Qualification: BTEC National Extended Certificate in Sport
Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel
Duration: 2 years
Entry Requirements: Grade 4 in GCSE PE or Merit in BTEC Level 2 Sport
Level: 3 (Equivalent to one A Level)
BTEC Sport at Carterton Community College is an exciting, hands-on qualification that blends academic study with real-world practical experience. It’s perfect for students who are passionate about sport, fitness, and human performance — and who want to develop the knowledge, skills, and leadership qualities needed for careers in the sports and fitness industries.
This course focuses on applied learning, meaning that you will not only study the theory behind anatomy, physiology, and coaching, but also put it into practice through physical performance, training programmes, and leadership roles. It provides an excellent foundation for further study or employment in sport, health, and exercise-related fields, while also developing transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and critical analysis.
“Our aim is to develop motivated, skilled, and resilient young people who can thrive in sport and beyond. We want every student to leave with confidence, leadership, and ambition.”
Throughout the course you will study how the body works and adapts to physical activity, the principles of effective training and fitness programming, and the factors that influence performance and motivation. You will learn how to design, deliver, and evaluate training plans, and develop confidence in leadership and communication through practical coaching activities.
You will also explore the structure of the sports industry, understanding how different organisations operate and how careers in sport are developed. Optional units allow you to specialise in areas such as sports psychology, leadership, or performance analysis. Assessment tasks encourage you to apply your knowledge to realistic situations — for example, analysing an athlete’s fitness programme or evaluating the professional conduct of coaches and managers.
BTEC Sport opens the door to a range of progression routes. Many students go on to study Sport and Exercise Science, Coaching, Physiotherapy, Sports Psychology, or Physical Education at university. Others move directly into employment or apprenticeships in the leisure, health, and fitness industries.
Transferable skills developed on the course — such as teamwork, leadership, and organisation — are also valued across business, education, and the public services. This qualification provides a solid foundation for roles including coach, personal trainer, PE teacher, sports development officer, or fitness professional.
Assessment combines externally marked examinations and internal coursework. External exams test your understanding of anatomy, physiology, and fitness programming, while internally assessed units involve written assignments, case studies, and practical demonstrations.
This blended approach provides a balanced and authentic assessment of your ability to apply theory in practice — ideal preparation for careers that demand both knowledge and performance skills. Your work will be graded as Pass, Merit, Distinction, or Distinction*.