George Forrest was born in Glasgow and educated at University College School, Hampstead.

In 1943 he joined the RAF, and in the following years of World War II and post-War liberation he served in France and Belgium.

Forrest entered New College as a scholar in 1947, took a first in Classical Moderations in 1949, and another in Literae Humaniores in 1951.

In his final term he won the Derby Scholarship, usually awarded for travel abroad.

In 1977 he was elected Wykeham Professor of Ancient History and accordingly became a Fellow of New College, where he remained until his retirement in 1992.