HEAD OF SCHOOL'S MESSAGE Matthew Taylor Bott

I am delighted to welcome you as Head of School. It is a privilege to lead a community that is growing with purpose, where students from Early Years through to Upper School are encouraged to engage deeply in their learning, develop strong academic foundations, and grow into confident, responsible young people.

At Forest City International School, we place strong emphasis on high-quality teaching and purposeful learning. Our classrooms are active, focused environments where students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and develop a genuine love of learning. Reading, discussion, and intellectual curiosity form an important part of this journey, helping students build the habits of mind needed for long-term academic success.

We are equally committed to preparing students for life beyond school. Through a structured university and careers guidance programme, we support students as they explore pathways to leading universities around the world. Regular engagement with visiting universities and external speakers helps students understand what is expected of them and how to position themselves for future opportunities.

Beyond academics, we place importance on character development. We aim to nurture students who are resilient, respectful, and grounded in strong values, able to navigate challenges with confidence and integrity. Academic achievement is important, but so too is the kind of person each student becomes.

We also believe strongly in partnership with parents. A child’s education is most successful when school and home work closely together. I look forward to meeting many of you at school events and through our weekly Head of School coffee mornings, where we can connect, share ideas, and continue building a strong school community together.