Please select how you would like to attend your Sport course:
Introductory in Sport Level 1 (Full Time)
This course provides opportunities for students to develop a basic understanding of strategies and techniques useful for the sports industry. Level 1 Sport covers a range of units including: Being Organised, Training for Fitness, Coaching Skills in Sport and Developing a Personal Progression Plan. As part of this Vocational Qualification students will combine what they have learnt in the classroom and apply in practical contexts and also have the chance to gain additional qualifications such as the Level 1 Sports Leaders Award and other supportive learning experiences which aim improve professional practice.
Completion of this course will allow the student to progress naturally onto a Level 2 qualification with valuable knowledge and understanding of the different career pathways in Sport. To align with industry standards learners will be expected to purchase a sport kit. From this course, learners can then choose to specialise in one of two pathways:
1) Sports Coaching and Development at Levels 2 and 3
2) Sports and Exercise Science at Levels 2 and 3.
Sports Coaching and Development Levels 2 and 3
The primary purpose of NCFE Sports Coaching and Development qualifications is to provide learners with an introductory understanding of sports coaching and the sport sector, equipping them with the necessary practical and technical skills to deliver safe coaching sessions, start a career in sport, or progress to further and higher education. These qualifications offer a foundation in the principles of coaching, anatomy, fitness, and career preparation for those interested in the sports industry.
Key Purposes:
What Learners Gain:
Sport and Exercise Science Levels 2 and 3
The purpose of NCFE's Sport and Exercise Science qualifications is to provide learners with foundational knowledge and practical skills in the sport and physical activity sector, preparing them for further education, apprenticeships, or direct employment within the industry. Courses cover core subjects like anatomy, physiology, psychology, nutrition, and fitness testing to enable learners to analyse performance, promote health, and develop expertise for careers in various sports and exercise-related roles.
Key Purposes:
What Learners Gain:
The assessment plans for both Sports Coaching and Sport Science pathways are replicated.
Level 2
The Level 2 course is assessed via written work, practical projects and presentations; one unit will be assessed via external exam. Each unit is graded Pass (P), Merit (M) or Distinction (D).
Level 3
The Level 3 course will be assessed via exams, written reports, posters, practical projects, projects, presentations and work experience. Each unit is graded Pass (P), Merit (M) or Distinction (D).
Level 2
Progression onto a variety of higher level courses, employment or apprenticeships. For example, learners who complete the Level 2 Sports Coaching and Development qualification can progress onto Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development, likewise for Sport Science.\
Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science
Progression from a Sport and Exercise Science Level 3 qualification includes pursuing a higher education degree (such as BSc Physiotherapy or Sports Science), undertaking a higher level apprenticeship or gaining entry into the fitness industry through related qualifications like Level 3 Personal Training or Sports Massage. Other options include starting a career in sports development, coaching, or health promotion, or utilizing the transferable skills for related fields such as nursing, public services, or self-employment.
Higher Education
Common degree pathways include:
Entry to University
The Level 3 qualification carries UCAS points, making it a recognised route to university.
Employment & Apprenticeships
Fitness Industry
You can gain specific industry qualifications to work as:
Apprenticeships
You can progress to a higher-level apprenticeship in sports development or related fields.
Career Roles
Graduates often find employment as:
Further Industry Qualifications
Other Opportunities
Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development:
After completing a Sport Coaching and Development Level 3 qualification, you can progress to higher education (university degrees), higher-level apprenticeships (like Community Sport and Health Officer or Sports Coach), or directly into employment within the sports and leisure sector as a sports coach, personal trainer, or administrator. The Extended Diploma is often UCAS-point equivalent to 3 A-Levels, helping to secure university places.
Higher Education
Pursue a degree in Sports Coaching, Sports Science, Sports Development, or a related field, which can prepare you for higher-performance roles.
Progress to a Level 4 Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching & Exercise, which is a stepping stone to a full degree.
Apprenticeships
Enter apprenticeships such as Community Sport and Health Officer or Advanced Coaching.
Sports Coach Apprenticeship
The Sport Structures standard is a dedicated pathway for coaches in schools, communities, and high-performance environments.
Employment
Career Paths
Many roles are available in the sports and leisure sector, including:
Entry Level Courses:
Skills for Life & Work/Preparing for Adulthood
No formal qualifications are required for this course.
These courses are specifically designed for learners with a Special Educational Need (SEND).
Pre Level 1
No formal qualifications are required for this course.
Full Time ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
No formal qualifications are required for this course.
Full Time GCSE Re-sit Study Course Science
GCSE Grade 3 (C) in Maths or English. Below GCSE Grade 3 (C) in BIO,CHM,PHY subjects or not sat GCSE Sciences in the past.
Full Time GCSE Re-Sit Maths and English
GCSE Grade 2 or 3 in Maths and English.
Full Time Level 1 Course
2 GCSE's at grade 2 unless you want to study the courses listed below:
Electrical & Plumbing: Min GCSE grade 3 in maths or Functional Skills 1 in maths
Motor Vehicle: Min GCSE grade 2 in maths
Full Time Level 2 Course
4 GCSE grade 3 including English or maths or a level 1 in Functional Skills English or Maths unless you want to study the courses below:
Motor Vehicle : GCSE grade 3 in maths or Functional Skills Level 1 in maths & Level 1 in Motor Vehicle.
Min GCSE grade 4 or Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English Required for:
Accounting, Plumbing & Electrical
Full time Level 3 Course
4 GCSEs at Grade 4-9 including English AND Maths (Functional Skills Level 2 English AND Maths will be accepted).
NOTE: If you want to study Applied Science you must have 4 and above in GCSE Biology, Chemistry & Physics.
Vocational Level 2 in the subject area you wish to study plus Grade 4-9 GCSE English or Maths (Functional Skills Level 2 English or Maths will be accepted).
*A Vocational Level 2 is required for the following courses:
Accounting
All Construction Subjects
Hair & Beauty Subjects
Applied Science
T Level Foundation (Level 2)
4 GCSE Grade 3 including English and Math's (or Functional Skills Level 1 in English and Math's)
T Levels
5 GCSEs at Grade 4-9 including English and Maths (Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths will be accepted).
*Health & Healthcare Science T Level requires GCSE Grade 4 in BIO, CHEM, PHY OR if double all 4's required.
You can apply for this programme via the Apply Now button, at the top.
If this course area is available as an apprenticeship, this will show under 'Study Option' on the right-hand side, just below the Apply Now button. You can view all of our apprenticeship vacanices and subjects by clicking the 'Apprenticeships' in the top menu.
If you are aged between 16 and 18 when you start your course and are taking a course leading to a qualification, the tuition and exam fees are free. However, there may be some additional costs for optional trips, recommended text books and professional start up kits. We have a bursary scheme to assist with these costs.
It is important that you come along and speak to one of our staff about your choice/s.
Once we receive your application, you will be invited in to speak to a tutor or a member of the Apprenticeship team to discuss your application.
This will provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the course/Apprenticeship and to see our facilities.
