Get Outside. Get Qualified. Get Confident.

Forest School Leader Level 1 (Ages 14–17)

Ever felt more alive outside than in a classroom? This is the course for you.

Forest School Level 1 is a hands-on outdoor qualification that teaches you real skills: fire lighting, tool use, shelter building, knot tying, foraging, and leading activities in nature. You will spend your time outside, learning by doing, and come away with a nationally recognised certificate that actually means something.

Why it matters for you:

When starting high school, college, or your first job, the ability to say you are a qualified Forest School Leader sets you apart. Most people your age have never lit a fire, built a shelter, or used an axe. You will have done all of it, safely, confidently, and under your own steam.

Employers and universities notice young people who have taken initiative outside the classroom. Forest School training builds exactly the skills they are looking for: problem-solving, risk assessment, teamwork, communication, and the ability to stay calm and focused when things do not go to plan.

What you will come away with:

A Level 1 Forest School qualification, a set of practical outdoor skills you will use for life, genuine confidence in natural environments, and the experience of having challenged yourself in a way most people never do.

This course is for you if:

You love being outdoors and want to go deeper
You want a qualification that stands out on a personal statement or CV
You are considering a future in outdoor education, conservation, youth work or environmental science
You just want to do something genuinely useful with your time

The Trainer

This course will be delivered by Jose Gomez, our very own Forest School Leader Trainer. With years of experience leading outdoor education in the UK and Spain, Jose brings with him a Level 4 Forest School qualification and a passion for bringing young people closer to nature.

Accreditation

Our qualifications are delivered in partnership with ITC First, a leading UK awarding organisation specialising in outdoor learning and community development. All certificates are issued directly by ITC First upon successful completion.

Course duration: 20 Hours Total - 15 On-site and in person + 5 Virtual self-paced

Course Schedule

Wednesdays (16:30 – 18:30): 20 May, 27 May, 3 June
Saturdays (10:00 – 13:00): 23 May, 6 June
Sunday (10:00 – 13:00): 7 June

Cost: 295 Euros

Course Language: English

Space: This course is limited to 10 participants.

Please fill out the form to register.

Upcoming

We are excited to be developing a growing programme of professional development courses for educators, early years practitioners, youth workers and anyone passionate about outdoor learning. Here is a look at what is coming:

Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders - The full professional qualification for those wishing to lead their own Forest School programme. This comprehensive course covers planning, delivery, risk management and holistic learner development through nature-based experiences. Available with or without international certification. Open to participants aged 19 and above.

Practical Skills Intensive (2 Days) - A hands-on course covering the core practical skills of outdoor education: campfire, tools, knots, PPE and risk-benefit assessment. Participants receive an Alma attendance certificate. This course can be delivered at our site or at your own school or setting.

We are also exploring future delivery of the Level 2 Award for Forest School Assistants and the Level 3 Award in Learning Beyond the Classroom, so watch this space.

To register your interest in these courses, please fill out the form below, and we will contact you once the course dates have been set.