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Reviewed by +100 New Leaders

Become a Forest School Leader and Do Work That Actually Matters

Join 25,000+ Educators Who Turned Their Teaching Experience Into Meaningful Outdoor Careers, Backed By Our Internationally Recognised Qualification

  • check Get Your Internationally Recognised Level 3 Qualification in just 6-12 Months
  • check Learn From the Team That Trained Most of Today's Forest Schools Leaders
  • check Feel Passionate About Your Work Again and finally Escape the Burnout Cycle
ENROL NOW
  • check Get Your Internationally Recognised Level 3 Qualification in just 6-12 Months
  • check Learn From the Team That Trained Most of Today's Forest Schools Leaders
  • check Feel Passionate About Your Work Again and finally Escape the Burnout Cycle
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Darren Popplewell

"I have to say that it is the best course I have ever been on to date!”

Reviewed by +100 Happy Customers

Join the 25,000+ People Enjoying their new Level 3 Qualification

Discover our most popular courses

Join thousands who’ve already done their training with these top picks

Forest Schools Leader - Level 3 - Self Guided Learning
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Forest Schools Leader - Level 3 - Self Guided Learning

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Level 3 Forest School Leader - Sheffield - Hybrid
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Level 3 Forest School Leader - Blidworth - Face-to-Face
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Level 3 Forest School Leader - Blidworth - Face-to-Face

£1,397.00

Level 3 Forest School Leader - Sheffield - Face-to-Face
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Level 3 Forest School Leader - Sheffield - Face-to-Face

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Level 3 Forest School Leader - Cheshire - Hybrid
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Level 3 Forest School Leader - Cheshire - Hybrid

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Level 3 Forest School Leader - Berkhamsted - Hybrid
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Level 3 Forest School Leader - Cheshire - Face-to-Face
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Level 3 Forest School Leader - Cheshire - Face-to-Face

£1,397.00

Level 3 Forest School Leader - Ormskirk - Hybrid
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3 Easy Steps to Becoming a Forest Schools Leader

It's never been easier to become a qualified Forest Schools Leader, just follow these simple steps and enjoy meaningful work in Nature.

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1

Book & Attend Your Training

Book your course in minutes with our easy and secure checkout & attend your training week.

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2

Fill Out Your Portfolio

Lead 6 Sessions in your own setting to fill out your portfolio.

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3

Enjoy A Career You Love

Experience The Joy of Teaching Again in just 6-12 Months without The Paperwork, Politics or Pressure.

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Escape the Broken Education System with A Qualification that Actually Opens Doors

We trained 25,000+ Educators. We Know What Works.

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Internationally recognised qualification

Gain the Level 3 credential that unlocks insurance, site access and employment opportunities.

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Train while you're still employed

Complete your qualification around school holidays without leaving your current role.

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Work that feels like purpose

Witness children who struggle in classrooms come alive outdoors, and know you made that happen.

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A different kind of Monday

Stop counting down to the weekend. Lead sessions that restore your energy instead of depleting it.

Reviewed by +100 Happy Customers

A Word from sarah blackwell

Watch this before you spend another Monday counting down to Friday

This Is What Meaningful Education Looks Like.

Your Transformation Starts With One Click.

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No Ceiling, No Walls: Your classroom is the woodland. Fresh air, natural light, and space to breathe. This is where learning happens.
Real Skills, Real Confidence: Children using real tools, taking real risks, building real confidence. You'll learn how to facilitate moments like this safely.
This Could Be You: A qualified Forest School Leader guiding a child through a meaningful experience. Our Level 3 course gets you here.
Nature Provides the Resources: No expensive equipment needed. Sticks, logs, leaves, and mud. The woodland is your supply cupboard.
Learning Without Worksheets: No photocopying. No laminating. No marking until midnight. Just purposeful, child-led activity in the fresh air.

What people are saying about our Forest Schools training

Real Stories From People Who Made The Leap.

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Elaine S.
Elaine S.
Verified Customer

I now have 3 schools asking me to run sessions. The qualification opened doors I didn't even know existed.

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Sian E.
Sian E.
Verified Customer

Just finished and I'm buzzing. Can't wait to get started with my own sessions.

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Bridget K.
Bridget K.
Verified Customer

Came for the qualification, left with a completely new outlook on education. Wonderful.

