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Level 3 Sport Course in Darlington – Darlington College

CostFREE
Duration34 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity Course in Darlington. Classes run full-time at Darlington College, five days a week during the day. The course is free if you are 16 to 18 years old on 31 August of the year you start. If you are 19 or over, fees may apply. This sport and physical activity qualification focuses on the outdoor industry, building practical vocational expertise alongside underpinning knowledge. You will need four GCSEs at grades 4 to 9, including English or maths, and you must be able to swim 25 metres. The course runs for 34 weeks.

Who this course is for

This innovative and dynamic study programme provides students with the opportunity to acquire substantial knowledge and vocational expertise for the outdoor industry. .

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold 4 GCSE’s between grades 4-9. These must include English or maths.

You will be required to attend an interview for all college courses and we will request a report from your previous school, college and/or employer. Prior experience of an outdoor activity is advised but not essential as full training will be given.

You must be able to swim 25 metres, and this will be assessed during the induction period.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of the outdoor activity industry and how it operates.
  • You'll build practical skills across a range of outdoor and physical activities.
  • You'll learn how to plan and lead sessions safely in outdoor environments.
  • You'll study health, safety, and risk management in physical activity settings.
  • You'll explore how to support participants of different abilities and backgrounds.
  • You'll gain vocational expertise relevant to working in sport and leisure.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions and practical activity-based learning at Darlington College. Assessment is a mix of coursework, practical observation, and written tasks. You'll attend an interview before the course starts, and your previous school, college, or employer will be asked for a reference. An initial assessment during induction will include a 25-metre swim test.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Darlington College will confirm anything else you need before you start. You should be prepared for practical outdoor sessions, so appropriate clothing and footwear for physical activity are likely to be useful.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Outdoor activity instructor, leading sessions in climbing, kayaking, or similar
  • Sports coach, working with community or school groups
  • Leisure centre assistant, supporting fitness and activity programmes
  • PE teaching assistant, supporting physical education in schools
  • Youth worker, using sport and activity to engage young people
  • Holiday or activity camp leader, running programmes for children or adults
  • Community sport development officer, promoting participation locally

What you could study next

  • Level 3 NVQ in Instructing Physical Activity and Exercise: a work-based route that develops your practical coaching skills further.
  • Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: if you want to move into teaching or training others in sport and fitness.
  • Foundation Degree in Sport Coaching or Outdoor Education: a higher education route for those looking to specialise or move into management roles in the sector.
Apply on darlington.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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