LAE was set up in 2012 as the brain child of 6 independent schools; Brighton College, Eton, Highgate, Caterham, UCS, and Forest.  From its creation, Forest as the closest school geographically has provided bespoke and regular support.  Initially Forest’s involvement stemmed from the need for good quality Oxbridge input which was identified and provided by Mark Spencer Ellis, who in the early years of his retirement having stepped down as Forest’s Head of Sixth Form, spent three days a week at LAE setting up their UCAS systems. 

As time has gone on the relationship has developed and we have supported various aspects of their development, most particularly co-curricular, with support and advice from Jeff Kane.  As a sponsor school, the Warden at Forest sits on LAE’s governing board.  LAE is now one of the top performing sixth forms in the country and the top performing sixth form in Newham which is one of the poorest boroughs in London, with historically low levels of higher qualifications and high levels of deprivation. 

Forest continues to connect with LAE, sharing staff training and providing academic and pastoral mentoring for their students.  In 2019 governors also agreed to continue the support and sponsorship we give to LAE and we look forward to working with them in the coming years.