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Free Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity Course in Croydon

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity Course in Croydon. Classes run at Shirley High School Performing Arts College, full-time over two years.

The course covers the knowledge and skills needed to work in sport, leisure, and fitness. You'll study topics such as anatomy and physiology, coaching practice, sports psychology, and health and well-being. Entry requires four or five GCSEs, including English and maths at grade 4 or above.

You'll finish with a Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Sport and Physical Activity from OCR.

Who this course is for

The course will provide learners with the opportunity, through applied learning, to develop the core specialist knowledge, skills and understanding required in the sport and physical activity sector. This qualification is for learners 16 years old or over who want to study sport, leisure or fitness. This qualification is not just about being able to play sport, it will provide learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding to progress into Higher Education on a sport-related programme such as Sport and Physical Education, Sport Science, Sport Coaching and Development or Sport and Leisure Management. The qualification is designed to be taken as part of a study programme alongside other vocational qualifications or A levels, such as Cambridge Technicals in Business, A level Biology, A level Physics or Cambridge Technicals in Science.

Entry requirements

4-5 GCSE's including English and maths at grade 4 (C) or above.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore anatomy and physiology and how the body responds to exercise.
  • You'll develop coaching skills and learn how to plan and lead sessions.
  • You'll study sports psychology and how it affects performance.
  • You'll examine health, well-being, and the role of physical activity in everyday life.
  • You'll learn how sports organisations and the leisure industry operate.
  • You'll apply your knowledge through practical, real-world tasks and projects.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions and applied, practical activities. Assessment combines coursework assignments and unit-based tasks throughout the course. Some units may include practical assessments where you demonstrate coaching or leadership skills. You'll build a portfolio of work as you progress.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Shirley High School Performing Arts College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Sports coach, plans and delivers coaching sessions for clubs or schools.
  • Fitness instructor, leads exercise classes or gym-floor sessions.
  • Leisure centre assistant, supports activities and programmes at a leisure facility.
  • Sports development officer, promotes participation in sport within a community.
  • Personal trainer, designs fitness programmes for individual clients.
  • PE teaching assistant, supports physical education lessons in a school setting.

What you could study next

  • A Level 4 or Level 5 HND or Foundation Degree in Sport, for those wanting to move into higher education on a sport-related programme.
  • A Level 3 Personal Training Qualification, such as a CIMSPA-endorsed Diploma, for those aiming to work as a personal trainer.
  • A sports coaching degree, building on the applied knowledge gained in this qualification.
Apply on ocr.org.uk →
Apply now →

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