around 140 places at 11+.
Catchment Area for Forest School
As an independent school, Forest has no catchment area; pupils travel in from across north-east London and Essex. Places are awarded on the entrance test.
Forest offers scholarships and means-tested bursaries; check the school's admissions pages for current details and how to apply.
Subjects Tested at Forest School
Forest's 11+ entrance test has two parts: a digital test of about 70 minutes covering Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Puzzles & Problem-solving, and a paper-based written English assessment of 30 minutes. The test is designed to assess potential across the core skills.
Independent 11+ Practice Papers for Forest School
Forest School uses the Independent 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
Academic Performance at Forest School
Forest School has a strong academic record at GCSE and A‑Level, with leavers progressing to leading universities. As a selective independent it sets its own standards through its entrance assessment.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Co‑curricular at Forest School
- ✓Pastoral: a diamond structure (boys and girls taught largely separately 7–16, together in the Sixth Form) with strong individual care.
- ✓Co‑curricular: extensive sport, music, drama and clubs on a large Epping Forest-edge campus.
How to Prepare for the Forest School 11+ Exam
Forest's 11+ rewards secure English and maths and confident verbal/non-verbal reasoning, plus clear written English. Build broad Year 6 skills and practise the digital format. The steps below help.
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Forest School — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Forest at 11+?
Complete the online Senior School registration by midday in mid-November of Year 6 (a £180 registration fee applies, £240 overseas). Your child then sits the digital test and a written English assessment.
What is on the Forest 11+ test?
A digital test (about 70 minutes) covering Mathematics, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning and Puzzles & Problem-solving, plus a 30-minute paper-based written English assessment.
Is Forest selective, and does it charge fees?
Yes — it is a selective co-educational independent day school, so it charges fees (£7,475 a term, about £22,425 a year, for the senior school in 2025/26).
Is Forest co-educational?
Yes — Forest is a co-educational all-through school for ages 4–18.
How many Year 7 places are there?
Around 140.
Does Forest have a catchment area?
No. As an independent school it admits pupils from any area; it is well served by Tube and rail across NE London and Essex.
When is the entrance test?
In the autumn/winter of Year 6 for September 2027 entry (register by mid-November 2026); check the school site for the exact test date.
Are scholarships and bursaries available?
Yes — Forest offers scholarships and means-tested bursaries; check the school's admissions pages.
How can my child prepare?
Build confident Year 6 English and maths and practise timed verbal and non-verbal reasoning and written English. ExamTutor offers Independent-style practice papers with full video explanations.