Apprenticeship Assessment Standard
Leisure duty managers manage the effective day to day ‘front line’ operation of a leisure facility. These facilities will vary in size and the services available such as swimming pools, multi-functional sports halls, fitness suites, crèches, children’s soft play and trampoline parks, health suites, climbing walls and outdoor sports tracks.
It is the responsibility of the leisure duty manager to ensure the facility is prepared for use in accordance with the planned activity programme and that all areas are maintained to the highest possible standards of safety, cleanliness, security and operational effectiveness. Typically, the leisure duty manager will provide visible leadership to a diverse range of staff such as lifeguards, receptionists, sports coaches, fitness teams and crèche workers. Their responsibility is to manage staff performance and on-going development to ensure staff are motivated, efficient and operate at a high standard.
Level 3 
£5,000 
18 months
Gateway to completion requirements
For the Level 3 Leisure Duty Manager, the requirements are:
- English and maths qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules
- Active IQ Level 3 Certificate in Leisure Management
- confirmation from the employer that the apprentice has met the behaviour requirements as set out in the apprenticeship assessment plan
- successful completion of both apprenticeship
assessment methods.
Apprenticeship Assessment
The apprenticeship assessment for Leisure Duty Manager
contains two methods of assessment. A Professional Discussion that must be NCFE assessed and a Portfolio, which can be delivered using one of two models offered by NCFE.
| NCFE Assessed | NCFE Combined |
| Delivered and assessed directly by NCFE assessors. | Delivered and assessed by centre assessors subject to IQA and NCFE EQA. |
Why NCFE?
We specialise in apprenticeship delivery across health, education, early years, digital, social care, and business apprenticeship standards. We offer flexible and reliable EPA and apprenticeship assessment solutions supported by sector expertise, guidance documents and proactive service and support.
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Mandatory qualification
While on-programme, apprentices must undertake both
apprenticeship assessment methods and the Active IQ Level 3
Certificate in Leisure Management qualification; these can take
place in any order.
Watch the webinar
Access an on demand webinar covering everything you need to know about the Level 3 Leisure Duty Manager apprenticeship standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Leisure Duty Manager apprenticeship a strong development route for aspiring managers?
The apprenticeship has been designed around the real responsibilities of front-line leisure managers. It combines leadership and management development with the operational, customer service, compliance and health and safety knowledge needed to manage a leisure facility.
This makes it particularly relevant for employers looking to develop supervisors, duty managers and future operational leaders within the leisure sector, providing a more occupationally focused alternative to generic management programmes.
What is the assessment approach for the Leisure Duty Manager apprenticeship?
NCFE's assessment approach for the reformed Leisure Duty Manager apprenticeship consists of:
- Assessment 1: Professional Discussion (assessed by NCFE)
- Assessment 2: Portfolio with Question and Answer (Q&A) (delivered through either the NCFE Assessed or NCFE Combined model)
This approach has been designed to enable apprentices to demonstrate occupational competence across the breadth of the role while supporting a streamlined assessment experience
What delivery models are available?
NCFE offers flexible delivery options to support provider and employer needs.
Under the NCFE Assessed model, NCFE delivers and assesses the apprenticeship assessment.
Under the NCFE Combined model, approved providers may deliver the Portfolio and Q&A assessment activity in line with NCFE requirements, with quality assurance arrangements in place to ensure consistency and validity of outcomes.
Why has NCFE selected these assessment methods?
Our assessment approach has been developed in line with the principles of apprenticeship assessment reform and shaped by feedback from employers and providers.
The Professional Discussion enables apprentices to demonstrate leadership, decision-making and operational competence, while the Portfolio and Q&A allows them to provide evidence from across the full breadth of their role, including activities that may not naturally arise within a single assessment conversation.
Together, these methods support a holistic assessment of occupational competence.
Is there a mandatory qualification requirement for this apprenticeship?
Yes. Apprentices undertaking the revised Leisure Duty Manager apprenticeship must achieve the Active IQ Level 3 Certificate in Leisure Management as part of the apprenticeship requirements. The standard includes a mandatory qualification alongside apprenticeship assessment.
NCFE understands the importance of delivering a coherent learner journey and has designed its assessment approach with this requirement in mind.
How does NCFE's approach support apprenticeship assessment reform?
Our assessment approach reflects the aims of apprenticeship assessment reform by supporting more proportionate, holistic and occupationally relevant assessment.
The methods have been designed to reduce unnecessary assessment burden while continuing to provide robust evidence of competence against the occupational standard.
How does NCFE ensure quality and consistency?
Quality and consistency are maintained through NCFE's assessment, quality assurance and standardisation processes.
All assessment decisions are subject to NCFE requirements and oversight, helping to ensure a consistent assessment experience and reliable outcomes for apprentices, employers and providers.
What support will NCFE provide?
Providers will have access to a range of support and guidance throughout delivery, including:
- onboarding and approval support
- implementation guidance
- assessment walkthrough resources
- webinars and events
- dedicated relationship management
- operational support throughout delivery
Our aim is to help providers feel confident throughout the apprenticeship lifecycle, from implementation through to certification.
Why choose NCFE for apprenticeship assessment?
NCFE's assessment approach has been developed in collaboration with employers and providers and is aligned to the principles of apprenticeship assessment reform.
We combine sector expertise, flexible delivery models, robust quality assurance and dedicated support to help providers deliver high-quality apprenticeship programmes.
For Leisure Duty Manager, our approach has also been designed to align with the mandatory qualification requirement, helping support a joined-up learner journey from training through to assessment.
Where can I find more information?
You can:
- visit the Skills England standard page
- access our latest walkthrough webinar.
Alternatively, contact your dedicated NCFE Relationship Manager or our Business Development team for more information and onboarding guidance.