Start Date
- September 2026, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
Are you passionate about elite sport and aiming to compete at the highest level? This course is designed to help you turn that passion into a career. Whether you're into football, rugby, golf, or individual sports, you'll train like an aspiring elite athlete while gaining a top-level qualification.
This pathway bridges the gap between GCSEs and your future in sport, combining academic study with professional-level training, strength and conditioning, and competitive fixtures (where applicable). You’ll be supported every step of the way as you work towards your goals in the sports industry.
You’ll be studying the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, which is equivalent to 3 A Levels. This means you’ll be fully prepared for university, an apprenticeship or a career in sport.
Year 1 units are likely to include: Anatomy and Physiology (Exam), Fitness Training and Programming (Exam), Sports Psychology, Sports Leadership, Practical Sports Performance, Professional Development and Application of Fitness.
Year 2 units are likely to include: Coaching for Performance, Research Methods, Sports Development, Investigating Business in Sport (Exam), Skill Acquisition (Exam), Sports Injuries, Exercise and Health and Lifestyle.
Your weekly timetable also includes: Academic Tutorials, Learning Workshop, Personal Development, English and Maths (if needed).
Training and fixtures are scheduled around your lessons, so you’ll be in college four to five days a week.
Why Choose Easton College?
Elite facilities
Our sports facilities are among the best in the region and include the largest indoor tennis venue in the East of England, 3G pitches and gym and fitness centre.
Large, growing industry
The sport, health and fitness industry is worth £20bn and growing.
Industry expert teachers
You will learn from expert teachers with extensive experience in the industry.
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements:
- Achieve five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language and maths.
Additional Requirements:
- Two references (one from your coach, one from school or work)
- Attend a Curriculum Taster Day
- Attend a Sport Specific Academy Taster Day
- Complete a Summer Task (given at your Curriculum Taster Day)
- Be actively competing at club level with ambitions to reach your full potential – evidence required.
How You Will Be Assessed
Assessment is varied and engaging. You will complete two external exams per year, coursework assignments, presentations, observations and interviews.
Course Progression
On successful completion of your Extended Diploma in Sport (Performance and Excellence Pathway), you could study a degree at a university or college. City College Norwich Higher Education offers a BSc (Hons) Sport, Health and Exercise Science degree from Easton College.
Please ensure that you check the UCAS points required at your university choices.
Where Your Course Can Take You
After completing your course, you could progress to university or college to study a degree (check UCAS points for entry), start a career in the sports industry.
The UK’s sport and active leisure industry supports over 450,000 jobs and is worth £20 billion – and it’s still growing!
This course is best suited for those who want to pursue careers in semi-professional/professional sport, Elite Level Sports Coach, Sports Performance Analyst, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Sports Psychologist Physiotherapist / Sports Therapist.
For more information on specific careers, check out the National Careers Service website.
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over fees may be payable.
There will be costs for uniform approximately £100 and trips associated with your course TBC.
There will be additional costs for your training (as this is in addition to your educational course).
Financial support could be available depending on your circumstances.
Please check our Finance pages for fee information and any financial help that may be available.
Why Choose Easton College?
Elite facilities
Our sports facilities are among the best in the region and include the largest indoor tennis venue in the East of England, 3G pitches and gym and fitness centre.
Large, growing industry
The sport, health and fitness industry is worth £20bn and growing.
Industry expert teachers
You will learn from expert teachers with extensive experience in the industry.
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