Forest School training

What is Forest School?

Forest School is an inspiring approach to learning outside the classroom which many schools and early years settings have embraced. Rather than being activity based, sessions are instead led by the interests of the learners themselves.

It’s a technique that stimulates independent thinking and ensures that no two Forest School sessions are ever the same. Children, young people and families may enjoy such experiences such as, building dens, exploring the environment, cooking over small fires and hunting for minibeasts.

Building on the natural instinct to learn, Forest School offers opportunities to make choices, initiate learning, understand and manage risks, and encourages positive attitudes and behaviour.

The concept was developed in Scandinavia, and operates on the principle that children of all ages benefit from the learning opportunities present in a woodland or natural environment.

Forest School sessions are practical and primarily child led. The emphasis is on the development of self-esteem, communication and social skills, personal responsibility and citizenship. These skills feedback positively into other areas of work in schools and settings. When embedded in the setting’s curriculum Forest School enriches and links to all areas of development and learning.

Hill End Outdoor Education Centre has been at the forefront of Forest School in Oxfordshire for many years. We continue to provide quality Forest School training in the beautiful, wooded surroundings of Hill End. Our experienced and friendly trainers run rigorous, nationally recognised courses equipping practitioners to motivate and inspire their learners in challenging outdoor play environments.

Our modular training courses are nationally recognised and accredited by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group.

• AIM Group  Level 1 Forest School Ethos and Principles

• AIM Group  Level 2 Award for Forest School Assistants

• AIM Group  Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders

These qualifications have been developed by experienced Forest School practitioners and trainers through the National Forest School Training Network in partnership with the AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group.

Our trainers are qualified Forest School Leaders themselves with over 20 years experience of working with a range of groups. 

How to I apply?

* Prices are exclusive of VAT where applicable

Level 1 Award – comprises 2 days training on site – £348
Please email to enquire about future dates

Level 2 Award – comprises 4 days of training plus optional workbook-building day. Direct progression to Level 3 is possible following the course – £711
Course U
(25 November, 2 & 3 December 2026, 6 & 7 January 2027)
Click here to apply for L2 Award

Level 3 Certificate – comprises 8 days training, additional on-site assessment and optional portfolio building day – £1099

Course T: September – December 2026  *Applications closed
(8 & 9 September + 6 & 7 October + 10 & 11 November + 8 & 9 December)

Course U: December 2026 – March 2027
(25 November, 2 & 3 December 2026, 6 & 7 January, 3 & 4 February, 3 & 4 March 2027) 

Course V: March – June 2027
(2, 16 & 17 March, 13 & 14 April, 11 & 12 May, 15 & 16 June)

Click here to apply for L3 Certificate

What Else Can We Offer?

Forest School Taster

What is Forest School? How can you introduce it to your setting, how does the training work? Discover the benefits of Forest School.

Friday 29 January 2027, 10am – 12pm

£38.00 per session (deductible from the training course cost if you sign up within 6 months)

Please click here to book your place

Forest School Refresher Days
Update and strengthen your Forest School skills.
Re-visit key principles, risk assessment, safeguarding, and outdoor learning activities, while sharing new ideas, resources, and best practice. The day helps you stay confident, safe, and inspired when delivering Forest School sessions.

Thursday 22 April 2027, 9.30am – 2.30pm

£82.00

Please click here to book your place

Forest School Meets

For all practicing Forest School Leaders and Assistants….enjoy a cuppa with Karen and like-minded people for a chatter and sharing of ideas.

Please email us to let us know you would be interested in attending the next meet.

Forest School First Aid

We also run regular Forest School First Aid courses that meet the requirements for Forest School Practitioners. 2 days 9:00am – 6pm (16 hours teaching time) £199
We are now booking from January 2027. For dates, full details and to apply please see our first aid pages here.

Outdoor CPD Courses

Are you looking for inspiration and training for outdoor learning? Our CPD courses cover numeracy, literacy, map skills, using fire safely, planning a residential and much more.

See our CPD page here.