Overview

Take your coaching career to the next level with this Level 4 apprenticeship, which runs over 24 months (18 months learning + 6 months assessment). You'll gain the expertise to design and lead comprehensive coaching programmes, develop your own coaching philosophy, and support athlete performance in schools, clubs, or high-performance settings

Who is this apprenticeship for?

This apprenticeship is perfect if you:

• Already hold Level 2 coaching qualifications with significant practical experience
• Currently lead or influence coaching delivery in your setting
• Want to deepen your skills in coaching programmes, athlete development, and leadership
• Aim to grow in school-based, community, or high-performance sport environments

What will you learn?

Technical Knowledge & Leadership

• Designing long-term, evidence-informed coaching programmes
• Developing your individual coaching philosophy
• Integrating wellbeing and mental health support into training
• Leading, mentoring, and evaluating a coaching team

Advanced Coaching Practice

• Applying performance analysis and feedback to improve sessions
• Adapting coaching for varied needs and environments
• Championing inclusion, safeguarding, and ethical practice

Behaviours

• Professional integrity and reflective practice
• Initiative in leadership and innovation
• Building strong relationships and influencing stakeholders
• Commitment to continuous development and learning

Programmes & Pathways

Choose from one of three focused routes, depending on your setting:

• School Sport Coach: Coaching in educational settings
• Community Sport Coach: Coaching in clubs and community programmes
• High Performance Sport Coach: Coaching athletes at performance levels

Each route includes targeted knowledge and skill development

Training & Delivery

• Work-based learning with direct coaching practice
• 18 months of guided training, supported by tutors through workshops, e-learning, and site visits
• 6 months EPA (End-Point Assessment) finalising your qualification
• Includes functional English & Maths if needed

Assessment

Your qualification is earned through:

• Practical coaching observation
• Professional discussion/interview: These final assessments showcase your competency and are graded at Pass or Distinction based on performance.

Outcomes & Career Progression

On completion, you will:

• Earn a nationally recognised Level 4 Sports Coach Apprenticeship Standard
• Gain eligibility for CIMSPA Coach Practitioner membership
• Be equipped to lead and design impactful coaching in schools, clubs, community, or performance environments
• Progress towards roles in leadership, performance analysis, or further study like Level 5/6 or CPD opportunities