Course Overview
Our A-level Physical Education qualification allows you to pursue your sporting passions by developing a broad theoretical understanding of factors that affect both participation rates within society as well as the performance levels of elite athletes.
Potential careers within the sports industry are wide ranging and an A-level in physical education will enable you to demonstrate your passion for the subject to both higher education institutions and prospective employers.
We are proud to have had so many of our students move on to start degrees in sport science related subjects across the most prestigious sporting universities in the country as well as embarking on a range of careers including within professional or amateur sport, with the NHS or private healthcare and as a health and lifestyle adviser.
Paper one of the qualification is based on factors that affect participation; content includes the effect of exercise on a range of body systems, the process of learning new skills and the societal factors that impact upon opportunities that different individuals might be afforded.
Paper two is focused on the factors that affect elite performance. This content includes exercise physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, sports psychology as well as the role of technology within professional sport.
The final section of the course, that makes up 30% of the qualification, is the assessment of practical performance and a written coursework that challenges learners to apply their newly developed theoretical knowledge to analyse and evaluate their own performance levels.
The practical achievements of many of the talented students that attend Hartpury College to study A-level physical education is impressive. Opportunities to train and play within elite environments at the college with high class coaching in unique facilities has a significant impact on improving these performance levels further throughout the two years of the course.
To be successful you'll need to be a logical thinker as well as being open to new ways of thinking about sport, exercise and fitness. This course challenges you to apply the theoretical content covered to real life examples so you will need to be willing to read from a wide range of sources in order to keep abreast of sporting media and developments.
Physical education can be combined with most other A-level subjects depending on your other interests and future career aspirations.
At Hartpury, we follow the AQA Physical Education specification.
On this course you'll study the following topics over two years.
- Applied Anatomy and Physiology
- Skill Acquisition
- Sport and Society
- Exercise Physiology and Biomechanical Movement
- Sport Psychology
- Sport and Society and the Role of Technology in Physical Activity and Sport
- Performance assessment (practical)
- Performance analysis assessment (coursework)
The majority of A-level lessons are delivered from the classrooms in our College Learning Centre, providing a modern learning environment, contemporary classrooms with smart boards, well-equipped library and learning resources.
Lessons are delivered in a traditional manner and include individual tasks as well as group work. A-level students will be set regular homework tasks as well as regular assessments throughout the academic year.
A-levels offers a unique timetable facilitating sporting development and extra-curricular activities, and a full enrichment programme to enhance employability skills and the holistic development of all students.
A-level students have access to our equine and sport facilities, animal collection, and our commercial Home Farm.
Students have a pastoral tutor who will support them to succeed in their studies and their enrichment activities. All students have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online. In addition, all students have access to medical professionals on campus.
Exam board:AQA
Total of four hours assessment split over two examination papers. Each paper will have a duration of two hours.
Non-examined assessment:
- Practical
- Assessment of practical performance/coaching role in one activity from the AQA activity list.
- For team games the criteria is split into attacking and defensive skills. Application of strategies and tactics is also assessed.
- For all other activities the criteria is either an assessment in multiple disciplines or 2 races.
- Application of strategies and tactics is also assessed.
- Coursework
- Written piece of work involving analysis of performance AND evaluation of performance using theory from
relevant sections of the specification
- Written piece of work involving analysis of performance AND evaluation of performance using theory from
An A-level in PE can be combined with subjects like Biology, Business Studies, Economics, English, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology and can lead to a wide range of exciting progression routes. Students may go on to careers in physiotherapy, sports science, teaching, coaching or communications within the health and fitness sector.
Popular combinations include Physical Education with Biology or Psychology for careers in physiotherapy, sport psychology or PE teaching; with Business or Economics for opportunities in sports marketing, sponsorship, or leadership; or with English for roles in journalism, personal training, outdoor education or motivational speaking. Pairing Physical Education with Maths or Physics can lead to careers in sports science, prosthetics, or data analytics within high-performance sport.
These combinations support national skills priorities in health and social care, life sciences, education and research. Locally, they align with Gloucestershire’s skills needs in health and social care, tourism and the visitor economy.
Course Overview
Course information
Our A-level Physical Education qualification allows you to pursue your sporting passions by developing a broad theoretical understanding of factors that affect both participation rates within society as well as the performance levels of elite athletes.
Potential careers within the sports industry are wide ranging and an A-level in physical education will enable you to demonstrate your passion for the subject to both higher education institutions and prospective employers.
We are proud to have had so many of our students move on to start degrees in sport science related subjects across the most prestigious sporting universities in the country as well as embarking on a range of careers including within professional or amateur sport, with the NHS or private healthcare and as a health and lifestyle adviser.
Paper one of the qualification is based on factors that affect participation; content includes the effect of exercise on a range of body systems, the process of learning new skills and the societal factors that impact upon opportunities that different individuals might be afforded.
Paper two is focused on the factors that affect elite performance. This content includes exercise physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, sports psychology as well as the role of technology within professional sport.
The final section of the course, that makes up 30% of the qualification, is the assessment of practical performance and a written coursework that challenges learners to apply their newly developed theoretical knowledge to analyse and evaluate their own performance levels.
