More than a qualification

Many training providers focus primarily on helping learners gain a certificate. We focus on helping learners become competent, confident and employable practitioners.

The qualification matters. What you can actually do afterwards matters far more.

We want our learners to leave with the knowledge, confidence and practical capability to lead high-quality Forest Schools™ experiences in real-world settings.

Access to Sarah Blackwell's 30 years of experience

Our programmes are built upon three decades of professional practice, research, leadership and innovation.

Sarah Blackwell has trained practitioners internationally, contributed to the development of Forest Schools™ across multiple countries, spoken at conferences, developed intellectual property used by thousands of practitioners and helped shape practice across the sector.

When learners join Archimedes Forest Schools™, they are not simply buying a course. They are accessing the accumulated learning, mistakes, successes, reflections and innovations developed over a professional lifetime.

Ongoing support

Many providers deliver the training and then the learner is largely left to complete their portfolio independently. Our learners receive ongoing support throughout their journey.

This includes:

• Regular support sessions
• Portfolio guidance
• Access to experienced trainers
• Individual feedback
• Troubleshooting and problem solving
• Business development advice where appropriate

We want people to succeed, not simply enrol.

Higher standards

We deliberately teach beyond minimum qualification requirements. Many awarding organisations specify minimum evidence requirements.

Meeting the minimum may achieve certification. It does not necessarily create excellence.

Our approach is to develop understanding, judgement, reflection, leadership and professional competence beyond the minimum standards.

Real Forest Schools™ philosophy

Forest Schools™ is not simply outdoor learning. It is not bushcraft. It is not a collection of games. It is not a woodland activity programme.

At Archimedes Forest Schools™, learners explore:

• Child development
• Human development
• Emotional wellbeing
• Risk-benefit assessment
• Reflective practice
• Observation
• Nature connection
• Leadership
• Community and companionship
• Long-term learner development

The result is a deeper understanding of why Forest Schools™ works, not just what to do.

Business and career development

Many learners eventually want to:

• Start a Forest Schools™ business
• Work within schools
• Create alternative provision
• Develop nursery provision
• Expand existing organisations

We help learners understand the realities of professional practice, sustainability, marketing, systems and leadership.

We want our graduates to thrive long after the qualification has been completed.

International reputation

Archimedes Forest Schools™ learners join a growing international community of practitioners working across:

• The United Kingdom
• Thailand
• Singapore
• China
• New Zealand
• Europe
• The Middle East

Our reputation has been built through relationships, quality and consistency rather than volume.

We invest more into every learner

Cheaper courses often depend on large learner numbers and limited support. Our model is different.

We invest significant time in:

• Mentoring
• Assessment support
• Quality assurance
• Resource development
• Learner welfare
• Professional guidance

That investment costs more to deliver. We believe it creates significantly better outcomes.