The abolition of the district grammar schools in 1871 led to the creation of collegiate institutes and high schools, the former devoted to traditional forms of education and the latter catering to male and female students in subject areas like English and the natural sciences.

Students living in larger cities who planned to further their education at university were more likely to attend collegiate institutes.

[1] In 1890, Forest's first permanent high school was built for $6,300 with Principal James H. Philip and four additional teachers serving approximately 160 students.

[2] Plans for the expansion of the school were tentatively approved in the spring of 1969 which would see $1 million spent on increasing student capacity from 750 to 1,200.

In the fall, the drama department hosts the Coffee House Concert where all students, North Lambton Alumni, and community members are invited to come perform musically or recite poems.