Articles / Leadership Skills Foundation LEAP: Complete Programme Guide
Development, Training & CoachingMaster the Leadership Skills Foundation LEAP programme. Learn how to access, navigate, and maximise your leadership development through this comprehensive platform guide.
Written by Laura Bouttell • Fri 9th January 2026
The Leadership Skills Foundation LEAP platform represents a significant advancement in how young people access, track, and complete their leadership qualifications. LEAP—the Foundation's dedicated online learning environment—streamlines the journey from registration to certification, enabling learners to develop essential leadership capabilities through a structured yet flexible digital experience. Since the Leadership Skills Foundation has empowered over 100,000 young people annually through its programmes, understanding how to navigate LEAP effectively can accelerate your leadership development considerably.
What distinguishes LEAP from generic learning management systems is its integration with the Foundation's four-decade expertise in youth leadership development. The platform doesn't merely host content; it structures the practical application of leadership skills through sport, community engagement, and personal development activities that have shaped generations of British leaders.
The Leadership Skills Foundation has shaped youth leadership development for over four decades.
The Leadership Skills Foundation is a UK-based awarding organisation dedicated to developing leadership skills in young people through practically applied qualifications and accredited awards. Formerly known as Sports Leaders UK and originally the British Sports Trust, the organisation has operated since 1981, building an unrivalled reputation for developing essential life skills through sport and physical activity. The Foundation brings leadership skills to life across the curriculum and beyond, empowering learners with confidence, leadership qualities, and practical capabilities.
Foundation evolution:
| Era | Name | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1981-2004 | British Sports Trust | Foundation establishment |
| 2004-2020s | Sports Leaders UK | Sport-focused leadership |
| Current | Leadership Skills Foundation | Broader leadership development |
The Foundation offers comprehensive leadership programmes including: Sports Leadership (the signature programme running 40+ years), Esports Leadership (digital gaming leadership development), Maths Leader Award (launched 2013), Literacy Leader Award (launched 2015), and PE Life Skills Award (launched 2021). Each programme develops teamwork, communication, self-belief, self-management, and problem-solving skills essential for successful futures.
Programme portfolio:
LEAP provides the digital infrastructure for leadership development.
Access the LEAP platform through leap.leadershipskillsfoundation.org. Learners receive login credentials through their registered centre—typically a school, college, youth organisation, or community group. Your centre administrator creates your account, and you'll receive email confirmation with access details. If you haven't received credentials or experience access difficulties, contact your centre tutor or email hello@leadershipskillsfoundation.org for support.
Access pathway:
| Step | Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Register through centre | Account creation |
| 2 | Receive email confirmation | Login credentials |
| 3 | Navigate to LEAP portal | Platform access |
| 4 | Complete profile | Full functionality |
LEAP provides comprehensive functionality including: course access (qualification materials and resources), progress tracking (completion monitoring), assessment submission (evidence upload capabilities), tutor communication (messaging and feedback), certification tracking (qualification achievement status), and resource library (supporting materials and guides). The platform integrates learning with practical application requirements.
Key platform features:
Strategic platform use accelerates leadership development.
Effective LEAP use requires: regular engagement (consistent platform access rather than cramming), structured planning (breaking qualifications into manageable sections), evidence collection (documenting practical activities promptly), tutor communication (seeking feedback and clarification), and reflection practice (considering leadership learning between sessions). The platform supports self-paced learning whilst maintaining connection with centre support.
Effectiveness strategies:
| Strategy | Implementation | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Regular access | Weekly platform visits | Sustained progress |
| Structured planning | Module completion targets | Clear direction |
| Evidence collection | Document activities immediately | Quality submissions |
| Tutor engagement | Regular communication | Targeted support |
| Reflection | Journal leadership experiences | Deeper learning |
Leadership Skills Foundation qualifications provide value through: regulatory accreditation (qualifications meeting Ofqual conditions), employer recognition (widely valued by employers), practical application (skills developed through real activities), transferable capabilities (communication, teamwork, problem-solving), and progression pathways (from entry-level to Level 3). Qualifications develop skills that genuinely enhance employability and future success.
