New Zealand 🇳🇿 - Level 3 - Forest Schools Leader Training
Leave the classroom behind for 4 days in New Zealand and come back qualified to lead Forest School sessions for life
Tax included.
£1,400.00
Places available. Book your spot today.
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Open Awards qualification recognised internationally
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Gain practical confidence with tools and fire
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Qualifies you to lead sessions independently
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27th - 30th May 2026
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DESCRIPTION
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Your training takes place over 4 intensive days in New Zealand, where you will develop practical skills in tools, fire, facilitation, and child-led outdoor learning. You complete the remaining coursework and portfolio through our online learning platform at your own pace once you are home, with full tutor support throughout.
This is the same Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Certificate in Forest Schools Programme Leadership awarded through Open Awards that we deliver across the UK. The qualification, the standards, and the support are identical. The setting is what makes it unforgettable.
HOW DOES IT WORK
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Stage 1 - Pre-course preparation (online)
Before you travel, you will complete introductory modules through our online learning platform. These cover the theory and background knowledge you need so that your face-to-face days are focused entirely on practical skills and hands-on learning.
Stage 2 - Face-to-face training in New Zealand (4 days)
This is where it all comes together. You will spend 4 days training in the beautiful landscape of Waiwera. Your training covers tool use, fire lighting, knot craft, shelter building, session planning, risk assessment, and facilitation skills. Small groups mean you get real feedback and genuine attention from your trainer.
Stage 3 - Portfolio completion (online, from home)
Once you are back, you complete your portfolio at your own pace with ongoing tutor support.
LOCATION
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New Zealand Training Venue
Your training takes place at [The Forest School NZ in Waiwera, New Zealand
605 Hibiscus Coast Highway,
Waiwera 0994,
New Zealand.
https://share.google/8PsgEefC9vTjF9927
Full joining instructions, including accommodation recommendations and travel tips, are sent after booking.
Based on 1000s Of Reviews By Happy Customers
what people are saying...
Ravi S.
"Left classroom teaching. Retrained. Never been happier. That's the review."
Nicola B.
"The difference in the children is remarkable. Quieter kids find their voice, anxious kids relax, and the 'challenging' ones? They just... thrive. Worth every penny of the training."
Emily R.
"I had a child who was selectively mute in class. After 3 forest school sessions he was chatting away. That's the power of this approach and this training taught me how to do it properly."
Tina K.
"Made redundant at 48. Did this course. Now self-employed running forest school for 4 local schools. Best thing that ever happened to me."
Daisy N.
"My head teacher observed one of my sessions last week and was blown away. This training works."
Claire D.
"I was counting down to every half term and dreading Monday mornings. Now I wake up excited about work. The online format meant I could train while still employed which made the transition so much less scary."
Jake C.
"Was a teaching assistant for years but never felt confident leading outdoors. Now I'm a qualified forest school leader running my own sessions. Brilliant."
Nancy B.
"Completed at 54. Proof that it's never too late. The team were wonderful throughout."
Troy H.
@bariweiss
"Great course. My nursery chain is now rolling forest school out across all their settings off the back of my training."
Ciara K.
"I've never left a review for anything before but this course deserves it. It changed my life."
Ravi S.
"Left classroom teaching. Retrained. Never been happier. That's the review."
Nicola B.
"The difference in the children is remarkable. Quieter kids find their voice, anxious kids relax, and the 'challenging' ones? They just... thrive. Worth every penny of the training."
Emily R.
"I had a child who was selectively mute in class. After 3 forest school sessions he was chatting away. That's the power of this approach and this training taught me how to do it properly."
Tina K.
"Made redundant at 48. Did this course. Now self-employed running forest school for 4 local schools. Best thing that ever happened to me."
Daisy N.
"My head teacher observed one of my sessions last week and was blown away. This training works."
Claire D.
"I was counting down to every half term and dreading Monday mornings. Now I wake up excited about work. The online format meant I could train while still employed which made the transition so much less scary."
Jake C.
"Was a teaching assistant for years but never felt confident leading outdoors. Now I'm a qualified forest school leader running my own sessions. Brilliant."
Nancy B.
"Completed at 54. Proof that it's never too late. The team were wonderful throughout."
Troy H.
@bariweiss
"Great course. My nursery chain is now rolling forest school out across all their settings off the back of my training."
Ciara K.
"I've never left a review for anything before but this course deserves it. It changed my life."
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.
1
Book Your Place
Secure your spot in minutes with our simple booking. Choose your date in New Zealand, pay securely online, and receive your joining pack with everything you need to prepare.
