The future of vocational sports qualifications

This blog was written by AoC Sport Conference Sponsor, Pearson.

The qualification reform by the Department for Education (DfE) is set to change the educational landscape. But what does this mean for the sports sector, and how will the future of vocational sports qualifications evolve?

As we reflect on the Association of Colleges Sport Conference, held on 13 February, we were delighted to share updates on curriculum developments in sport-related vocational qualifications from Pearson. The conference helped to highlight some truly exciting developments that will help shape the future of sports education.

Outcomes of the reform

The conference also explored the outcomes of the review of post-16 qualification reform with confirmation of funding plans for the next two years. For most vocational qualifications and all current BTEC qualifications in sport and sport and exercise sciences, the reform does not affect them. These qualifications will remain available for at least the next two academic years. The majority of vocational qualifications in sport will still be funded for at least the next two academic years (you can read the BTEC Sport funding guide on the Pearson website).

We also explored plans for the future of vocational qualifications with the introduction of Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) and Technical Qualifications in sport and sport and exercise sciences with the caveat that the pause and review process may result in some potential changes to the previous proposals.

However, it is evident that the future of vocational sport qualifications is set to continue to offer learners choice and flexibility, supporting their progression into a sector that continues to grow and into emerging new careers in sport and sport and exercise science.

Focusing on the future

A notable highlight from the Conference was the sharing of news related to the introduction of the new Level 2 and Level 3 TQs that will become available for first teach September 2025. For aspiring fitness professionals, the following qualifications offer learners an in-depth, practical education in the fitness and physical activity industry and a licence to practice. These qualifications have been designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing sectors.

• BTEC Level 2 Technical Gym Instructor[ED2]
• BTEC Level 2 Technicals Leading Community Activity[ED3]
• BTEC Level 2 Technicals Recreation Assistant[ED4]
• BTEC Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Personal Trainer[ED5]

Our new BTEC Nationals from 2025 TQs are designed with a clear focus on the future. Our aim is to ensure that students are given every opportunity to develop the new knowledge, skills, attitudes and values they need to navigate and thrive through the uncertainty and to shape their world. We have identified three critical skill areas for the future – transferable skills, digital skills and sustainability – and have designed our new BTEC qualifications with these areas at the heart. Join us on the journey as we prepare young people to be the best versions of themselves for the future.

Creating an ambitious curriculum with Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)

During the Pearson breakout session, we discussed the ways in which an ambitious curriculum can be developed. Key strategies include providing choice to learners with different qualifications, having suitable entry requirements, meeting skills needs, assessment methodology to support individual requirements, and partnerships to support enrichment opportunities.

Pearson have been collaborating with a number of different employers to create enrichment opportunities for students, including the CIMSPA [ED6] in the development of the new technical qualifications. The professional standards created by CIMSPA have been embedded into these new qualifications and gained full endorsement from CIMSPA which confirms that they are recognised as a licence to practice in industry.

Natasha Eason, Associate Director for the Training Academy at CIMSPA said, “As the chartered body for the sport and physical activity workforce, CIMSPA is committed to shaping a highly skilled and adaptable workforce and this partnership ensures that graduates are not only career-ready but also prepared to contribute to the sector’s ongoing growth and innovation.”.

She added, “We know how highly employers value BTECs, and through our collaboration with Pearson, we have helped shape BTEC Sport qualifications to ensure they align with CIMSPA’s Professional Standards, reflect industry needs, and equip learners with the key skills required for tomorrow’s workforce. By embedding professional standards and employer insights, BTECs provide a strong foundation for learners to grow, thrive, and build successful careers in the diverse and exciting opportunities our sector offers.”

There are many more factors go into creating an ambitious sports curriculum, however this touches on just one of the ways BTEC Sport can support high-quality education with a new and ambitious curriculum. If you would like to find out more about the government reforms and the qualifications that Pearson offer, please visit our website: https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/further-education/products-and-services/btec.html