Sport BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

Applications Open: - Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - Thursday 20th August 2026.

General Sixth Form Entry Requirements: - Minimum 4 GCSE passes at Grade 4 and above to study BTEC or vocational courses; 5 GCSE passes at 4 and above to study A level/BTEC combination; 5 GCSE's at Grades 5 and above to study straight A Levels.

*Please note there may be subject specific entry requirements which also need to be met.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices. Applications via email will not be accepted.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Sport

Pearson/Edexcel

The National Extended Certificate is the equivalent to one A Level qualification and requires the completion of 3 mandatory units and 1 optional unit of work relating to the field of sport and the leisure industry.

The mandatory units are as follows;

• Unit 1 - Anatomy and Physiology

• Unit 2 - Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being

• Unit 3 - Professional Development in the Sports Industry.

Units 1 and 2 are externally assessed written exam papers which are set and marked by Pearson

The optional units are listed below;

• Unit 5 - Application of Fitness Testing

In Year 1 Units 1 and 2 will be completed.

In Year 2 Units 3 and 5 will be completed.

The National Extended Certificate is mainly assessed internally through the completion of coursework.

There are two units that are externally assessed. Unit 1 – Anatomy and Physiology is assessed through a 90 minute exam. The first opportunity to sit this is in January of year 12 and students are allowed one re-sit only.

The second externally assessed unit is Unit 2 – Fitness training and programming for health, sport and well-being which is assessed in a 2.5 hour exam. Students are given four hours to complete independent research based on a case study they will have received one week prior to the exam.

The remaining 2 units that are internally assessed may also be required for external verification of marking.

Each unit of work will be graded as a Pass, Merit or Distinction and the final grade will be calculated based on the accumulation of these grades. The final grade awarded and it’s A Level equivalent are shown below.

*Please note that students can also complete a double a-level equivalent

4 GCSEs grade 4 or above or equivalent, including English.

Preferably grade 4 or above in GCSE PE or BTEC Level 2 Pass.

Students should have a high level of interest in sport/physical activity and ideally be an active participant.

Entry into university to study:

• Sports Science

• Sports Coaching

• Sport and Physical Education

• Fitness Management and Training

• Elite sports performance.

• Assistant performance analyst