2
Train in [Country Name]
Join us for 4 days of intensive, hands-on training in The Forest School NZ. All materials and resources are provided. Just bring yourself and an open mind.
3
Complete Your Portfolio and Qualify
Back home, complete your portfolio with ongoing mentor support through our online platform. Receive your internationally recognised Level 3 qualification when you are ready. No time limits.
Your Qualification Starts in Waiwera
Finally, a reason to travel that changes your career.
Our international Level 3 training is designed to help you gain a recognised qualification, build genuine confidence through intensive hands-on practice, and return home ready to lead sessions, without putting your life on hold for months.
Intensive face-to-face days mean faster progress than weekly evening courses back home
Training in a different environment builds adaptability and deeper understanding of outdoor pedagogy
Complete your portfolio from home afterwards with full tutor support.
The credential is identical. The experience is anything but.
Our international training delivers the same Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Certificate in Forest School Programme Leadership that we have been awarding since 2001. Accredited through Open Awards and listed on the national register of regulated qualifications, this is the same credential recognised by employers, insurers, and local authorities across the UK and internationally.
Identical qualification to our UK face-to-face courses, same awarding body, same standards
Your certificate does not state where you trained, only that you are qualified
Recognised for insurance, employment, and independent practice worldwide
Your Training Does Not End When You Leave New Zealand
Confidence comes from practice, not just theory.
Our international Level 3 training is designed to help you feel confident and prepared, not just on your training days but throughout your entire journey to qualification and beyond.
Ongoing mentor support once you are home.
Access to our full online learning platform with video lessons and resources
Join a global community of 25,000+ Forest School practitioners trained since 2001
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.
Train Internationally, Qualify Globally
Our international courses deliver the same Ofqual-regulated qualification as our UK training. Your certificate is recognised by employers, insurers, and settings wherever you choose to practise.
Mentor Support Throughout
You're never left stuck with your portfolio. Ongoing guidance from qualified mentors until you're fully confident and certified.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Greg K.
Verified Customer
I was a burnt out Year 4 teacher. Now I spend my days in the woods with children. No contest.
Maisie L.
Verified Customer
The children I work with have SEN and forest school has been incredible for them. This course prepared me properly
Karina M.
Verified Customer
Loved it. My nursery manager is sending two more staff on the next cohort
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.
Jessie B.
Verified Customer
My favourite week of the year was my training week. Came home a different person.
The course combines online learning modules with intensive face-to-face training days in New Zealand. You complete pre-course theory online, attend your practical training days where you learn hands-on skills like tool use, fire lighting, and session facilitation with direct trainer guidance, then finish your portfolio from home with ongoing tutor support.
How many face-to-face training days are there?
You attend [number] face-to-face training days in New Zealand These are intensive, full days focused entirely on practical skills, facilitation techniques, and building your confidence as a Forest School Leader.
Is the qualification the same as the UK courses?
Yes, identical. You receive the same Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Certificate in Forest School Programme Leadership, awarded through Open Awards. Your certificate does not state where you trained. Employers, insurers, and settings will see the same qualification regardless of whether you trained in London or New Zealand.
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.
Do I need any prior Forest School experience?
No. The course is designed for complete beginners as well as those with some outdoor education experience. You do not need to have completed Level 1 or Level 2 first. Your existing skills as an educator are the foundation we build on.
What happens on the training days?
Your training days are practical and hands-on. You will work with tools, learn fire lighting and management, practise knot craft and shelter building, develop facilitation skills, and plan Forest School sessions. Training takes place in small groups so you receive genuine feedback and personal attention from your trainer.
Do I need to arrange my own travel and accommodation?
Yes, travel and accommodation are not included in the course fee. After booking, we send you a joining pack with recommended accommodation options near the training venue, travel tips, and everything you need to plan your trip. Many learners combine their training with a short holiday.
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 do I need to bring to the training days?
We provide all tools, materials, and resources. You just need to bring weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, sturdy footwear, sun protection, water, and a willingness to get stuck in. A full kit list is included in your joining pack.
What if I need to change my travel dates?
We understand that international travel sometimes needs flexibility. Contact us as early as possible if you need to reschedule. We will do our best to move you to another available date at no extra charge, subject to availability.
Can my school or setting fund this training?
Many schools, nurseries, and local authorities fund Forest School training for their staff. We can provide an invoice, purchase order documentation, or a letter of support for your funding application on request.
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 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.
Ready to Train in New Zealand?
Your next step starts here.
Our Level 3 training is designed to help you gain a recognised qualification, build real confidence with intensive hands-on practice, and return home ready to lead sessions you actually enjoy, all in a setting you will never forget.
[Number] days of face-to-face training in [Country Name], 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
