Sports Courses at Queen Ethelburga’s College – A Leading Independent School in Yorkshire
If you’re passionate about sport and want access to world-class facilities, expert coaching, and academic excellence, then Queen Ethelburga’s College, a top-ranking independent school in the North of England, is the perfect choice for you.
At QE, students can choose from a range of sports qualifications:
- GCSE Physical Education
- A Level Physical Education
- BTEC Sport (Level 1, 2 and 3)
- GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition
Outstanding Facilities in the North
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Our Yorkshire campus is home to some of the best sports facilities in the North of England, including:
We regularly host Premier League football teams and national rugby squads who use our campus for pre-season training, making QE a hub of high-performance sport. |
Partnership with Leeds Beckett University’s Carnegie School of Sport
Queen Ethelburga’s College is proud to partner with the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University, one of the UK’s leading schools for sport and exercise science. Through this partnership, our student-athletes benefit from:
- Professional coaching
- Cutting-edge sports science support
- Opportunities to visit and learn about university-level sports courses
Many of our students go on to receive professional contracts, UK and US scholarships, or gain entry into elite sports pathways, such as:
- Leeds Rhinos Superleague Netball
- Yorkshire County Cricket
- Leeds United Football Academy
- Castleford Tigers Rugby League
Physical Education Courses in Yorkshire
We recommend you take Physical Education as a GCSE or A Level if you play sport at a good level, due to the practical element.
GCSE Physical Education – Pearson Edexcel |
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This course explores how science underpins sport, covering anatomy, physiology, and psychology. Topics include:
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A Level Physical Education – AQA |
This A Level builds on GCSE knowledge and is suited to students aiming for careers in the sports, fitness, or health industries. Topics include:
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BTEC Sport Courses in the North
The BTEC Sport qualification is ideal if you have a keen interest in sport and prefer to learn in a vocational context.
BTEC Tech Award in Sport (Levels 1 & 2) – Pearson |
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You will complete the first two levels during Key Stage Four (Ages 14–16). The course offers numerous practical opportunities, including session planning and delivery, performance analysis, and sports leadership. Topics include:
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BTEC National Extended Certificate/Diploma in Sport (Level 3) – Pearson |
The Level 3 qualification is completed during Key Stage Five (Ages 16 to 18). The course deepens your academic knowledge of human physiology and includes a range of engaging practical assessments, such as:
Year 1 Topics:
Year 2 Topics:
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GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition Course – (AQA)
Nutrition plays a vital role in sport, and our programme teaches students how to cook healthy, protein-rich meals. A qualified chef supports students in understanding the link between diet and athletic performance.
From September 2025, we are introducing the GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition qualification to complement our sport courses. (This course is also available to students interested in pursuing a career in catering!)
You will develop practical cooking skills and gain a thorough understanding of the relationship between diet, nutrition, and health.
Topics include:
- Food, nutrition and health
- Food science
- Food safety
- Food choice
- Food provenance
Why Study Sport at Queen Ethelburga’s College?
Queen Ethelburga’s is one of the top independent schools in the North of England, offering an exceptional environment for aspiring athletes and sports professionals. Here’s why students choose to study Sport with us:
- World-Class Sports Facilities:
- Train in our state-of-the-art sports complex, featuring cutting-edge sports science laboratories, a brand-new gymnasium with Eleiko equipment, and advanced performance analysis technology.
- University Partnership with Leeds Beckett:
- We are proud to partner with the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University, giving our student-athletes access to the latest research, professional coaching, and university-level experiences.
- Elite Athlete Pathway:
- Our Performance Sports Programme supports students competing at county and national level in football, netball, basketball, cricket, and rugby, helping them to reach their full potential.
- Local and National Competition Opportunities:
- Take part in competitive fixtures across the country. Follow our Instagram to see the latest match results, student achievements, and behind-the-scenes training highlights.
- Extended Facility Access:
- Enjoy access to professional-grade training facilities outside of school hours, enabling you to balance academic study with year-round athletic development.
Where Can Sport Take You?
Students who join our Performance Sports Programme and study sport-related qualifications often progress to exciting higher education opportunities and careers in the sports and health industries.
Our alumni have gone on to study a wide range of subjects at top UK universities, including:
- Physiotherapy
- Sport and Exercise Science
- Sport & Exercise Psychology
- Sport Management
- Adventure Education
- Applied Sports Studies in Athletics
- Biomedical Sciences
- Global Health and Social Science
They have successfully secured places at some of the UK’s leading universities, such as:





Whether you're aiming for a career in elite sport, sports therapy, coaching, or sports science, Queen Ethelburga’s College provides the academic foundation, professional coaching, and cutting-edge facilities to help you get there.
Contact Admissions to begin your application.
