Forest Hill School
70%
Capacity
1,072
Pupils
2.7x
Demand
About Forest Hill School
Forest Hill School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Lewisham community, welcoming boys from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,072 pupils on roll, operating at 70% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Forest Hill School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Michael Sullivan, it falls under Lewisham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.30 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 50.5. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B-. Additionally, ranked 846th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 15 in Lewisham.
Forest Hill School is a popular choice with families — it received 463 applications for 171 places, making it 2.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 119 were first-preference applications.
Forest Hill School has average reviews on SchoolParrot (3.3/5 from 1 parents).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Forest Hill School include Playing Fields, ICT Suite, Art Studios, Music Rooms, Theatre, Tennis Courts, Sixth Form Centre, Gymnasium, Dining Hall, Library, Astro Turf, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rugby, Martial Arts, Athletics, Basketball and 2 more, as well as clubs including Eco Club, Newspaper, Art Club, Debate and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 27.9%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Lewisham, Forest Hill School is one of the options available in the London region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Boys |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Dacres Road, London, Lewisham, SE23 2XN |
| Headteacher | Michael Sullivan |
| Local Authority | Lewisham |
| Number of Pupils | 1,072 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 27.9% |
| School Capacity | 1,072 / 1,535 (70% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
13 Dec 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 1 Feb 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.30)
846th of 3,141
Nationally
244th of 487
In London
5th of 15
In Lewisham
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
34.6
'22/23
29.4
'23/24
35.2
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed171
463
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
119 families put this school as their 1st choice (26% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forest Hill School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Dacres Road, London
Lewisham, SE23 2XN
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
External reviews are provided by third-party platforms and are not verified by Classpot.
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