Newquay Forest School is a social enterprise initiative based in Newquay, Cornwall.

The school was designed specifically to create a learning space in which individuals, both young and old would be inspired to be creative, to explore and learn through first hand experiences and to develop resilience and confidence along with many other key life skills.

The school encourages and provides opportunities for time spent outdoors, facing up to and overcoming the various challenges afforded by our natural environment and by those inherent in our programs.

Framed within controlled parameters and under the close supervision of highly qualified staff, the school aims to encourage individuals and groups of all ages to explore and learn that there is more to them than they think!

The school also provides a variety of taylor made educational and training packages which can be achieved either through short sessions or alongside a longer term program.

Set up as a social enterprise for the purpose of benefitting the local community, the project is overseen by an unincorporated community group. Members of the group include: teachers, youth workers, outdoor education professionals, a number of parents, including a community policeman, along with a group of children and young people. Jonathan manages the centre assisted by a number of other highly experienced staff and a group of trainee instructors.

Our Staff

Jonathan (Jo) is a qualified teacher and lecturer who has worked for much of his career as an adventure training instructor. Jo is an experienced Forest School trainer as well as a British mountain leader, survival instructor, rock climbing and water sports coach and and has a wealth of experience in team development training. He is married to Anna and thinks she is the best thing since sliced bread!

Director

Adam is a craftsman and fly fisherman who has worked with The Field Studies Council for many years as a teacher and field guide as well as for The Eden Project where he specialised in tropical plants. Adam holds a masters degree in marine biology and has worked as a youth mentor and Forest School lead for many years. He spends part of his year in Chille and specialises in teaching fishing and bow making.  

Mentor + Course Manager

Anna is an artist and full time mum. She loves to help others to unleash their creativity and makes everything she does fun. She likes good food and making things look beautiful. Anna supports our young people with their social and emotional development and also helps steer the ship in general. Anna is also our resident chef, reviews of her food are routinely off the chart amazing!

Safeguarding Lead + Director

Winnie is an essential member of the team. She loves belly rubs and cheese.

Ben worked as a tree surgeon for 15 years before deciding to move into Forest School. He heads up the staff team and has a caring and fun  approach to life. Ben is a musician, archery instructor and qualified medic and provides event emergency medical provision in his time off. Ben plays the guitar and has toured with bands as a ‘roadie’ for many years. Ben’s favourite food is crisps!

Lead Mentor + Team Manager

Alex loves the outdoors and has worked in centres as an outdoor pursuits instructor teaching climbing and water-sports and has worked in schools as pastoral support. He’s thoughtful and kind and loves camping, rock climbing, surfing and sailing and is always up for an adventure!

Mentor + Activities Lead

Emma qualified with a degree and diploma level in Social Work. She worked for a couple of years as adult mental health social worker and over 8 years as education welfare officer and has experience in the area of learning disabilities support work. Emma has worked as a teaching assistant in both primary and secondary eduction and is a qualified therapeutic play practitioner.

Mentor + Play Specialist

Nadine

Mentor + Course Assessor

Tabs holds a Degree in Sociology and Cultural Studies She spent 10 years teaching cycling and bike mechanics to adults and young people, seven years teaching English as a Foreign Language teacher and a couple of years as a gardener and support worker.

Tabs is always up for something new and has a gentle and supportive approach.

Mentor

Adam

Mentor

Fran worked for many years as a primary KS1 teacher specialising in sport and maths and has worked as SEN classroom support. She loves the outdoors and has spent a lot of time creating initiatives and opportunities to help get young people out of the classroom.

Mentor + Functional Skills Lead

Maisie

Mentor

Jen

Mentor + Office Manager

Dusty

Driver