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

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 / 

  • Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
  • Health, Wellbeing and Sport
  • Personal Skills Development in Outdoor Activities
  • Leadership and Instructing Outdoor Activities
  • Health and Safety Factors in Outdoor Learning
  • Organising Events in Sport
  • Fitness Training
  • Expedition Experience
  • Work Experience
  • GCSE maths & English re sit classes (if required)

Examples of national governing body (NGB) coaching and proficiency awards learners will work towards and achieve / 

  • Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
  • NICAS 1-4 (climbing)
  • Climbing Wall Instructor
  • Go Mountain Biking Proficiency Award
  • National Navigators Award
  • RYA Powerboating Level 1-2
  • RYA Personal Water Craft Safety
  • BCU Proficiency & Coaching Awards Kayaking/Canoeing
  • Foundation Safety and Rescue Training
  • First Aid

This programme will progress learners onto / 

  • Higher level qualifications
  • University
  • Apprenticeship schemes
  • Employment

Interested in this course, why not apply today?

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.

Learners will gain the underpinning knowledge, skills and behaviours required for working in the sports industry. They will develop their leadership and instructing skills so that they can work independently as an outdoor activities instructor, ensuring safe and effective leadership for groups of people taking part in different outdoor activities. Learners will also gain nationally recognised, outdoor specific coaching qualifications and valuable work experience.

LEAD Education will provide a unique balance of practical and theoretical based learning where groups are taught and assessed through classroom lectures, practical sports, group discussions and portfolio/assignment work (no exams on this programme).

As well as gaining the core BTEC qualification learners will have the opportunity to participate in residential trips and adventurous expeditions. Such activities could include time spent in the Lake District, Peak District, Northumberland and Scotland. Other trips may include mountaineering in Morocco or rock climbing/bouldering in France.

Our aim is to manage and develop the next generation of young, keen sports leaders and outdoor adventure instructors.  Past learners have secured high level Apprenticeships in the UK and aboard, full time employment and university placements. Check out the LEAD Education case studies page to see what past students have been up to having gained this specialist qualification.

Lukas lead education

“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

Alex lead education

“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

LEAD Outdoor Education Learning Sites / BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport (Outdoor Activities). During this study programme, learners will also have access to professional outdoor education facilities at Simonside Outdoor Adventure and Adventure Sunderland.
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