Morley had its own staff, principal and P&C association, but it used John Forrest's canteen, library and sporting facilities.

[12] The Labor party ended up winning the election, and so planning started on the $50 million upgrade.

The second stage involves the demolition of the previous materials technology building and construction of a new sports hall.

Students in the program do music theory, weekly instrumental lessons, ensembles outside class time and various performances and concerts.

The music program is open to year 6's from nearby schools, where they travel to John Forrest for an hour each week.

Jessica Anstiss, player for the West Coast Fever is the patron for the netball program.

[22] Margaret Court was the patron of the tennis program until October 2017 after the school board wrote to her,[23][24] asking to confirm that your views align with our college and will allow you to be promoted to our students as someone who values diversity and inclusivity, is accepting of race and cultural difference and will happily accept people with different sexualities.Thanking the school "for the privilege of being patron for four years", Court formally withdrew from the position due to being "unable to support all the organisations she once did" because of increasing commitments.

[23][24] John Forrest was named Western Australia's most outstanding school at the 2017 WA Tennis Industry Awards Night.

[26][27] Students living in the local intake area have a guaranteed place at the school if they apply.

Students living outside the local intake area may join the school if they are accepted into one of the specialist programs or after being judged on a case-by-case basis.