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As Forest School becomes more established in mainstream education the benefits it brings are being better understood.

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Recent systematic reviews show consistent evidence linking Forest School and nature-based learning with improvements in,

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  • wellbeing

  • emotional development

  • social skills

  • confidence

  • engagement

  • attendance

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The impact of Forest School 

The top 5 benefits for school children 

Here are the Top 5 benefits of Forest School,

3. Forest School improves academic engagement and attainment

One of the strongest misconceptions about Forest School is that it detracts from academic learning. The evidence increasingly suggests the opposite. A 2024 study found forest school attendees outperformed other comparable peer groups with, 

  • reading progress improved by 27%

  • writing progress improved by 18%

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A 2018 study also found:

  • academic attainment improved relative to non-participating peers

  • children became more engaged in learning over time

2. Forest School improves self-regulation, behaviour, and readiness to learn

Research consistently links Forest School with improvements in:

  • impulse control

  • persistence

  • cooperation

  • concentration

  • independent problem-solving

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The influential “Hare and the Tortoise go to Forest School” longitudinal study also found sustained improvements in:

  • self-regulation

  • social development

  • behavioural outcomes compared with non-participating peers

1. Forest School improves emotional wellbeing and resilience

A 2024 study of children attending 12 weekly Forest School sessions found significant improvements in:

  • mood

  • cooperation

  • emotional wellbeing

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A separate study found Forest School participation improved:

  • self-confidence

  • emotional resilience

  • self-regulation

  • emotional wellbeing 

4. Forest School is particularly effective for SEND and vulnerable learners

Research suggests Forest School may be especially beneficial for:

  • neurodiverse pupils

  • children with anxiety

  • children with trauma backgrounds

  • pupils struggling in conventional classroom settings

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Studies report that outdoor learning environments:

  • reduce sensory overload

  • allow movement-based learning

  • reduce formal classroom pressure

  • improve participation for disengaged learners

5. Forest School can improve attendance and reduce school avoidance

Research into Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) in natural environments found that school-based outdoor learning programmes are associated with improved attendance rates and reduced disengagement from school. The McCree longitudinal Forest School study also found:

  • participating children showed improved attendance compared with non-participating peers

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While many Forest School studies are qualitative, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that emotionally engaging outdoor learning can improve:

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  • school belonging

  • pupil motivation

  • willingness to attend school regularly

“Reviews of the educational benefits of outdoor education have found Forest School to be the most effective form of outdoor learning.”

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