Back to School – But not for all: Why more parents are looking beyond the classroom

As millions of children return to the classroom, a growing number of parents are looking for alternatives after seeing their children struggle in traditional school environments.

1 September 2026: Thousands of families across the UK are turning their backs on ‘normal’ schools with 126,000 children now being electively home educated in England – up from 111,700 just a year earlier.

For Lisa Bradford, Lead Instructor and Managing Director of Willow Bushcraft CIC, there is an important distinction that can easily be overlooked: “We shouldn't confuse a child struggling in a particular environment with a child who is struggling to learn,” she says. “Sometimes the ability is there, but the environment isn't allowing them to show it.”

Some children, particularly those with additional needs, the noise, movement, social pressures and sensory stimulation of a busy school can make learning incredibly difficult. A child who appears disruptive, disengaged or unwilling to learn may simply be overwhelmed by the environment around them.

Take that same child into a woodland, says Lisa, and you can see a very different side of them.

Forest School is increasingly being incorporated into mainstream education, with regular sessions now part of the timetable in thousands of UK schools. But Lisa believes its appeal goes beyond simply taking lessons outside.

“In the woods, academic ability can take a back seat to real-world problem-solving, communication and resilience,” she says. “Children can discover that they are good at things they may never have realised were strengths.”

A den becomes a lesson in structure, materials and teamwork. Tracking an animal develops observation and deduction. Safely lighting a fire requires patience and responsibility, while navigating woodland encourages independence.

“Forest School isn't just children running around in the woods,” says Lisa. “There is a huge amount of learning taking place. They can make choices, take manageable risks, solve problems and learn from things that don't work. Those experiences can build confidence in a way that sitting at a desk sometimes can't.”

And Forest School is just one part of a wider change in how some families are thinking about education. Home education, alternative provision and outdoor learning are all being explored by parents looking for something different from the traditional school model.

According to Anton Baskerville at woodlands.co.uk, that shift is increasingly being reflected in the families looking to buy woodland.

“We are seeing more families thinking differently about how their children learn,” says Anton. “For some, that means home schooling. For others, it means incorporating more outdoor education into their child's life or even creating their own woodland space where children can explore, learn and develop practical skills.

“We have families who are specifically looking for woodland because they want to give their children somewhere to explore and learn. There is something incredibly powerful about giving a child a place where they can get muddy, make mistakes, ask questions and follow their curiosity.”

This isn't about suggesting mainstream education is failing. For many children, the classroom is exactly where they flourish. But for those who aren't thriving, Lisa believes parents shouldn't feel the only answer is to make their child fit the environment.

“Education should be about finding out how a child learns best, not simply expecting every child to learn in the same way,” she says.

Because while plenty of children will be celebrating the start of a new school year, for others, the biggest breakthrough may come from finding somewhere else to learn.

For further information or interviews on alternative education, Forest School and outdoor learning, please get in touch to arrange an interview with Lisa Bradford, Lead Instructor and Managing Director/Founder of Willow Bushcraft CIC.

For expert commentary and further information on purchasing and owning woodland, including the growing trend of families using woodland for outdoor learning, please get in touch.

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Editors notes

Founded with a mission to make woodland ownership accessible and enjoyable, Woodlands.co.uk offers private woodlands for sale across the UK. The company provides resources and guidance for new owners to explore creative ways of managing their woodlands for personal and community benefit. Whether for conservation, leisure, or environmental education, Woodlands.co.uk empowers individuals to steward and protect their woodlands for generations to come.