Forest School Leader Level 3

About the course

Forest School Leader Level 3

Step into a leadership role in outdoor learning with our Level 3 Forest School Leader course, designed to develop confident, skilled practitioners who can lead high-quality, learner-led Forest School sessions.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders

About the course
The Level 3 Forest School Leader course is a professional qualification for those committed to long-term, reflective Forest School practice. This course focuses on deepening your understanding of child development, Forest School pedagogy, and the impact of sustained programmes. You will gain practical woodland skills, including tool use, fire management and sustainable practice, while also developing leadership, responsibility, and professional decision-making abilities. This course combines taught sessions with hands-on practice in a Forest School setting.

Is this course right for you?
This course is perfect for those passionate about outdoor education and supporting children's learning through nature. It suits individuals who want to progress into a Forest School leadership role or those already supporting sessions and wishing to take on more responsibility. Commitment to reflective practice and long-term programme delivery is essential, along with access to a Forest School setting to plan and deliver sessions.

What you will learn
Topics include:

• Principles, ethos and pedagogy of Forest School
• Child development and learning through outdoor experiences
• Planning, delivering and evaluating sustained, learner-led sessions
• Observation, assessment and progression strategies
• Inclusion, wellbeing and supporting diverse learners
• Leadership, responsibility, and professional decision-making
• Advanced woodland skills, including tool use, fire safety and sustainable practices
• Reflective practice and professional portfolio development

How you will learn
Learning is delivered through one taught day per month with expert-led sessions. You will engage in practical, hands-on learning in a Forest School context and complete ongoing practice, observation and reflection between sessions. Your progress is assessed through a portfolio that demonstrates your competence in planning, delivery and leadership, with support and guidance from experienced tutors and mentors throughout the course.

Eligibility criteria
You must be a West Yorkshire resident, aged 19 or over on 31 August 2025, be ordinarily resident in the UK, and have the right to live and work in the UK.

If you are aged 19-23:

• You must be studying your first full Level 3 qualification, or
• If this is not your first full Level 3, you may still be eligible if you are unemployed or earning less than £25,750 per year.

If you are aged 24 or over:

• You must be studying your first full Level 3 qualification, or
• If this is not your first full Level 3, you may still be eligible if you are unemployed or earning less than £25,750 per year.