Certificate for Forest School Leaders

Duration: 10.5 days per course (see exact dates above), plus tutorials.
Attendance: Please refer to 'onsite attendance dates'
Location: Stanmer Campus

Course Overview

Course Outline

This rich and rewarding qualification is designed provide students with the practical skills, learning and development theory as well as essential woodland ecology and management understanding needed to plan and deliver Forest School programmes. The qualification prepares students to plan and deliver Forest School activities for children, young people or adults in an outdoor learning environment. Successful completion of this course will provide students with the qualification required to gain employment as Forest School Leader, in a school environment, with outdoor education providers or as independent practitioner.

Course Aim

To provide learners with an understanding of the principles of Forest School and the skills required for facilitating outdoor activities using a Forest School approach. Develop the knowledge, understanding and theories required to plan and deliver a Forest School programme, be able to monitor and support students’ progress and maintain an ecologically sustainable environment.

Course Content

The assessment is via completion of practical and written tasks including a portfolio of evidence.

The topics covered include:

Planning a Forest School Programme
- Policies, procedures and theories underpinning a Forest School programme
Delivery of a Forest School Programme
- Structure, planning and delivery of practical Forest School sessions
Learning and Development at a Forest School Programme
- Learning, development, observation and progression of Forest School learners
Forest School Programmes and the Woodland Environment
- Understanding of woodland ecology, woodland management and environmental impact of Forest School activities
Practical Skills for a Forest School Programme
- Basic hand tool use, environment based activities and crafts, games, survival and bush craft skills

Independent practical coursework requirements

As part of the assessment for this qualification students are required to plan and deliver a six consecutive session Forest School programme. Students will additionally be require to observe and report on the learning and development of three participants during these sessions. This component of the course is undertaken as independent work by the students. Support and guidance will be provided by the course tutor.

Please note: students will be required to source their own placement in an existing forest school provision in order to facilitate this independent coursework unit. For more information, please contact our enquiries team: enquiries@plumpton.ac.uk

This is an 18 credit unit course, awarded by AIM Qualifications & Assessment Group. For more detailed information on the full qualification, visit their website.

Additional Qualifications

You can also choose to study your Forest School First Aid course with us.

Please do not delay your booking – to guarantee your place, please book 2 weeks in advance of course date.

Assessment

Entry Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements however learners must be 21+ and will require an enhanced DBS prior to commencing their work placement.

Plumpton College recommend students have prior experience in the education or wildlife sector, for example:

Qualified Teachers
Teaching Assistants
Youth workers
Forest School Volunteers
Outdoor Educators
Education/Wildlife Officers
Rangers
Ecologists

Please note: students will be required to source their own placement in an existing forest school provision in order to facilitate the independent coursework unit of this programme. For more information, please contact our enquiries team: enquiries@plumpton.ac.uk

Course Cost

Tuition fees: £1042.00, inclusive of material fees: £25.00

Onsite attendance dates

Course Start date: 12^th Oct 2026

Course End date: 24^th Apr 2027

9.30am – 4.00pm

12th October 2026
13th October 2026
19th October 2026
20th October 2026
2nd November 2026
3rd November 2026
16th November 2026
17th November 2026
5th April 2027
16th April 2027

10.00am – 12.00pm

24^th April 2027

Course Start date:16^th March 2026

Course End date: 10^th July 2026

Onsite Attendance dates:

9.30am – 4.00pm

15th March 2027
16th March 2027
17th March 2027
22nd March 2027
23rd March 2027
24th March 2027
19th April 2027
20^thApril 2027
10^th May 2027
7^th June 2027

10.00am – 12.00pm

5^th July 2027

What is it like to be a student on this course?

Lynn, the tutor, not only has years of experience in the field (and forests) but an inclusive approach that works in and out of the classroom to not only help develop her students' understanding but also to create a community of learning and development. Through her facilitation not only the left and right sides of the brain but also the heart and hands begin a process of learning. In this way she embodies the Forest School approach. The course is a holistic journey with Lynn and her knowledge and passionate sharing is an inspiration, just what you're after in a teacher I'd say.

Ben - Student

The comprehensive curriculum provided me with an invaluable understanding of forest school pedagogy and practical facilitation skills. I found the hands-on experience in the natural environment to be particularly enriching and directly applicable to my future practice. Lynn, the tutor, demonstrated exceptional knowledge and a genuine passion for forest school education, creating a friendly, supportive and engaging learning atmosphere. I am confident that the skills and knowledge gained will enable me to effectively lead and inspire others in outdoor learning settings. I highly recommend this course to anyone aspiring to become a qualified Forest School Leader. Thank you for this friendly, transformative educational experience.

James - Level 3 Forest School Leaders

Studying a Level 1 or Level 2 Part-Time Course?

Tuition could be FREE

If you are unemployed and in receipt of state benefits, or if you are working and your income is under £25,750 (from September 2024), you may be entitled to financial support towards your tuition fees. You may need to pay a materials fee if applicable to your course. Find out more: Course Fees and Funding