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Free Level 3 Sport Course in Bristol – St Brendan’s Sixth Form College

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sport in Bristol. Classes run at St Brendan's Sixth Form College, full-time over two years.

The course is free for 16 to 18 year olds. You'll study sport science, fitness, coaching, and sports development. The course is practical and builds your own fitness alongside your understanding of sport in different contexts. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including grade 4 in GCSE English Language or English Literature.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport.

Who this course is for

The sports courses offer a two-year vocational course that leads to the equivalent of one, two or three A-levels (dependent on the size of qualification you choose to study). It is a practical skills based course which develops your own fitness and performance alongside the study of sport in various contexts. Those taking on the these courses would typically be very interested in a career within the sports industry and be passionate about understanding a multitude of facets concerning sports development coaching and fitness. A variety of classroom activities as well as some practical sports activities help develop each students understanding of the topics within BTEC Sport. Students must be able to develop their research skills and complete coursework by the deadlines given. Students are expected to plan deliver/lead and evaluate coaching/fitness testing sessions. Students will acquire the skills they need to work independently and to monitor their own learning so to ensure they reach the highest standards. Students will also be required to participate in some practical activities in order to be assessed. There is an expectation for students to participate in exam based tasks which will require self-study and revision outside of class room lessons; alongside independent learning. The vocational nature of this course enables learners to develop their sport specific knowledge alongside their main studies. During the course of their studies learners will be provided with the opportunity to enhance their learning and CV through a wide variety of activities such as sports development opportunities NGB Coaching Qualifications and Voluntary Work with our many sports providers. Students will also benefit from attending visits to sports and leisure venues and from receiving tuition/guest lectures from experts within the industry. All sport students are expected to gain further experience within sports enrichment at the college; whether it is playing with one

Entry requirements

The minimum entry criteria for this course are five GCSEs at grade 4 or above or the equivalent from four subject areas including a grade 4 in GCSE English Language or English Literature.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop your own fitness and physical performance.
  • You'll study the science behind sport, including anatomy and physiology.
  • You'll learn coaching principles and how to plan and deliver sessions.
  • You'll explore sports development and how sport is organised in the UK.
  • You'll study sport psychology and how the mind affects performance.
  • You'll analyse sports performance and use data to support improvement.
  • You'll learn about nutrition and its role in sport and exercise.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, practical activities, and coursework assignments. Assessment is mainly through internally assessed units, with some externally set tasks and exams. You'll build a portfolio of work over the two years. Practical sessions let you apply what you learn in real sporting contexts.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. St Brendan's Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Sports coach, plans and delivers training sessions for clubs or schools.
  • Fitness instructor, leads group exercise classes in gyms or leisure centres.
  • Personal trainer, works one-to-one with clients on fitness goals.
  • Gym instructor, supports members on the gym floor and with equipment.
  • Sports development officer, promotes participation in sport locally.
  • PE teaching assistant, supports physical education in a school setting.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 or 5 HNC/HND in Sport, a step toward a degree-level sport qualification.
  • BA (Hons) in Sport Science or Sports Coaching, for those wanting a full university degree in the field.
  • Level 3 Personal Training Qualification, for those focusing on one-to-one fitness work.
  • PGCE or School Direct, for those wanting to teach PE in secondary schools.
Apply on stbrn.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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