(Vocational) Tonbridge Angels BTEC Sport

About the course:

Exam Board: Pearson (BTEC)

Pearson Specification

Subject contact: Tommy Parkinson

tommy.parkinson@hughchristie.latrust.org.uk

Who is this qualification/Course for?

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Sport is intended to be an Applied General qualification for post-16 learners wanting to continue their education through applied learning, and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the sports sector. The qualification is equivalent in size to two/three A Levels and has been designed as a two-year programme. This programme is perfect for learners who want to have a career in the sports sector whilst having the opportunities to progress with their footballing careers. Students also have the option to gain their GCSE Maths and English (if not already done so) and have the support from the school’s services across the 2 years to enable them to develop and mature before entering employment or further education. Students also have the opportunity to student other A Levels alongside this qualification.

What does this qualification cover?

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. Employers and professional bodies have also been involved and consulted to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for learners who may choose to enter employment directly in the sport sector. The mandatory content allows students to concentrate on the development of their practical skills and the broad knowledge required for entrance into higher education programmes in sport.

At Tonbridge Angels Football Academy, our mission is to provide a well-rounded education that blends academic learning with high-quality football development. We aim to equip every student with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to progress into full-time employment or further education.

Through a balanced programme, students will:

Study a broad range of sport-related subjects, deepening their understanding of the sporting industry.
Enhance their technical and tactical football ability, supported by structured training and competitive match play.
Develop key life skills such as communication, teamwork, discipline, and resilience within a positive sporting environment.
Improve their physical fitness and mental well-being through regular, purposeful activity.
Gain recognised academic qualifications to support progression into higher education or a career in sport.

Our goal is to create engaging and stimulating learning environments where students can thrive — physically, mentally, cognitively, socially, and creatively — with football at the heart of everything we do.

Units of study for the Diploma (Double)

Year 12

Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology (Mandatory External)
Unit 2: Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being (Mandatory External)
Unit 3: Professional Development in the Sports Industry (Mandatory)
Unit 4: Sports Leadership (Mandatory)
Unit 5 – Application of Fitness Testing (Chosen)

Year 13

Unit 7 – Practical Sport (chosen)
Unit 25 – Rules, Regulations and officiating in sport (Chosen)
Unit 22: Investigating Business in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry (Mandatory External)
Unit 23: Skill Acquisition in Sport. (Mandatory)

Units of study for the Extended Diploma (Triple)

Year 12

Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology (Mandatory External)
Unit 2: Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being (Mandatory External)
Unit 3: Professional Development in the Sports Industry (Mandatory)
Unit 4: Sports Leadership (Mandatory)
Unit 5 – Application of Fitness Testing (Mandatory)
Unit 7 – Practical Sport (Chosen)
Unit 8 – Sports Coaching (Mandatory)
Unit 22: Investigating Business in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry (Mandatory External)

Year 13

Unit 9 – Research Methods in Sport (Mandatory)
Unit 17 – Sports injury Management (Chosen)
Unit 19 – Development and provision of sport and Physical activity (Mandatory External)
Unit 23 – Skills Acquisition in sport (Mandatory)
Unit 25 – Rules, Regulations and officiating in sport (Chosen)
Unit 10 – Sports Event Organisation (Chosen)

Additional qualifications students can study as part of this programme:

English and Maths GCSE (If needed)
FA Level 1 Coaching award (year 13 optional at cost)
FA Emergency 1st Aid (year 13 optional at cost)
FA Safeguarding children (year 13 optional at cost)

How does our partnership work?

Students apply directly to the school following the standard course application process. As part of the selection for this pathway, Tonbridge Angels also hold football trials at their grounds, which form an additional element of the sixth form interview.

