There is provided a forming apparatus (10, 10a) for forming a high contour composite structure (18). The forming apparatus (10, 10a) includes an upper die (72) and a lower die (140) between which a composite charge (14) is formed. The forming apparatus (10, 10a) further includes a plurality of load cells (66), a control system (60), and an overlay tool assembly (42) coupled to the upper die (72). The overlay tool assembly (42) has scalloped sections (76a) positioned between pairs (66a) of the plurality of load cells (66), and positioned against portion(s) (14a) of the composite charge (14). The composite charge (14) has ply discontinuity features (90) through the one or more portions (14a). The overlay tool assembly (42) denies pressure (46) and a through thickness compaction (48) to the one or more portions (14a) of the composite charge (14) during a forming process (12), to allow one or more plies (32) in the one or more portions (14a) to move after the forming process (12), and to enable in-plane bending (52) of the high contour composite structure (18) in post-forming operations (56).