BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development Course in Paignton. Classes run at South Devon College, part-time during the day. You'll need at least four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths or English. The course runs over 10 months and covers the knowledge and practical skills behind sports coaching and development. You can also work toward GCSE Maths or English alongside your main studies. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development is a respected level 3 btec sports coaching and development qualification recognised by employers and universities alike.
Who this course is for
If you're passionate about sport and ready to kickstart a career in the coaching and development industry, this course is designed with you in mind. The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development at South Devon College is a two-year programme that combines high-quality practical training with tailored academic support. Alongside your core studies, you’ll have the opportunity to work towards your GCSE Maths or English, giving you a solid all-round foundation for your future. Throughout the course, you’ll explore key areas of the coaching profession, including planning, delivering and evaluating coaching sessions, building your knowledge in health and wellbeing, sports development, and even aspects of self-employment and running your own coaching business. You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience through practical sessions and real-world opportunities, while learning from experienced tutors in industry-standard sports facilities. Whether you're aiming to work in schools, sports clubs, community programmes or even run your own sessions, this qualification will set you up for success. With dedicated support and expert guidance, you’ll develop the confidence, skills and experience to take the next step into the sports industry or progress onto further study.
Entry requirements
You should have a genuine interest in this subject, You will need to have achieved a minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade 4(C) or above, including Maths or English
What you will learn
You'll develop coaching techniques used across a range of sports and activity settings.
You'll study how to plan, deliver, and review coaching sessions for different groups.
You'll learn about sports development and how it operates at community and national levels.
You'll explore anatomy, physiology, and how the body responds to exercise and training.
You'll build skills in leadership and communication relevant to coaching roles.
You'll examine sports psychology and how it influences performance and motivation.
You'll gain practical experience applying coaching methods in real sessions.
How you will learn
Learning is classroom based, combining practical coaching sessions with academic study. Assessment is through Pearson Edexcel assignments, projects, and practical observations rather than traditional exams. You'll build a portfolio of work across the course. Some units are assessed through external tasks set by Pearson Edexcel. Your tutor will give feedback throughout to support your progress.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. South Devon College will confirm anything else you need before you start. Suitable sports clothing and footwear are likely to be needed for practical sessions.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Sports coach: plan and deliver sessions in clubs or schools
Community sports development officer: grow participation at local level
PE teaching assistant: support physical education in schools
Fitness instructor: lead exercise sessions in gyms or leisure centres
Sports administrator: coordinate programmes and events for sports organisations
Activity coordinator: plan and run physical activity programmes for community groups
What you could study next
Level 4 or Level 5 HNC/HND in Sport: a natural next step if you want to go deeper into sports science or coaching before entering the workforce.
Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching or Sports Development: offered at many universities, often with a top-up route to a full degree.
BA or BSc in Sports Coaching, Sports Science, or Physical Education: for those aiming at graduate-level roles in coaching, development, or teaching.
