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Free Level 3 Sport Course in Widnes

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 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 Widnes. Classes run at Cronton Sixth Form College, full-time over two years.

The course is free for English-domiciled 16 to 18 year olds. You'll study how the body works in sport, how to test and improve fitness, and the principles behind coaching. The course covers anatomy and physiology, fitness testing, training methods, sports psychology, and nutrition. It is mainly theoretical and runs across the classroom, sports hall, and fitness suite. The course is equivalent to three A Levels.

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

Who this course is for

Aimed at school leavers. The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport deals with the principles and practices within the sport and coaching industry and is equivalent to three A Levels. It is mainly a theoretical course that analyses many aspects of sport and it is delivered through a variety of methods, within the classroom, the sports hall and fitness suite. The course aims to answer questions such as: How does the body work in sport? How do I test my fitness levels? How should I train to improve my fitness for my sport? What are the techniques and tactics of different sports? How can my sport be developed in society? Which skills do I need to work in the sports industry? What sports organisations are there and what do they do? How do I become qualified as a sports coach? Why choose this course? We have excellent industry links and you will benefit from the opportunity to support coaching in schools, go on industry visits and hear from guest speakers. Our staff have a wealth of sporting experience and will fully support your progress on the course and in your sport. In addition to your main qualification you will also have the opportunity to gain coaching, officiating and first aid awards

Entry requirements

Your GCSE results will determine the level you start at:

Level 3 - Five or more GCSEs at grade 9-4 including English Language and Maths

Level 2 - Four or more GCSEs at grade 9-3 including English Language and Maths

Level 1 - Four or more GCSEs at grade 9-2 including English Language and Maths

Specific grades are required in certain subjects. Find out about individual entry requirements within the course information on the college website or at your college interview.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how the body works during physical activity, covering anatomy and physiology.
  • You'll learn how to assess and measure fitness levels using recognised testing methods.
  • You'll study training principles and how to design effective training programmes.
  • You'll examine sports psychology and how the mind affects performance.
  • You'll develop knowledge of nutrition and its role in sport and exercise.
  • You'll analyse coaching principles and practices used in the sport industry.
  • You'll investigate sports development and the structure of sport in the UK.

How you will learn

The course is delivered through classroom sessions, sports hall activities, and use of the fitness suite. Assessment is mainly through assignments and coursework rather than exams. You'll complete units assessed by your tutors throughout the two years. Entry requires five or more GCSEs at grade 9 to 4, including English Language and Maths.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Cronton Sixth Form 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 group exercise classes in a gym or leisure centre.
  • Personal trainer, designs and delivers one-to-one training programmes.
  • Gym instructor, supports members on the gym floor with safe exercise technique.
  • Sports development officer, promotes participation in sport within a community.
  • Leisure centre assistant, supports the day-to-day running of a sports facility.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 or Level 5 HND in Sport, a natural step toward a sports science or coaching degree.
  • Degree in Sport Science or Physical Education, for those wanting to specialise further in performance, coaching, or teaching.
  • CIMSPA-endorsed personal training qualifications, for those moving directly into fitness instruction.
  • Postgraduate teacher training, for those aiming to teach PE in schools.
Apply on cronton.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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