March 12, 2026 admin
Forest school is a child-centred, nature-based approach to learning that takes place entirely outdoors in woodlands, school grounds, parks, and natural environments of all kinds. Guided by the forest school ethos of child-led exploration, supported risk, and holistic development, forest school sessions give children the space to discover wildlife, connect with nature, build independence, and develop confidence in ways that a classroom simply cannot replicate.
Forest school is growing rapidly across the UK. Primary schools, nurseries, early years settings, community organisations, and youth programmes are increasingly looking for trained forest school leaders and practitioners who can deliver high-quality outdoor learning. That demand is creating real career opportunities for educators and childcare professionals who want to take their practice outdoors.
This article covers what forest school training involves at each qualification level, whether any part of the training can be studied online in the UK, what it costs, whether free options exist, and how to find the right training provider.
What Is Forest School Training?
Forest school training is professional development that qualifies educators, teaching assistants, early years practitioners, nursery nurses, youth workers, and outdoor learning specialists to plan, lead, and deliver forest school sessions in line with the forest school principles and ethos. It is not just a countryside activity course it is a structured qualification that develops both the practical woodland skills and the educational theory needed to work as a confident, competent forest school practitioner.
Training typically covers the six forest school principles, child-led learning in natural environments, supported risk and challenge with young children, woodland skills including fire lighting, tool use, and den building, nature-based session planning, safeguarding in outdoor settings, risk assessments for forest school sessions, and reflective practice. Learners also study how to incorporate forest school into the early years curriculum and how to inspire independence and curiosity in the children they work with.
Forest school training in the UK is overseen by the Forest School Association (FSA), which sets quality standards for training providers and endorsed programmes. Not all forest school qualifications carry FSA endorsement always check whether your chosen training provider meets the FSA’s recognised standards before you commit to a course.
What Are the Levels of Forest School Training in the UK?
Forest school qualifications are structured across three main levels, each suited to a different stage of experience and career goal.
Level 1 Introduction to Forest School is a short awareness course that introduces the forest school ethos, principles, and approach. It is ideal for volunteers, teaching assistants, and early years staff who want to assist at forest school sessions, explore outdoor learning, or simply discover whether forest school leadership is the right pathway for them. Level 1 courses can often be completed online or as a short blended course and require no previous experience.
The Level 2 Award in Forest School is a more structured qualification covering session observation, planning support, woodland skills, and the forest school principles in practice. It is suited to teaching assistants, early years assistants, and practitioners who support a qualified Level 3 forest school leader. Some providers offer Level 2 as a blended course with online theory modules alongside face-to-face practical days.
The Level 3 Forest School Leader Training is the full professional leader qualification. It covers all aspects of the forest school ethos, session design, risk assessment, woodland skills, tool use, fire lighting, and in-depth reflective practice. The Level 3 is the qualification recognised by the Forest School Association and required by most schools, nurseries, and organisations hiring a qualified forest school leader. It typically involves a blend of online theory modules and mandatory face-to-face practical training days training providers vary considerably in quality, delivery style, and cost, so always verify whether your chosen provider is FSA-endorsed before enrolling.
Can You Do Forest School Training Online in the UK?
Yes and no and it is important to be honest about this before you invest your time and money.
The theory elements of forest school training can be studied online. Many training providers now offer the theory modules covering the forest school principles, ethos, child development, session planning, safeguarding, and outdoor risk assessment as online learning that learners can complete from home at their own pace. This blended approach offers real flexibility, particularly for busy early years practitioners and teachers.
However, the practical elements of forest school training cannot be assessed online. Hands-on woodland skills, tool use, fire lighting, and delivering real forest school sessions with a group of young children in an outdoor setting are core assessment requirements. These must be completed in person at practical training days typically held over several weekends or intensive training blocks spread across the year. Any provider claiming to offer a fully online Level 3 Forest School Leader certificate with no practical assessment should be approached with serious caution it is unlikely to meet FSA quality standards or be recognised by schools and settings as a genuine leader qualification. Our online childcare courses guide and distance learning childcare courses blog explain how blended online learning works in practice for early years and education professionals.
How Much Does Forest School Training Cost in the UK?
Forest school training costs vary significantly depending on the level, the provider, and the delivery format.
Level 1 Introduction to Forest School courses typically cost between £50 and £200. Some free Level 1 introductory online modules are available from individual training providers for those who want to explore the forest school ethos before committing to a full qualification. The Level 2 Award in Forest School typically costs between £200 and £500. Level 3 Forest School Leader Training the full qualification including practical training days and assessment typically costs between £800 and £1,500. Some providers offer instalment payment plans to help spread the cost.
FSA-endorsed providers may charge more than non-endorsed alternatives, but the quality assurance and wider recognition that comes with FSA endorsement is worth the additional cost for anyone planning to work as a forest school leader professionally. Many early years settings and schools fund their staff’s Level 3 forest school training as part of CPD it is always worth asking your employer before paying personally. Our career development courses guide and guide to free online courses with certificates from the UK government have more on how to explore funding options before you enrol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do forest school training online in the UK?
The theory elements of forest school training can be studied online through blended learning programmes covering the forest school ethos, principles, session planning, safeguarding, and child development. However, the practical elements woodland skills, tool use, fire lighting, and delivering real forest school sessions must be completed in person. A fully online Level 3 forest school leader qualification that meets FSA standards is not currently available.
What is Level 3 forest school leader training?
The Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification is the full professional qualification for anyone who wants to independently plan, lead, and deliver forest school programmes. It covers the forest school principles and ethos, woodland skills, session planning, risk assessment, safeguarding, and reflective practice. It is the qualification recognised by the Forest School Association and required by most schools and early years settings hiring a qualified forest school leader.
How long does forest school training take?
Level 1 introductory courses can be completed in a day or as short online modules over a few weeks. Level 3 Forest School Leader Training typically takes between 6 and 12 months, including online theory study, practical training days, and assessed forest school sessions delivered with a group of children. Most providers structure the training across weekends or block sessions throughout the year.
Is there free forest school training in the UK?
Some free Level 1 introductory forest school modules are available online from individual training providers. For Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, free training is rarely available though some employers fund staff training as CPD. It is worth checking whether your local authority or early years network offers subsidised forest school training places before paying full course fees.
If you are working in early years, childcare, or education and want to build a strong professional foundation alongside your forest school journey, Cambridge Open College offers accredited online childcare and education courses including the Childcare Learning and Development Level 3 that develop the child development knowledge, safeguarding skills, and professional practice that underpin great forest school leadership. These courses are studied entirely online at your own pace, with all materials included and a dedicated personal tutor throughout. Browse the full range of childcare and education qualifications at Cambridge Open College to find the right course for your career.