To find out more about the trials held in partnership with Tonbridge Angels, please complete the sign up form for more information to be sent directly to you: https://form.jotform.com/252793171738062

Students enrolled on the Tonbridge Angels Sports Pathway are fully integrated into the sixth form community. They participate in advisory and PSHRE sessions alongside their year group and receive the same high-quality careers guidance and pastoral support as all other students. Students also follow the sixth form dress code, except when training or playing in matches, either at the grounds or on away days.

One key difference students may notice is a more condensed timetable, designed to accommodate football training and fixtures. For the current cohort, academic lessons take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, with Wednesdays primarily dedicated to matches. Thursdays are generally non-teaching days to balance the extended hours on other days.

Students studying the Double Sport qualification should expect to attend lessons throughout the week, while those on the Triple Sport programme typically have the condensed timetable outlined above. Final timetables are confirmed after enrolment, so students should be prepared for daily attendance until their schedule is finalised.

Football Trials - Assessment and Application Process

The trials scheduled for October 20th are the first stage of our process.

Stage 1: Football Assessment (Oct 20th): This initial trial is a football assessment designed to ensure candidates meet our athletic criteria.
School Application: If a candidate successfully passes the football assessment, they will then be directed to apply to the school via the applica system.
Conditional Offer & Interview: Once the school receives the application and provides a conditional offer, the candidate will be invited for a formal school interview.
Alternative Pathway Option: We maintain a fallback option for any student who passes the football assessment but does not ultimately meet the academic criteria required by the school.
Additional Football Assessments: We will also hold further assessment trials during the half-term breaks in December, February, April, and May.

What could this qualification lead to?

Learners who have completed this qualification in two years may progress to further learning at Level 3 with additional Level 3 qualifications. The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as meeting, or contributing to, admission requirements for many relevant courses.

Learners can progress to higher education on full degree single or combined courses, for example:

• BA (Hons) in Sports Development and Management

• BSc (Hons) in Sports Management

• BSc (Hons) Sports Business Management

• BSc (Hons) Sport and Leisure Management

• BSc (Hons) Sports Science (Outdoor Activities)

• BSc (Hons) in Exercise, Health and Fitness

• BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Psychology.

Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with the specific higher education providers. (Those doing extra A Levels will have a wider range of courses to pick from)

It can also lead into the following:

Direct Employment in the coaching sector (by FA Level 1 course)
Direct Employment in the sporting sector
Personal Trainer Qualification (year 14 option)
Football Scholarship in America
Apprenticeships in the sports sector
Progression into Non-League or Professional Football

How does the qualification provide employability skills?

In the BTEC National units there are opportunities during the teaching and learning phase to give learners practice in developing employability skills. Where employability skills are referred to in this specification, we are generally referring to skills in the following three main categories:

Cognitive and problem-solving skills: use critical thinking, approach non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, use systems and technology
Intrapersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating, and influencing, self-presentation
Interpersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring, and development.
There are also specific requirements in some units for assessment of these skills where relevant, for example, where learners are required to undertake real or simulated activities.

How does the qualification provide transferable knowledge and skills for higher education?

All BTEC Nationals provide transferable knowledge and skills that prepare learners for progression to university. The transferable skills that universities value include:

the ability to learn independently
the ability to research actively and methodically
being able to give presentations and being active group members.

BTEC learners can also benefit from opportunities for deep learning where they are able to make connections among units and select areas of interest for detailed study.

BTEC Nationals provide a vocational context in which learners can develop the knowledge and skills required for particular degree courses, including:

reading technical texts
effective writing
analytical skills
creative development
preparation for assessment methods used in degrees.

Click here to return to the subject & entry requirements page to explore another subject!

Current students:

Hope - Year 12

1. What has your overall experience been like as a female scholar in the football academy at Leigh Academy Hugh Christie?
Being the only girl on the programme has really helped me build confidence and resilience. Playing in a boys’ environment has pushed me to work harder, which has improved my game drastically. It’s been a really positive and challenging experience that’s helped me grow as both a player and a person.

