Forest Schooling UK: turning an idea into a place of learning

The challenge

Forest Schooling UK provides nature-based education for children aged 7-16 with SEMH needs who struggle in mainstream settings. Since 2017, the organisation has successfully supported pupils through its part-time Alternative Provision model across two sites. However, some young people require more intensive and consistent support than part-time provision can offer. To meet this demand, Forest Schooling UK decided to open Berrylands School, its first full-time specialist provision, creating a stable education environment for children at risk of exclusion and long-term disengagement from learning. 

Our support

The Venturesome Impact Fund provided a £100,000 unsecured loan to fund essential infrastructure including outdoor learning spaces, yurts, cabins, composting toilets, storage facilities and learning equipment at Berrylands School.

Outcomes

The investment is enabling more children with SEMH needs to access safe, therapeutic learning environments across three bespoke sites in Kingston. Supporting 1,000+ young people and delivering over 1,200 learning sessions each year, the programme achieves strong engagement, including 93% attendance at Berrylands School. As a result, more young people experience education stability, increased confidence, resilience and emotional regulation. This helps reduce the risk of exclusion and disengagement with stronger progression into qualifications, training and employment. 

"The social investment from CAF  allowed us to turn an idea we knew was needed into a real school. Berrylands gives young people who have often struggled to find their place in conventional education somewhere they can belong, rebuild their relationship with learning and experience success. For some of our young people, simply wanting to come to school again is an enormous outcome." - Stephen Simpson, Head, Forest Schooling UK