Forest School Leader Level 3 TrainingNew Course Start Date: Wednesday 12th November 2025
Participants must attend four modules, 11 training days in total between November 2025 and May 2026. Times: 9am - 5pm Module 1: Wed 12th to Fri 14th November 2025 Module 2: Thurs 5th to Sat 7th February 2026 Module 3: Wed 18th to Fri 20th March 2026 Module 4: Sat 16th to Sun 17th May 2026 Tutor: Adrian Goodhand - Coast and Forest Education coastandforest.co.uk £1180 * Arrangement can be made to pay by instalments: £200 non-refundable deposit to reserve a place, £500 by the start of the course, £480 by 28th Feb 2026 Please fill in the enquiry form at the bottom of the page to register an interest in our training starting Autumn 2025. 2024-25 Cohort Course Dates: Module 1: Wed 13th to Fri 15th November 2024 Module 2: Thurs 6th to Sat 8th February 2025 Module 3: Wed 19th to Fri 21st March 2025 Module 4: Sat 17th to Sun 18th May 2025 Times: 9am - 5pm "These last few days have just reaffirmed that this course is not just about a better career opportunity or making us better teachers/TAs/instructors but on a personal level it's therapeutic and creates a deeper awareness of yourself, so thank you!"
"It has been an amazing experience, I have learnt an immense amount about Forest School, myself, the woodland sites and learning."
"Thank you so much for an excellent experience. The Sustainability Centre is great for this kind of course."
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This course:
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ABOUT THE COURSE
This training course is essential for anyone wishing to lead Forest School programmes in their own setting. It covers learning theory and practical skills, plus gives participants the confidence and knowledge needed to establish and deliver their own Forest School programmes.
Our Forest School Leader Training is run by experienced leader and trainer, Adrian Goodhand, and accredited by the awarding body QNUK. Our venue is a pioneering environmental education centre within a 55 acre woodland site, where we are passionate about outdoor learning and providing high quality training. The course covers a combination of practical skills (tool use, fire lighting, campfire cooking, knot tying, identifying and using natural materials etc.) and theoretical skills (holistic development, self esteem theory, learning theory, learning through play etc.). The course also covers how to set up a Forest School programme, risk management and sustainable use of woodlands.
Our Forest School Leader (Level 3) training course is run over a number of months to help participants take on board the course learning, spread the coursework assignment load and reflect on their training. Level 3 trainees receive 11 days of training, split into 4 modules. In addition to the training days, participants will be required to set up their own 6 week pilot Forest School programme and submit a coursework portfolio within 12 months of starting the training. The course is described as 24 days worth of work - 11 days attending the training days and the rest is self directed learning time.
Our Forest School Leader Training is run by experienced leader and trainer, Adrian Goodhand, and accredited by the awarding body QNUK. Our venue is a pioneering environmental education centre within a 55 acre woodland site, where we are passionate about outdoor learning and providing high quality training. The course covers a combination of practical skills (tool use, fire lighting, campfire cooking, knot tying, identifying and using natural materials etc.) and theoretical skills (holistic development, self esteem theory, learning theory, learning through play etc.). The course also covers how to set up a Forest School programme, risk management and sustainable use of woodlands.
Our Forest School Leader (Level 3) training course is run over a number of months to help participants take on board the course learning, spread the coursework assignment load and reflect on their training. Level 3 trainees receive 11 days of training, split into 4 modules. In addition to the training days, participants will be required to set up their own 6 week pilot Forest School programme and submit a coursework portfolio within 12 months of starting the training. The course is described as 24 days worth of work - 11 days attending the training days and the rest is self directed learning time.
WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT OUR FOREST SCHOOL TRAINING?
- We deliver our training in a 'forest school way' - over time, in an achieveable format and with support.
- We keep the group size small, with a maximum of 12 students per course.
- As well as the 11 training days for Level 3 students, we offer an extra portfolio support day.
- Our tutor will also support students via phone, email or Skype to provide help with particular assignments and skills.
- Our tutor will visit your Forest School programme to observe you in practice and offer tailored feedback and support.
LEVEL 3 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Level 3 Forest School Leader candidates must:
- be aged 21 years or over;
- be a qualified teacher, play-worker, youth-worker or support worker (to level 2 or equivalent) OR compile a portfolio of at least 2 years experience of working with their chosen client group in a leadership capacity;
- have access to a group with whom they will run an introductory 6-week Forest School Programme.
- hold a current enhanced DBS
- hold a current and valid First Aid certificate (minimum 2-day Outdoor First Aid or 2-day Paediatric First Aid). We offer a combined Forest School and Paediatric First Aid course as an optional add-on to the Forest School Training.
ABOUT THE TUTOR
Adrian Goodhand has been practising Forest School since 2010 and delivering Forest School Training since 2014 across Hampshire and Surrey. He is a registered trainer with the Forest School Association (FSA). He has over 25 years of environmental education experience. Adrian's tutoring experience doesn't stop at Forest School - he is also a qualified First Aid trainer and has tutored a range of outdoor and sport qualifications. Adrian is passionate about Forest School - Forest School for him was a life changing approach to educating and engaging with the outdoors through a learner led approach and investigative in design rather than traditional learning styles in outdoor education. He has set up his own Forest School company (Coast and Forest Education) and previously sat on the Forest School Association (FSA) board. His particular specialities are working with groups with special education needs on a long-term basis and sharing his knowledge and skills on the importance of physical play in childhood. Adrian takes great delight from seeing individuals grow with confidence and understanding during courses, training and following on in their career.
Check Out Accommodation
You can get 10% discount when you stay with us during your course for 2 nights or more in our campsite or eco lodge. Please call us on 01730 823166 to make your accommodation booking. Our reception is open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.
Enquiry Form 2025/2026 Cohort
Thank you for your interest in our Forest School Leader Level 3 training course. Please complete & submit the form below to enquire about a place on training. We will then contact you to discuss your booking.