2. What made you choose to join the football academy here, and how did it stand out compared to other options?
I chose this academy because it offers a fantastic opportunity to develop both academically and as a footballer. With how fast the women’s game is growing, being part of this environment allows me to push my level and also help shape the future of a girls’ programme here.

3. What kind of support have you received—both academically and in football—to help you develop on and off the pitch?
The support has been brilliant. I’ve had great help from the maths and English tutors, which has really supported my academic progress, and the football environment has helped me grow technically, physically, and mentally.

4. How has the academy helped you manage or improve your GCSE resits while still being part of the football programme?
The maths and English tutors have provided really strong support with my GCSE resits. They make sure I can balance my studies with training, which has made a big difference to my confidence and progress academically.

5. What advice would you give to other girls who are thinking about joining the football academy?
I’d say go for it. It’s a great opportunity to grow your confidence, improve your game, and be part of something that’s only going to get bigger with the growth of women’s football. The support is excellent, and you can develop both as a player and a student.

Mackenzie - Year 13

1. What has your experience been like since joining the football academy, both on the pitch and in the classroom?
My experience at the academy has been really positive. I’ve been able to break into the 1st team, which has pushed me to improve as a player, and I’ve also started coaching on the club’s community scheme. In the classroom, the support from specialist staff has helped me stay on top of my studies while developing my football.

2. What made you choose Leigh Academy Hugh Christie Football Academy over other options?
I chose this academy because of the opportunities it offers both on and off the pitch. The school has great specialist staff and a strong support structure that really helps you achieve your goals, whether that’s in football, education, or future career pathways.

3. What opportunities has the academy provided you with—such as matches, coaching, or career pathways in football?
The academy has given me the chance to play in the first team, which has really developed my game. On top of that, I’ve been able to coach on the club’s community scheme, which has given me valuable experience and opened up future pathways in coaching and sport.

4. How has the academy supported you with your GCSE resits or academic studies while playing football?
The academy has been brilliant with academic support. I passed my GCSE maths resit first time thanks to the support from the teachers and the structure they put in place to help me balance my football and studies.

5. What would you say to someone who’s thinking about joining the academy?
I’d definitely recommend it. You get to study a subject you enjoy, develop your footballing ability, and have access to brilliant opportunities on and off the pitch. The support system here really helps you achieve your goals and prepare for your next steps after sixth form.

Alumni students:

Joe Tyrie

I joined Leigh Academy Hugh Christie Football Academy after finishing Year 11 at St Gregg’s. It was a big step up, but one of the best decisions I’ve made. During my time at the academy, I achieved D*DD in BTEC Sport, while gaining valuable playing experience with Tonbridge Angels First Team. Thanks to the support and contacts of the academy staff, I also had the opportunity to go out on loans in non-league, which helped me grow massively as a player.

After completing my two years, I progressed onto the third-year Level 3 Personal Training course, which gave me further qualifications and experience in the fitness industry. Off the back of that, I was offered a coaching and assistant teaching role at the academy, which I’m proud to say I’m currently doing.

The academy gave me the perfect balance between football and education, opened up real opportunities, and supported me every step of the way. I’m now working in a job I love and still playing non-league football, continuing to develop both on and off the pitch.”

Luca Woodhouse

I joined Tonbridge Angels Academy and studied the BTEC Sport course, achieving DDD with the help of the brilliant specialist staff at Leigh Academy Hugh Christie. The support I received both academically and on the football side was outstanding and helped me develop massively as a player and a person.

While studying and playing for the academy, I broke into the Tonbridge Angels First Team and gained further experience through non-league loans, which gave me great exposure to senior football. By the end of Year 13, with the guidance and backing of the academy staff, I was given the opportunity to go on trials with professional clubs.

That led to me securing a two-year professional contract with Wycombe Wanderers, who are now in the Championship. I currently play for Exeter City in League One, continuing to develop my football career.

The academy provided me with the perfect platform to grow on and off the pitch, and without their support and structure, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

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