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.
Welcome to A Level Physical Education where sport meets science, strategy, and serious fun! If you love sport and want to explore how the body and mind perform, this course is for you. Go beyond the pitch to study anatomy, physiology, psychology, biomechanics, and sport’s role in society. Lessons are lively and engaging, using real-world examples to bring theory to life. You’ll learn how elite athletes train, think, and perform and how sport shapes the world. To succeed, you’ll need more than passion; you must be actively involved in sport at a competitive level. Ready to challenge yourself and explore sport from every angle? A Level PE is waiting!
College entry to include GCSE Science minimum of grade 5,5 or two of Physics, Chemistry or Biology at Grade 5 (this must be core or additional science).
Students must be regularly playing or coaching sport at a competitive level (club, Regional or National).
70 % examination and 30% coursework.
Two Exams – 35% each (70% total)
Written Coursework – Analysis of Performance (15%)
Practical Assessment – Performer or Coach (15%)
The theoretical units of this course include the academic study of Applied Anatomy and Physiology, Sports Psychology, Skill Acquisition, Sport and Society and Biomechanics. There are also two practical components of the course. The first is a practical assessment which requires a demonstration of the student as either a performer or coach in one activity from the approved list. In addition to this, you are also required to carry out an analysis of a performer and discuss their range of their performance and ways of improving their areas of weakness.
A Level PE opens doors to exciting futures! Whether you’re aiming for a career in sport or want a versatile subject, this course delivers. Many students go on to study degrees like Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Psychology, Physiotherapy, or PE and School Sport. But the skills you gain analysis, communication, leadership, and critical thinking are valued across many careers. Employers in sport, public services, and the armed forces respect the discipline and teamwork PE students bring. So whether you’re chasing elite sport, helping others improve, or just want to stay active, A Level PE is a strong step toward your future.
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.