Forest School Leader Training
Level 3 Certificate For Forest School Leaders
Starts 09 March 2026
The Grow Wellbeing Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders equips public-facing professionals with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to research, plan, lead and evaluate high-quality Forest School programmes in their own settings.
The qualification is accredited by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group, an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual, the government body responsible for maintaining standards in qualifications across England.
This means the qualification is nationally recognised, with clear learning outcomes, robust assessment standards and external quality assurance.
Developed over five years of delivery and experience
Distinctively within the Forest School leader training landscape, Grow Wellbeing has spent over five years delivering and intentionally evolving this qualification beyond a solely early-years and primary education model. Under the guidance of Jim Loftus, Forest School Lead and trainer with over ten years’ experience delivering this qualification, the course has been shaped to support a far broader range of professional practice.
Forest School practice beyond traditional education settings
Alongside work in early-years and primary education, the training explores how Forest School principles can meaningfully inform the work of wellbeing practitioners across diverse settings, including those working with adults, groups and individuals with a wide range of life experiences and needs. The course reflects the proven value of Forest School and time in nature as a powerful, adaptable approach to wellbeing, learning and connection.
Train with a Community Interest Company rooted in wellbeing and community
Delivered by Grow Wellbeing, a Community Interest Company, the training offers more than a Level 3 qualification. Learners are taught by a values-led organisation actively delivering Forest School and nature-based wellbeing programmes week in, week out, ensuring teaching is grounded in real, lived practice.
Course fees are reinvested directly into community programmes for children, families and adults across Wirral and the Liverpool City Region, meaning learners contribute to social impact as they qualify. Learners also join a genuine community of practice, with opportunities for ongoing development, connection and progression beyond certification.
Course Overview
1
10 face-to-face teaching days
You will cover in depth the five units of the specification. Ecology, learning theory, planning and delivery are explored and explained in a range of practical and academic sessions.
2
Completion of a written portfolio
84 hours of self-study time, which may usually be completed over 3-6 months.
3
Assessment
Plan and deliver a programme of 6 pilot forest school sessions to the same group of participants with one of the sessions being observed by one of the course assessors.
Ongoing Support
Following the taught dimension of the course, a member of Grow-Wellbeing training team will be nominated to offer you the tutorial and mentoring support you need to complete and submit your portfolio and a member of our assessment team will observe your pilot delivery sessions.
As your pilot sessions will need to be covered by insurance, we recommend that they be carried out within an established organisation or school. If you are not already working or volunteering in a school/ nursery/ community organisation which can offer this opportunity, we can help you to find a suitable placement.
Why Choose Grow-Wellbeing
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Course Tutors
Jim Loftus
Duane Chong
Kate Brennan
Alice Kuchemann
Kris Willow-Turner
You will be taught by tutors with an extraordinary diversity and skills ranging from contemporary therapeutic practises to practical outdoor living skills, we are teachers, lecturers, experienced community workers and rooted in the natural world.
Trainee Feedback
Investment:
£995.00
A deposit is required to secure your place, though full payment is due if the course start date is within 30 days.
If you are unable to meet the cost of the course in full right away, an arrangement may be made for course fees to be paid in instalments by Direct Debit.
The course fee includes all course materials and a starter kit of essential forest school equipment.
Applications Now Open for March 2026
Join us for our Forest School Leader Course beginning 09 March 2026!
The course includes ten face-to-face teaching days, These are held weekly on Mondays during March, with two Mondays in April, four Mondays in June, and a final Monday in July. This enables candidates to experience seasonal weather.
Course dates are:
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20 April 2026
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15 June 2026
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22 June 2026
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29 June 2026
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06 July 2026
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09 March 2026
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16 March 2026
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23 March 2026
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30 March 2026
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13 April 2026
Our in-person sessions are designed to give you ample time to complete coursework, make the most of your tutors’ expertise, and deepen your understanding of the material. These sessions also provide a unique opportunity to develop skills across the seasons and build lasting connections with your fellow learners.
Full course details are provided in the course brochure. We recommend you read this document before submitting an application. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us
Apply Early: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and places for successful applicants will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Click on the link below to go to the application form.
Not Ready to Apply? If you’re not ready to apply now but would like to stay informed about future courses, you can register your interest and join our Forest School Leader newsletter