Empowering the Next Generation
of
Outdoor Educators
- Qualifications we offer
Structured learning designed to build your confidence and competence in delivering high-quality outdoor education.
Level 3 - ITC Forest School Leader
Age requirement: 19+ (certification awarded at 21+, in line with legislation)
Ideal for: those with experience working with groups of any age. if you are enthusiastic but lack group experience, please get in touch – we are happy to advise on suitable pathways.
Level 2 - ITC Award for Forest School Assistants
Age requirement: 19+
Ideal for: those wishing to support forest school leaders and built practical experience outdoors in an accepting and skilled enviroment.
Level 1 - ITC Award in Forest School Ethos & Principles
Age requirment: 14+
Ideal for: those with experience working with groups of any age. if you are enthusiastic but lack group experience, please get in touch – we are happy to advise on suitable pathways.
- Additional Information
Our Training Location:
Ham Lands Nature Reserve, Richmond, London – TW10
Training takes place outdoors at our woodland basecamp, approximately a 10-minute walk into Ham Lands. Washing and toileting facilities are set up on site, with additional facilities available nearby at Teddington Lock.
2026 Training Dates – Levels 3 & 2:
2026 Training Dates – Levels 3 & 2:
Initial Training Weeks:
• Mon 2 – Fri 6 March 2026
• Mon 22 – Fri 26 June 2026
• Mon 28 Sept – Fri 2 October 2026
Additional Practical Assessment Days (L3 only)
Four days, scheduled 3–6 months after the initial week and agreed with each cohort during Initial Training week.
Level 3 Forest School Leader – Full Course Structure:
Credit value: 18
Total qualification time: 180 hours
Guided Learning Hours: 155 hours
Training Components:
Initial Training Week: Five immersive woodland days (9:30am – 5pm; Day 1 begins at 9am)Portfolio Development: Access to a private Dropbox with guidance and resourcesSix Forest School Sessions: Delivered independently at your setting (Support is available where needed, including help to connect with existing Forest School providers if you do not yet have your own setting).Four Practical Assessment Days: Scheduled 3–6 months after initial week (9:30am-5pm daily – dates agreed with cohort at Initial Training week)Site Visit / Drop-In Session: Personalised support and consultancy at your settingOngoing Tutor Support: Email, phone, and monthly Zoom calls (minimum two mandatory)4 hours of additional live online content training: Dates confirmed with cohort during Initial Training WeekRolling Portfolio Submission: Ongoing feedback throughout the yearQuality Assurance: Full marking, IQA and EQA in line with Ofqual requirementsFirst Aid Training: Discounted access to GWP trainees (next courses: 9-10th May and 21-22nd November 2026)Fees:
> Level 3 Leader: £1035 (Ofqual-regulated; BTEC L3 equivalent) Includes two recommended Forest School books as a welcome gift> Level 2 Assistant: £585 (Ofqual-regulated; BTEC L2 equivalent), includes two recommended Forest School books as a welcome gift> Level 1 Ethos & Principles: £285 (minimum 10 participants)NO VAT charges as GreenWise People operates on a non-for-profit basis and is under the VAT threshold.
Forest School Training with GreenWise People includes:
Foundations of Forest School Practice
★ Understanding the developmental potential of woodlands and the natural world
★ Fully integrating Forest School ethos and principles into practice
★ Planning sessions and long-term programmes for maximum learner benefit
Learning Through Nature
★ Opening pathways to outdoor projects, play, creativity and exploration
★ Developing practical skills: tool use, woodland crafting, fire-making, knots, shelter building and outdoor cooking
Safe, Meaningful Facilitation
★ Equipping you to provide safe, meaningful, and inspiring outdoor experiences
★ Embedding risk-benefit practice and reflective observation
Brief Overview: Your Training Pathway (L1–L3):
> Level 3: 9 face-to-face woodland training days, site-visit, live online training + 12 months to complete your portfolio (expanded below)
> Level 2: 5 face-to-face woodland training days, site-visit, live online training + 6 months to complete your portfolio
> Level 1: 2 face-to-face woodland training days + 1 portfolio completion day
Ongoing Support & Enrichment
> Monthly Zoom calls (a minimum of two mandatory), plus optional CPD sessions with priority for GreenWise People students and preferential rates.
> L2 and L3: A further 4 hours of live online content training (dates confirmed with each cohort).
> L2 and L3: Site visit in support of delivery of sessions
> Priority access to discounted 16-hour Forest School and 12-hour Paediatric First Aid training with our trusted partners at Peritia Training (ITC First)
> Ongoing tutor support via email and telephone throughout your training year
Continued connection through the GreenWise People Hub, including group email, annual GreenWise People Family HUB Gathering and WhatsApp cohort updates.
Ready to begin your forest school journey?
we recommend a short chat before booking your place.
Contact us
- Telephone: +44 7737 644 119
- Email: info@greenwisepeople.co.uk