Qualification / LEVEL 3
Duration / 2 YEARS
Course Type / FULL TIME
Qualification / LEVEL 3
Duration / 2 YEARS
Course Type / FULL TIME
/ Delivered by

This is a BTEC level 3 education programme (funded by EPNE) providing learners aged 16-18 with an opportunity to study, work and train alongside highly qualified sports coaches and outdoor activity instructors.
The outdoor sports sector is a diverse, widespread and growing industry. Getting Active Outdoors, revealed that the climbing, mountaineering and walking sector alone is worth £3.2 billion. Outdoor activity participation is also growing with Sport England (2015) citing a 3% growth with 27.6% of the total active population doing so outdoors. It is an exciting time to be part of the sport and outdoor activities sector.
This 2-year, full-time BTEC programme is based at the Marine Activities Centre (Sunderland). Learners also have the opportunity to access professional outdoor education facilities, giving learners a unique, bespoke and true vocational learning experience.
“I left Lead with a BTEC extended diploma in outdoor education and lots of useful outdoor qualifications, the most important one being my first aid qualification.” Alex Atchinson, LEAD Graduate
“I left Lead with a BTEC extended diploma in outdoor education and lots of useful outdoor qualifications, the most important one being my first aid qualification.” Alex Atchinson, LEAD Graduate
This qualification will give learners specialist knowledge and technical skills, enabling entry to an Apprenticeship, other employment or progression to related higher-education courses.
A selection of the units, outdoor sports and national governing body awards are listed here
Examples of course units /
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Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
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Health, Wellbeing and Sport
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Personal Skills Development in Outdoor Activities
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Leadership and Instructing Outdoor Activities
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Health and Safety Factors in Outdoor Learning
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Organising Events in Sport
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Fitness Training
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Expedition Experience
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Work Experience
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GCSE maths & English re sit classes (if required)
Examples of national governing body (NGB) coaching and proficiency awards learners will work towards and achieve /
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Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
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NICAS 1-4 (climbing)
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Climbing Wall Instructor
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Go Mountain Biking Proficiency Award
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National Navigators Award
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RYA Powerboating Level 1-2
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RYA Personal Water Craft Safety
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BCU Proficiency & Coaching Awards Kayaking/Canoeing
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Foundation Safety and Rescue Training
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First Aid
This programme will progress learners onto /
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Higher level qualifications
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University
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Apprenticeship schemes
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Employment
The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with employers and professional bodies, most notably the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL), in order to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current industry practice and that it will allow learners to enter employment directly in the outdoor activities sector as a sports leader and/or outdoor activities instructor. The CIMSPA Safeguarding standards are also embedded in the qualification.


“I’ve always had a passion for the outdoors and adventure sport.”
“I learned a lot of new skills on this programme and gained national governing body awards that helped me move on into an apprenticeship after graduating with LEAD.”
Lukas F
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport


“LEAD Education gave me the opportunity to learn practical skills…”
“If you take the opportunities you are provided and put the effort into extra activities you will leave as an extremely attractive candidate to any employer.”
Alex A
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport