Headteacher's Welcome

Welcome to The Forest School, a place where tradition meets innovation and every student is empowered to Aspire To Become Elite.

Since our founding in 1957, The Forest School has been committed to delivering a high-quality education that equips students not only with academic excellence but also with the values of resilience, integrity, and community. It has been my privilege to serve as Headteacher since September 2017, leading this vibrant and forward-thinking school.

September 2024 marked an exciting new chapter in our history as we transitioned to a co-educational school. For the first time, we welcomed both boys and girls into Year 7, enriching our community with greater diversity and inclusivity. This milestone reflects our commitment to providing an exceptional learning environment for every student.

At The Forest School, our ethos is simple yet profound: we aspire to become elite. This vision underpins everything we do—from our robust academic programs and cutting-edge facilities to our diverse extracurricular offerings and outstanding pastoral care. We believe that every student has the potential to excel, and our dedicated staff work tirelessly to support their individual journeys, nurturing confidence, critical thinking, and personal growth.

Our vibrant house system, inspired by the UK’s renowned forests, is central to fostering a sense of belonging. Each house—Ashdown, Bramshill, Kielder, Langdale, New, Sherwood, and Windsor—celebrates unique qualities and strengths, promoting teamwork, leadership, and healthy competition through exciting inter-house events and activities.

I invite you to explore our website to discover more about what makes The Forest School a truly exceptional place to learn and grow. Whether you’re a prospective student, parent, or member of our wider community, we look forward to welcoming you and sharing the many opportunities that await at The Forest School. Start by watching our School Video, click here to play

Warm regards,

Shirley Austin
Headteacher, The Forest School, Winnersh