Forest | Epsom College

Forest – named after Robert Forest, an early major benefactor – was one of the College’s original houses, formed in 1883. It started life in the main College building, but moved 50 years ago into purpose-built accommodation close to the main rugby pitches and is now home to 60 boys.

Read below to find out more about the Housemaster, Matron and current Head of House, plus take a look at a gallery of images of life in Forest.

Jonny Bailey, Housemaster

I started in my role as Housemaster of Forest in September 2021. For the previous five years, I was Deputy Housemaster in Forest and held various Head of Year positions – as well as being a teacher of Economics. I am passionate about sport and coach rugby, football and cricket teams at the College throughout the year.

I have enjoyed a varied career, completing the Teach First scheme after university before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte, and then teaching the ACA qualification at Kaplan Financial, before joining Epsom College.

I am married to Emma and we have three young children, Rory, Mia and Oscar.

Forest is a community built around respect and appreciation for one another. The boys thrive in a supportive atmosphere, where everyone’s strengths and abilities are equally valued. They understand that to gain the most out of their time at the College, throwing themselves into all of the opportunities that present themselves is essential. The solid foundations of friendship and routine that they establish within the House allows them to flourish during the busy days.

Janet King, Matron

I have been at Epsom College since 2011 and was the Assistant Matron in Forest from 2013. I then took over the role of Forest Matron in 2023. Looking after the boys’ general wellbeing and making the House a home-from-home is an essential part of this role and one I take very seriously and am proud to do.

The friendly atmosphere between all staff and pupils within the House is second to none, and the boys’ loyalty to the House and each other is amazing.

In my spare time I love crafting, sewing and quilting in particular and I spend a lot of time mending the boys’ trousers and sewing on buttons for them!!

Ollie, Head of House 2024-25

This year I am entering my fifth and final year in Forest. I have been here since I joined the school in Middle Fourth (Year 9) and have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far.

I am currently studying Economics, Geography and Business and have really enjoyed all three throughout the year.

Outside of the classroom I am a keen sportsman, representing the School’s 1st teams in both cricket and rugby. I love representing the School and hope I can continue to do so for my final year.

Overall I have a huge passion for Forest House and am delighted to be appointed Head of Forest House for the upcoming year.

House History

Robert Forest

Robert Forest was a prosperous resident of Vauxhall, listed in the 1851 census as a “Slate, Stone, Tile and Lime Merchant”. He and his wife, Catherine, did not have any children and devoted a considerable fortune to charitable causes.

Historic records indicate that Forest contributed to many institutions in his lifetime, including the Hospital for Consumption and Diseases of the Chest, the Royal Sea Bathing Infirmary, the Asylum for Female Orphans and the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital. He also supported a charity that cared for members of the Clergy who were ill or had long term health conditions preventing them from performing their duties.

Forest almost certainly moved in the same circles as Dr John Propert and would have been aware of his efforts to establish Epsom College. From 1860 to 1861, he served as Vice-President of the College, and was a major benefactor. He endowed the Forest Scholarship, awarded to the most promising academic scholar entering the College at 13, as well as a leaving scholarship to support a pupil entering medical school.

Forest House was one of the first group of boys’ Houses founded in 1883. Given Robert Forest’s commitment and legacy to the College, it was a fitting tribute to name one of the first houses after him.

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