Over 2500+ Happy Customers

Level 3 Forest School Leader - Guildford - Hybrid

Designed to help you do meaningful work with children outdoors without giving up your professional credibility

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£1,197.00
Places available. Book your spot today.
  • check Open Awards qualification recognised internationally
  • check Gain practical confidence with tools and fire
  • check Qualifies you to lead sessions independently
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21st - 22nd September 2026

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DESCRIPTION

The best of both worlds: intensive face-to-face training where you'll learn practical skills with tools, fire, and facilitation, combined with flexible online learning that fits around your schedule.

HOW DOES IT WORK

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Choose your course date and location. Attend two days of practical training. Complete your online assessment and portfolio with ongoing support. Receive your Level 3 qualification and start leading sessions.

LOCATION

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Bentley Copse Scout Campsite, Hound House Road, Shere, Guildford, Surrey, GU5 9JH. https://maps.app.goo.gl/qUdqrUhWBzHbYyj77

Based on 1000s Of Reviews By Happy Customers

what people are saying...

3 Easy Steps to Your New Career Outdoors

It's never been easier to make the change from classroom to woodland, just follow these simple steps and start doing work you actually look forward to.

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1

Book Your Place

Secure your spot in minutes with our simple booking. Choose your date, location, and pay securely online.

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2

Attend Your Training

Join us for two days of hands-on woodland training, with all materials and resources provided.

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3

Get Qualified

Complete your portfolio with mentor support and receive your internationally recognised Level 3 qualification.

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More Than a Qualification

Finally, a way forward.

Our Level 3 training is designed to help you build genuine confidence, gain a credential employers recognise, and start work you actually look forward to, without years of retraining or starting from scratch.

  • Your teaching skills transfer directly, so you're building on experience, not abandoning it
  • Practical, hands-on training means you'll feel ready to lead, not just "qualified on paper"
  • Ongoing mentor support until you're confident, not just until you've paid
Book Your Place
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Stop Counting Down to Friday

There is another way.

Our Level 3 training is designed to help you use your skills in an environment that restores you, do meaningful work with children, and build a career you choose, without the financial leap into the unknown.

  • Train over two days, then complete your portfolio while you continue working
  • Join 25,000+ educators who've already made the change
  • 25+ years of experience helping teachers transition to outdoor leadership
Secure Your Spot
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Ready to Lead, Not Just Qualified

Confidence comes from practice, not just theory.

Our Level 3 training is designed to help you gain real skills with tools and fire, lead sessions with genuine confidence, and feel prepared for independent practice, without pretending to be a "nature expert."

  • Small groups, so you get real feedback and support
  • Hands-on woodland training, not just classroom theory
  • Portfolio support throughout, so you're never stuck alone
Start Your Training

Why Educators Have Trusted Us for 25 Years

Get qualified with the training provider that's helped more teachers make the change than anyone else.

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25 Years of Experience

We've been training Forest School Leaders since before most providers existed. You're learning from the people who helped shape outdoor education in the UK.

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Train While You Work

Two days of face-to-face training, then complete your portfolio around your existing commitments. No need to quit your job to qualify.

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Mentor Support Throughout

You're never left stuck with your portfolio. Ongoing guidance from qualified mentors until you're fully confident and certified.

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Hands-On, Not Just Theory

You'll leave with practical skills in tools, fire, and facilitation, not just a folder of notes you'll never look at again.

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No Nature Expertise Required

You don't need to identify every bird or name every tree. We teach you to facilitate discovery, not deliver lectures on ecology.

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Internationally Recognised Qualification

Open Awards accredited Level 3 certification accepted by employers, insurers, and local authorities across the UK and worldwide.

Reviewed by +100 Happy Customers

Not All Level 3 Training Is Equal

See why thousands of educators train with Forest Schools Education Over The Competition

Training Educators Since 2001
The Original Archimedes Model
Mentor support until you're fully qualified
On-demand video lessons included
Live support sessions to help complete your portfolio
Forest Schools Education
Training Provider 2
Training Provider 3
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Your Office Could Look Like This

Trade fluorescent lights for dappled sunlight.

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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.

Reviewed by +100 Happy Customers

What people are saying about our Forest Schools training

Real Stories From People Who Made The Leap.

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Greg K.

Verified Customer

I was a burnt out Year 4 teacher. Now I spend my days in the woods with children. No contest.

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Maisie L.

Verified Customer

The children I work with have SEN and forest school has been incredible for them. This course prepared me properly

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Karina M.

Verified Customer

Loved it. My nursery manager is sending two more staff on the next cohort

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Ruth A.

Verified Customer

I've seen children who can't sit still for 5 minutes in a classroom happily engage for 2 hours in the woods. This training showed me how to facilitate that properly.

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Jessie B.

Verified Customer

My favourite week of the year was my training week. Came home a different person.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

What does the hybrid course include?
The hybrid course combines online learning modules with face-to-face training days. You complete the theory and coursework online at your own pace, then attend practical training days where you learn hands-on skills like tool use, fire lighting, and session facilitation with direct tutor guidance.
How many face-to-face training days are there?
2 initial training days where we go over the practical elements of the course. You chose the dates when you enrol so you can plan ahead.
Is the qualification the same as the fully face-to-face course?
Yes. Both routes lead to the same Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Certificate through Open Awards. The qualification is identical. The difference is how you learn, not what you earn.
How long does the course take to complete?
Most learners complete within 6 to 12 months, depending on when training days fall and how quickly you work through the online modules. We support you throughout and offer flexible deadlines.
Do I need any prior Forest School experience?
No. The course is designed for beginners. If you have experience working with children in any capacity, you have the foundation you need. The training days build your practical skills from the ground up.
What happens on the training days?
You'll learn practical skills including tool use, fire lighting, shelter building, and risk management. You'll also practise leading activities and receive direct feedback from your tutor. These are hands-on days in a real woodland setting.
Can I do this while still working?
Yes. The online modules fit around your schedule, and training days are typically held on weekends or during school holidays. Many learners complete the course while still in full-time employment.
What support do I get?
You're assigned a tutor who supports you throughout, both online and in person. You'll receive feedback on your portfolio, guidance on your practical skills, and help whenever you need it.
What do I need to bring to the training days?
We'll send you a full kit list before your first training day. Generally, you'll need outdoor clothing, waterproofs, sturdy footwear, and a packed lunch. All tools and specialist equipment are provided.
What if I can't attend a scheduled training day?
Let us know as soon as possible. We can usually transfer you to an alternative date. We understand life happens and work with you to find a solution.
What can I do once I'm qualified?
You can lead Forest School sessions in schools, nurseries, or other settings. You can add Forest School to your current role, seek employment as a Forest School Leader, or start your own Forest School business. The qualification also allows you to apply for public liability insurance.
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Ready to Make the Change?

Your next step starts here.

Our Level 3 training is designed to help you gain a recognised qualification, build real confidence with practical skills, and start leading sessions you actually enjoy, without leaving your current job to do it.

  • Two days of face-to-face training, then complete your portfolio at your own pace
  • Support until you pass, not just until the course ends
  • Join 25,000+ educators who already made the change
Secure Your Spot