Employers gain highly skilled coaches who can improve programme quality, support participant development and contribute to organisational growth and reputation.
Sports Coaching
- Level 4
- Ofqual Regulated
- 15 Month Programme
- 3 Month EPA Period
- Remote Delivery
- Bi-Weekly Online Sessions
- Industry Specialist Tutor
Course Summary
Purpose
The Level 4 Sports Coach apprenticeship develops the advanced knowledge and skills required to design, deliver and evaluate high quality coaching programmes. It equips learners to work with participants of all ages and abilities while giving employers confident coaches who can raise standards and support long-term development.
Course Overview
The programme covers coaching philosophy, educational standards, meeting participant needs, reporting and maintaining professional practice. Learners gain practical experience in creating coaching environments that are safe, inclusive and effective, with the ability to reflect and improve their coaching approach.
Key Features
- Builds advanced knowledge of coaching practice and philosophy
- Strengthens skills in designing and delivering inclusive sessions
- Develops expertise in educational standards and coaching processes
- Provides practical experience in supporting participants and reporting outcomes
Who is it for?
This apprenticeship is suited to individuals working in sport who want to progress into senior coaching or development roles. Typical job titles include:
- Sports Coach
- Senior Sports Coach
- Community Sports Coach
- Sports Development Officer
Benefits for Learners
Learners gain the skills and confidence to lead advanced coaching programmes, evaluate impact and progress into senior or specialist coaching roles. Completion can also support further study at higher levels in coaching or sports development.
Benefits for Employers
Pathways
This apprenticeship offers three specialist pathways, allowing learners to focus on the area of sports coaching most relevant to their role and ambitions. This flexibility ensures the apprenticeship can be tailored to employer needs and gives learners the chance to develop expertise in their chosen coaching environment.
All apprentices complete the core modules before specialising in one of the following:
High-Performance Sport Coach
Supporting talented athletes aiming to compete at the highest level.
Community Coach
Leading programmes that increase participation in grassroots and community sport.
School Coach
Delivering high quality PE and extra-curricular activities to support children in schools.
Entry Requirements
- 16 or over and not in full-time education
- Employed in a relevant role
- Be working a minimum of 30 hours per week
- Have the right to work in the UK
Functional Skills
All apprentices are required to have a minimum of Level 2 in English and Maths.
If you already hold GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher in these subjects, you will not need to complete any additional qualifications. If you have not yet achieved these grades, you will be supported to work towards Functional Skills in English and/or Maths as part of your apprenticeship.
Learning is built into your apprenticeship and our team will provide the guidance and resources you need to achieve the required level.
Career Progression
Every apprenticeship at Educationwise is designed with clear next steps in mind. Learners can progress from entry-level roles through to specialist and managerial positions, depending on their chosen pathway.
You can view the full progression routes for this programme in our Career Progression PDF, which highlights how each qualification links to further development opportunities.
Curriculum
| Module | Months | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1–2 | Learning Launch |
| 2 | 2–4 | Establishing a Philosophy |
| 3 | 4–6 | Coaching Landscape |
| 4 | 6–8 | Understanding & Maintaining Educational Standards & Coaching Goals, Policies, Processes |
| 5 | 8–10 | Meeting the Needs of Your Participants |
| 6 | 10–12 | Reporting |
| 7 | 15 | Progression and Preparation |
Assessment
Once learners have completed their training and reached Gateway, they move on to the End-Point Assessment, which takes place over a three-month period. This includes a one-hour presentation, a portfolio of evidence and a one-hour professional discussion. Learners who successfully complete the programme will achieve the Level 4 Sports Coach apprenticeship standard, a nationally recognised qualification that can lead to further development in high-performance coaching, school-based roles or community sport leadership.
Funding For Employers
Levy
- If your organisation has an annual wage bill of over £3 million, you will pay the apprenticeship levy (0.5% of your payroll).
- Levy funds are collected through your HMRC account and can be used to cover the full cost of apprenticeship training and assessment.
- Funds expire after 24 months if not used.
Non-Levy
- If your organisation has a wage bill of under £3 million, you will only contribute 5% of the training costs for each apprentice.
- The government funds the remaining 95%.
- For employers with fewer than 50 staff, apprentices aged 16–18 (or 19–24 with an Education, Health & Care Plan) are 100% government funded.
Additional Information
- Employers may also be eligible for incentive payments for hiring younger apprentices.
- Our team will guide you through the process of setting up a digital apprenticeship service (DAS) account and securing funding.
Expression of Interest
Contact Us
- info@education-wise.org
- 01173 790 450
- Mon-Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM