This qualification can be studied either on its own or alongside the Football Academy Programme, a unique opportunity in collaboration with Banbury United Football Club. Please see our Sport page for further details.
The NCFE Level 3 Sport Coaching Pathway at Banbury and Bicester College is designed for students who are serious about progressing within the sport and coaching industry.
This advanced qualification provides the knowledge, practical experience and confidence needed to move into higher-level study, coaching roles, or careers in sport and fitness.
Why Choose This Course?
This course is ideal if you are committed to developing your skills and pursuing a future in sport.
You will:
- Achieve a full Level 3 qualification (equivalent to A Levels)
- Study a comprehensive programme made up of 18 units
- Develop advanced coaching, leadership and performance skills
- Gain real experience planning and delivering coaching sessions
- Build the professional attributes needed for employment or university progression
- Strengthen employability through the Activate Learning attributes
Start Your Journey
If you are passionate about sport and ready to take your skills to an advanced level, the NCFE Level 3 Sport Coaching Pathway will give you the tools to succeed.
Lead. Coach. Perform. Progress.
Apply Now
Take the next step towards your career in sport with Banbury and Bicester College.
What you'll learn
The course consists of 18 units, giving you a broad and in-depth understanding of sport, coaching and performance.
You will study areas such as:
- Advanced coaching principles and methods
- Planning, delivering and reviewing coaching sessions
- Sports performance and athlete development
- Fitness training and conditioning
- Leadership and communication in sport
- Psychology and motivation in coaching
- Health, safety and professionalism in sport
The course focuses on applied learning, combining theory with practical coaching experience to prepare you for real-world roles.
How you'll learn and be assessed
Learning is delivered through a mix of practical sessions, classroom-based lessons and independent study, helping you develop both knowledge and hands-on experience.
You will benefit from:
- Regular opportunities to plan and deliver coaching sessions
- Practical sport and fitness activities
- Classroom learning to develop theoretical understanding
- Ongoing support from experienced sport lecturers
This approach ensures you leave the course with both academic understanding and practical coaching confidence.
Assessment
Assessment is coursework-based and designed to support your development across the full programme.
You will be assessed through:
- Assignments and coursework across all 18 units
- Practical coaching assessments and observations
- Project work and written tasks
- Ongoing tutor feedback to help you improve and achieve
There is a strong emphasis on continuous assessment, allowing you to demonstrate your progress over time.
Progression
Your Future Pathway
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Progress to university-level study in sport, coaching or related subjects
- Enter coaching, fitness or sports development roles
- Pursue careers in areas such as personal training, sports coaching or education
Entry requirements
This course is suitable for students who:
- Have successfully completed a Level 2 Sport qualification or equivalent
- Have 5 GCSEs grade 4 and above, including English and maths
- Are motivated and committed to developing a career in sport
- Have a strong interest in coaching, fitness or performance
- Are willing to work independently and take responsibility for their progress