Find Your Perfect Training Course

Face-to-face, hybrid, or fully online. One qualification, three ways to get there.

Face-to-Face UK Training

Face-to-Face UK Training

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Online Courses

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Hybrid Training Courses

Hybrid Training Courses

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Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

What makes your Forest School training different from other providers?
We've been training Forest School leaders for over 25 years and have qualified more than 25,000 educators. Our training leads to a nationally recognised Open Awards Level 3 Certificate, regulated by Ofqual. But beyond the credential, you get ongoing mentorship and a supportive community that continues long after you qualify. You're not just getting a certificate - you're joining a network of practitioners who understand the journey you're on.
What if I realise Forest School training isn't right for me?
We want you to feel confident before you commit, which is why we offer [taster sessions/discovery calls - insert what you offer] so you can experience our approach first. If circumstances change after you've enrolled, [insert your specific cancellation and refund terms here].
How soon can I start the training?
We run in-person courses throughout the year, with new online cohorts starting every month on the 1st. Check our upcoming course dates or get in touch to be notified when spaces open.
How quickly will I be qualified and able to lead sessions?
Most people complete their Level 3 qualification within 6 to 12 months, depending on their circumstances. The training includes face-to-face sessions, a six-week programme delivery with children, and portfolio completion. Many teachers complete the training while still employed, using school holidays for the in-person components.
Is this qualification officially recognised?
Yes. Our training leads to the Open Awards Level 3 Certificate in Forest School Programme Leadership, regulated by Ofqual and sitting on the Regulated Qualifications Framework. This is the nationally recognised standard for Forest School leadership. Our face-to-face training meets all requirements for insurance eligibility and employer recognition - unlike purely online courses, which many insurers and employers won't accept.
Can I cancel my enrolment or get a refund?
[Insert your specific policy here]

Based on 1000s of Reviews By Happy Learners

what people are saying...

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Caroline B

Thank You - I've had the journey of a lifetime

2022-09-19
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Saskia T.

Exceptional. The depth of understanding you come away with is remarkable.

2026-02-20
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Thea L.

Just qualified! Emotional doesn't cover it. This course gave me back my love of teaching.

2026-02-15
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Sarah T.

I'm only halfway through but had to leave a review. This is genuinely special.

2026-02-03
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Ollie J.

Started in November, flying through it. Engaging content, clear expectations, brilliant support.

2026-01-30
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Ciara K.

I've never left a review for anything before but this course deserves it. It changed my life.

2026-01-20
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Tamsin J.

I teach Year 6. The difference in my pupils during outdoor sessions is night and day. Wish I'd done this years ago.

2026-01-08
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Heather W.

Excellent. Practical, inspiring, and genuinely useful.

2025-12-03
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Stephanie O.

Teacher of 24 years. Wish I'd found this a decade ago. My only regret is not doing it sooner.

2025-10-08
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James W.

Life changing. Genuinely.

2025-08-30
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Olivia N.

Brilliant week of training. Came away with so many ideas and a real understanding of the forest school ethos.

2025-06-10
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Caroline B

Thank You - I've had the journey of a lifetime

2022-09-19
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Saskia T.

Exceptional. The depth of understanding you come away with is remarkable.

2026-02-20
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Thea L.

Just qualified! Emotional doesn't cover it. This course gave me back my love of teaching.

2026-02-15
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Sarah T.

I'm only halfway through but had to leave a review. This is genuinely special.

2026-02-03
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Ollie J.

Started in November, flying through it. Engaging content, clear expectations, brilliant support.

2026-01-30
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Ciara K.

I've never left a review for anything before but this course deserves it. It changed my life.

2026-01-20
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Tamsin J.

I teach Year 6. The difference in my pupils during outdoor sessions is night and day. Wish I'd done this years ago.

2026-01-08
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Heather W.

Excellent. Practical, inspiring, and genuinely useful.

2025-12-03
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Stephanie O.

Teacher of 24 years. Wish I'd found this a decade ago. My only regret is not doing it sooner.

2025-10-08
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James W.

Life changing. Genuinely.

2025-08-30
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Olivia N.

Brilliant week of training. Came away with so many ideas and a real understanding of the forest school ethos.

2025-06-10

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