BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching Course in Newton Abbot for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? Check which courses you can do free.

About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching Course in Newton Abbot. Classes run full-time at Newton Abbot College over two years.

This Level 3 BTEC sports coaching qualification covers coaching principles, sports development, anatomy and physiology, and performance analysis. You'll also study sports psychology and how to plan and deliver coaching sessions. The course is practical and career-focused, with industry endorsement from Pearson Edexcel.

To apply, you'll need at least Grade 5 in GCSE English and Maths, plus Grade 5 in at least three other GCSEs. A Grade 5 in GCSE Physical Education, or a Merit in BTEC Sport, is also required. You'll finish with a Pearson BTEC National Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development.

Who this course is for

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Sports Coaching is intended for students who want to progress directly to employment in an assistant coaching role. This qualification is also suitable for those wishing to progress to higher education, where students would have the added advantage of using it to obtain parttime employment while studying. This is a career-focused qualification with industry endorsement and accreditation. It enables students to develop underpinning knowledge and technical skills and to gain experience as an assistant coach.

Entry requirements

Students must have achieved a minimum of Grade 5 or above in both English and Mathematics and Grade 5 (equivalent) in at least 3 other GCSE/Level 2 qualifications. A Grade 5 or above in Physical Education at GCSE or a Merit or above in BTEC Sport is also required

What you will learn

  • You'll develop core coaching principles and techniques.
  • You'll study anatomy and physiology as it applies to sport.
  • You'll learn how to plan and deliver coaching sessions.
  • You'll explore sports psychology and its role in performance.
  • You'll analyse sports performance and use data to improve it.
  • You'll understand sports development and community engagement.
  • You'll build knowledge of health, fitness, and training methods.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom lessons, practical coaching sessions, and coursework assignments. Assessment is mainly through Pearson-set assignments completed throughout the course. Some units include external assessments. You'll build a portfolio of evidence as you progress. Daytime attendance is required across the two years.

What you will need to bring

Newton Abbot College will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Sports coach, plans and delivers coaching sessions for clubs or schools.
  • Assistant coach, supports lead coaches in training and development.
  • Fitness instructor, leads group or individual fitness sessions.
  • Community sports development officer, promotes sport participation locally.
  • Personal trainer, works with clients on fitness goals, usually after further training.
  • Sports administrator, supports the running of sports organisations or clubs.

What you could study next

  • Higher National Certificate in Sport, a Level 4 qualification for deeper study of sport science or coaching.
  • Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching, a Level 5 route into higher education.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Sports Science or Coaching, a Level 6 qualification for those aiming at professional or management roles.
  • Coaching licences with national governing bodies, such as the FA or UK Athletics, for sport-specific coaching roles.

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