Open Event
4 November 2026
Join us at our Open Event and discover what makes St John Rigby one of the most popular choices for students across the region.
If you’re passionate about sport and curious about the science behind elite performance, this course is for you. This hands-on diploma goes beyond playing sport. You’ll explore anatomy, psychology, nutrition, biomechanics, and fitness testing, applying theory to real-world scenarios. Students enjoy tailoring assessments to their sport specialism, whether in performance or coaching. It’s a great way to deepen your understanding and improve your practice. Perfect for careers in sports science, coaching, therapy, or personal training, this course gives you the skills and confidence to take your next step.
College entry, (please refer to the Entry Requirements section for further details).
Coursework 60% and Exams 40%
13 units of study
4 units are assessed through external exams and tasks
9 units are assessed through a Portfolio assessment
Over two years, you’ll complete 13 varied units covering the science of sport and performance. Topics include Functional Anatomy, Sport & Exercise Psychology, Sports Injuries, and Biomechanics.
Learning is active and applied – through practical tasks, investigations, and assignments. You’ll build a strong portfolio through internal and external assessments. Assignments are set regularly, so time management is key. With commitment and passion, you’ll thrive in this engaging and rewarding course.
This diploma opens doors to careers and degrees in:
•Sport & Exercise Science
•Sports Therapy
•Physiotherapy
•Strength & Conditioning
•PE Teaching
•Sports Nutrition
It also prepares you for apprenticeships in personal training, fitness instruction, and sports massage With its scientific focus and transferable skills, this qualification is respected across sport, health, and wider industries.
Course activities to prepare for your SJR studies.
For Year 11 students who have applied and will be joining us in Year 12
Our Elective Programme is designed to help you develop your gifts and interests as part of an enhanced level 3 programme. We will help you realise your potential by nurturing your talent and preparing you for study at the most prestigious universities or for progression to competitive higher-level apprenticeships. Your options range from our Honours Programme, which might include following a fourth A level, to specialist Futures Programmes that will support your career goals.
If you’re not quite ready to start on a Level 3 Technical course (T Levels) or a Vocational Level 3 course (BTEC) but want to begin on the path to your chosen career, the Transition Programme could be for you.
Transition Programmes are tailored to prepare students to move onto Technical or Vocational Level 3 study. They will give you the opportunity to improve your English and Maths, your work readiness skills and introduce you to the technical skills and concepts that you will need for future study and employment.
As part of the Transition Programme you will study a BTEC Level 2 Award in your chosen subject area as well as the BTEC Level 2 Extended Award in Work Skills. You will also have the opportunity to resit GCSE English and/or Maths if you have not yet achieved a grade 4.
Entry criteria for Transition Programmes is four grade 3s including grade 3s in English Language and Maths GCSE.