Level 3 Forest School Leader - Sheffield - Face-to-Face
Designed to help you do meaningful work with children outdoors without giving up your professional credibility
Tax included.
£1,397.00
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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9th to 13th March 2026
28th September to 2nd October 2026
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Level 3 Leader Practitioner
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DESCRIPTION
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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 five 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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Whiteley Wood Outdoor Activities Centre,
Common Lane,
Sheffield,
S11 7TG,
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UedowNSKTQwpqN7eA
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, location, and pay securely online.
2
Attend Your Training
Join us for five days of hands-on woodland training, with all materials and resources provided.
3
Get Qualified
Complete your portfolio with mentor support and receive your internationally recognised Level 3 qualification.
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
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
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
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 While You Work
Five days of face-to-face training, then complete your portfolio around your existing commitments. No need to quit your job to qualify.
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
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.
ou'll spend 5 full days in a woodland setting learning practical skills and Forest Schools theory. This includes tool use (knives, saws, billhooks), fire lighting and management, shelter building, risk assessment, child-led facilitation, and session planning. It's hands-on, immersive, and taught by experienced Forest Schools trainers.
Are the 5 days consecutive or spread out?
The 5 days run as a single week
Is the 5-day course the complete qualification?
The 5 days cover the practical training component. You'll also need to complete a portfolio of evidence and deliver a 6-week Forest School programme with children to achieve your full Level 3 Certificate. We support you through all of this after your training week.
What qualification do I get?
You receive an Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Certificate in Forest School Programme Leadership through Open Awards. This is the same qualification recognised by employers and insurers across the UK.
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 if I'm nervous about the practical skills?
Most learners feel nervous before their training week. That's completely normal. By the end of the 5 days, you'll have practised every skill multiple times with direct tutor support. Learners consistently tell us they leave feeling far more confident than they expected.
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 happens after the 5 days?
After your training week, you'll complete your portfolio and deliver a 6-week Forest School programme with children. You'll have ongoing tutor support throughout this process, with feedback on your portfolio and guidance whenever you need it.
How long do I have to complete the portfolio?
You have up to 12 months to complete your portfolio and 6-week programme, though most learners finish within 6 to 9 months. We offer flexible deadlines and support you until you qualify.
Can I do this while still working?
Yes. You'll need to take 5 days for the training itself, but the portfolio and 6-week programme can be completed around your existing role. Many learners use school holidays for training and deliver their programme within their current setting.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Let us know as soon as possible. We can usually transfer you to an alternative date. See our terms and conditions for our full cancellation policy.
Is accommodation included?
No, accommodation is not included. We can recommend nearby options. Residential accommodation is available at an additional cost only at our Sheffield training site.
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 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.
Five 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
