Forest Hill School was recently named Lewisham’s happiest school based on Parent View surveys from Ofsted, with data findings over a five-year period between 2020 and 2025 analysed by The Sunday Times.
Forest Hill School is an all boys school where 94 per cent of parents said they felt satisfied with their children’s happiness.
At their most recent Ofsted inspection the school was rated Good overall, with Ofsted describing the school as having students that were “safe and happy” that also “achieve well”.
25 per cent of the school’s grades last year were grades 7 – 9, above the national average, and 54.6 per cent of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs, above the local authority average.
The school operates with an ethos that children should foster “positive social connections” and “feel safe and supported”, with the opportunity to experience “engaging learning”.
Students are given a weekly pastoral programme to enable them to begin their days “on a positive note”, where students have the opportunity to connect with staff and other students and address any concerns.
These sessions additionally incorporates regular PSHE education, which addresses important aspects of student wellbeing, including relationships, health, current affairs and other important topics.
The school also caters to students with more “complex needs”, providing support with an onsite counsellor and Inclusion Hub, alongside external assistance from Lewisham’s Mental Health Support Team for students who need mental health support.
Additionally, Forest Hill School also offers a programme of extracurricular activities like art, music and drama clubs, aimed at giving the students the opportunity to interact with students from other year groups and to form new connections.
Students are also “empowered” through the school’s Big Talk initiative, where elected students provide feedback to staff on areas the student body believes need improvement.
This approach gives students the chance to engage and contribute to the school community through a “supportive environment” that “encourages feedback”.
Speaking on the school’s recent success, Headteacher Michael Sullivan said: “I am delighted that Forest Hill School has been recognised as the happiest school in Lewisham.
“We work very hard to prioritise the wellbeing and happiness of our students and staff and to cultivate a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel safe and respected.
“When students are happy, their attendance improves, anxiety decreases, friendships are easier and they perform better and achieve more.”
