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Free Level 3 Sport Course in Wakefield

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start30 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity Course in Wakefield. Classes run full-time at Wakefield College, five days a week during the day. The course runs over two years and covers coaching, physical activity leadership, and the science behind sport and human performance. The sport and physical activity sector is growing fast, and this qualification opens doors to coaching, leisure, and fitness roles. Entry requires four GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English, or a Level 2 Sport qualification at Merit grade with relevant English or Maths. You'll graduate with the NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Sport and Physical Activity.

Who this course is for

The sport sector is a fast-growing industry. It is currently worth £39 billion to the economy and continues to grow annually. Coaching and Physical Activity is an area that continues to expand, with up to 3.1 million adults in England estimated to having coached sport or physical activity in the previous 12 months, providing 7.6 million coach-led participation experiences per week. The course is intended for post-16 learners who want to progress directly to employment, including self-employment, in sports coaching and development roles. It is also suitable for those wishing to progress to higher education, where learners have the added advantage of using the qualification to help them obtain part-time employment while studying. On this sports programme, you will learn through a mixture of classroom teaching and activities incorporating IT access as well as practical application in a sports coaching/fitness environments. The college has a designated strength and conditioning suite, fitness studio, sports fields, sports hall and massage suite. The learning is supplemented with engagement with industry specialists as you will complete a work placement as part of the Level 3 Sport programme. The Sport and Public Service team have many years’ teaching experience across a range of subjects in both Further and Higher Education. Our staff also have vast industry experience working in the Public Service sector along with Sports Coaching, Strength & Conditioning, Sports Therapy, Personal Training and Fitness Instructing.

Entry requirements

Level 3 Diploma 4 GCSE at Grade 9-4, including English.

OR

Level 2 Sport gaining a Merit Grade, with relevant English and/or Maths.

Level 3 Extended Diploma 5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4, including English and Maths.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop coaching skills and learn how to plan and lead physical activity sessions.
  • You'll study anatomy, physiology, and how the body responds to exercise.
  • You'll explore sports psychology and how it affects performance and motivation.
  • You'll learn how to support health and wellbeing through physical activity programmes.
  • You'll understand how the sport and leisure industry works, including self-employment options.
  • You'll build skills in analysing and improving sports performance.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, practical coaching activities, and assignments. Assessment includes written coursework, practical observations, and portfolio evidence. You'll be assessed on both your knowledge of sport science and your ability to plan and deliver physical activity sessions. Some units may involve visits or residentials, which carry additional costs.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Wakefield College will confirm anything else you need before you start. Be aware that materials, equipment, visits, and residentials carry additional costs payable by all students.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Sports coach: plan and deliver sessions for clubs or community groups.
  • Fitness instructor: lead exercise classes in gyms or leisure centres.
  • Personal trainer: work one-to-one with clients on fitness goals.
  • Leisure centre assistant: support activities and facilities at a local centre.
  • Community sport activator: get more people active in local areas.
  • PE teaching assistant: support physical education in schools.
  • Sports development officer: grow participation in sport at local level.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Certificate in Coaching or a Foundation Degree in Sport: the next step if you want to specialise in coaching or move toward a degree-level role.
  • BA (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science or Sport Coaching: a full undergraduate degree for those aiming at careers in performance sport, sport science, or management.
  • CIMSPA-endorsed qualifications: sector-specific endorsements that strengthen your standing with employers in fitness and leisure.
Apply on heartofyorkshire.ac.uk →
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