The practical achievements of many of the talented students that attend Hartpury College to study A-level physical education is impressive. Opportunities to train and play within elite environments at the college with high class coaching in unique facilities has a significant impact on improving these performance levels further throughout the two years of the course.
To be successful you'll need to be a logical thinker as well as being open to new ways of thinking about sport, exercise and fitness. This course challenges you to apply the theoretical content covered to real life examples so you will need to be willing to read from a wide range of sources in order to keep abreast of sporting media and developments.
Physical education can be combined with most other A-level subjects depending on your other interests and future career aspirations.
At Hartpury, we follow the AQA Physical Education specification.
What you’ll learn
On this course you'll study the following topics over two years.
- Applied Anatomy and Physiology
- Skill Acquisition
- Sport and Society
- Exercise Physiology and Biomechanical Movement
- Sport Psychology
- Sport and Society and the Role of Technology in Physical Activity and Sport
- Performance assessment (practical)
- Performance analysis assessment (coursework)
How you’ll learn
The majority of A-level lessons are delivered from the classrooms in our College Learning Centre, providing a modern learning environment, contemporary classrooms with smart boards, well-equipped library and learning resources.
Lessons are delivered in a traditional manner and include individual tasks as well as group work. A-level students will be set regular homework tasks as well as regular assessments throughout the academic year.
A-levels offers a unique timetable facilitating sporting development and extra-curricular activities, and a full enrichment programme to enhance employability skills and the holistic development of all students.
A-level students have access to our equine and sport facilities, animal collection, and our commercial Home Farm.
Students have a pastoral tutor who will support them to succeed in their studies and their enrichment activities. All students have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online. In addition, all students have access to medical professionals on campus.
How you’ll be assessed
Exam board:AQA
Total of four hours assessment split over two examination papers. Each paper will have a duration of two hours.
Non-examined assessment:
- Practical
- Assessment of practical performance/coaching role in one activity from the AQA activity list.
- For team games the criteria is split into attacking and defensive skills. Application of strategies and tactics is also assessed.
- For all other activities the criteria is either an assessment in multiple disciplines or 2 races.
- Application of strategies and tactics is also assessed.
- Coursework
- Written piece of work involving analysis of performance AND evaluation of performance using theory from
relevant sections of the specification
- Written piece of work involving analysis of performance AND evaluation of performance using theory from
What can you do after this course?
An A-level in PE can be combined with subjects like Biology, Business Studies, Economics, English, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology and can lead to a wide range of exciting progression routes. Students may go on to careers in physiotherapy, sports science, teaching, coaching or communications within the health and fitness sector.
Popular combinations include Physical Education with Biology or Psychology for careers in physiotherapy, sport psychology or PE teaching; with Business or Economics for opportunities in sports marketing, sponsorship, or leadership; or with English for roles in journalism, personal training, outdoor education or motivational speaking. Pairing Physical Education with Maths or Physics can lead to careers in sports science, prosthetics, or data analytics within high-performance sport.
These combinations support national skills priorities in health and social care, life sciences, education and research. Locally, they align with Gloucestershire’s skills needs in health and social care, tourism and the visitor economy.
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
Physical Education or Sports Studies at grade 6 or above. If these haven't been studied, then grade 6 in Biology or Combined Science. For Combined Science, you'll need a double grade, 66.
You should expect some small costs for books and stationery. There will also be opportunities to take part in trips related to the topics you are studying. In the past, these have included visits to Alton Towers, the Houses of Parliament, JCB, Uttoxeter, and the Cadbury Factory. These trips incur a charge/are covered by the educational visits fee.
Students are required to pay a non-refundable educational visits fee at enrolment.
Which other A-levels does this work well with?
A-level Physical Education typically goes well with: Biology, Psychology, and Sociology.
Can I study A-level Physical Education and play in the Sports Academy?
This will depend which other A-levels you are studying. Where possible we try to work academy timetables around academic timetables, however this is not always possible. Please email to discuss your individual circumstances.
Can I bring my horse and study A-levels?
Yes - we provide students with the opportunity to bring their horse (or horses) with them while they study. On-site livery is offered to students on a DIY or full livery basis. This is subject to availability as demand is always high. Fees apply.
How much does the course cost?
If you're a UK student under the age of 19 enrolling in full-time A-level courses at Hartpury College, you typically won't need to pay tuition fees. For further information, details for those over 19 year-of-age and international students, visit: Finance | Hartpury College
Outstanding
Rated 'Ofsted Outstanding in all areas' for academic and curriculum-related provision
99.4% pass-rate
With an A-level pass rate of 99.4% (Hartpury College 2025), our outcomes for students are exceptional.
Living in on-site college accommodation at Hartpury, you’ll be part of a vibrant and international community of students of all ages who share their experience of life at college and university together on one campus.
The Hartpury Certificate is an enrichment programme designed to support our students to grow.
A-levels or a diploma?
Are you unsure about whether A-levels or a BTEC Diploma are the right choice for you? Find out the key differences and which qualification would best suit your learning style and your career and further study ambitions on our dedicated page.
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