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.
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.
Independent 11+ Practice Papers and Quest Software for Forest School
Which test this school sets. Forest School uses Quest Assessments for its first-round 11+ assessment — an online test covering English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with a puzzles and comprehension section, usually followed by a written task and an interview. The four subjects are exactly what the practice papers and the Quest software below cover. Checked September 2026 — always confirm with the school.
Forest School uses the Independent 11+ 11+ format. Our practice papers mirror that exact format, with a short tutor video explaining every question. Quest, our interactive practice software, comes in a Independent 11+ edition too: 4,600 questions across English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning in short tests with medals to win, an Exam Hall of timed mocks, official-format sitting papers, flashcards, a daily five, a Weekly Challenge set by a friendly Guardian and a hero your child unlocks by learning, with a working-out board under every question and My Corrections — plus a Skills Report and a week-by-week plan for parents. Start with the free samples, then choose a pack when you're ready.
When you're readyPractice-paper packs from £19 · all papers £69 · Quest £59 a year · Quest + all papers £89. One-off purchases with 12 months' access — no subscription, nothing renews.
View Independent 11+ practice papers →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.
Start preparing for the Forest School 11+
Try the free Independent 11+ samples first — a real paper, a tutor video and the Quest demo, no sign-up. Then choose a pack when you're ready.