Qualification benefits:
Sports Leadership remains the Foundation's signature offering.
Sports Leadership is the Foundation's flagship programme, developed and refined over 40 years. It uses sport and physical activity as the medium for developing essential leadership skills—enabling learners to plan, develop, and deliver activities that benefit their communities. The programme creates a pathway from entry-level to Level 3 qualifications, with each level building leadership capability progressively through practical application.
Sports Leadership pathway:
| Level | Focus | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Foundation skills | Basic leadership understanding |
| Level 2 | Intermediate capability | Leading small groups |
| Level 3 | Advanced leadership | Independent session delivery |
Completing Sports Leadership qualifications requires: theoretical learning (understanding leadership concepts), practical application (leading activities with groups), evidence submission (documenting leadership experiences), tutor assessment (receiving feedback on performance), and external quality assurance (meeting Foundation standards). LEAP facilitates this process through integrated learning content and evidence management.
Completion process:
Centres play vital roles in LEAP-based delivery.
Centres support learners through: account management (creating and maintaining learner access), tutor guidance (providing instruction and feedback), practical opportunities (arranging leadership experiences), assessment support (evaluating evidence and providing feedback), and pastoral care (supporting learner wellbeing and motivation). Centre tutors receive full training for programme delivery through their own online platform, Centre Hub.
Centre support structure:
| Support Type | Provider | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Account access | Centre administrator | Technical enablement |
| Learning guidance | Centre tutor | Educational support |
| Practical opportunities | Centre/community | Leadership experience |
| Assessment | Trained assessor | Evidence evaluation |
| Quality assurance | LSF QA manager | Standards maintenance |
Quality assurance ensures standards through: tutor training (comprehensive preparation for delivery), dedicated QA contacts (personalised support from Foundation staff), standardised assessment (consistent evaluation criteria), moderation processes (sampling and verification), and regulatory compliance (meeting Ofqual conditions). This robust framework ensures qualifications maintain value and recognition.
Quality assurance elements:
LEAP is the Leadership Skills Foundation's online learning platform where learners access course materials, track progress, submit assessment evidence, and communicate with tutors. It supports the delivery of the Foundation's leadership qualifications and awards, providing a structured digital environment for developing practical leadership capabilities through sport and community engagement.
Access LEAP at leap.leadershipskillsfoundation.org using credentials provided by your registered centre. Your centre administrator creates your account, and you receive email confirmation with login details. If you haven't received credentials or experience difficulties, contact your centre tutor or email hello@leadershipskillsfoundation.org.
LEAP supports various Leadership Skills Foundation qualifications including Sports Leadership (Levels 1-3), Esports Leadership, Maths Leader Award, Literacy Leader Award, and PE Life Skills Award. Each programme develops essential leadership skills through practical application, with qualifications accredited and widely recognised by employers.
Qualification duration varies by level and programme. Entry-level awards may complete in weeks, whilst Level 3 qualifications typically require a full academic year. The Foundation recommends consistent engagement rather than intensive periods, allowing time for practical leadership experience between learning sessions.
Yes, qualifications are formally accredited and meet regulatory conditions including Ofqual requirements. They're widely recognised by employers, educational institutions, and organisations seeking evidence of leadership capability. The Foundation's 40+ year history has established strong recognition across the UK and internationally.
Support is available through multiple channels: your centre tutor for learning guidance, your centre administrator for account issues, and the Foundation directly via hello@leadershipskillsfoundation.org. Centres also receive dedicated Quality Assurance managers who can escalate technical issues and provide personalised support.
LEAP is accessible from various devices with internet connectivity, though optimal experience may vary by device type. For assessment evidence submission, ensure your device supports file upload functionality. Contact your centre tutor if you need guidance on technical requirements for your specific programme.
The Leadership Skills Foundation LEAP platform provides the digital infrastructure for developing leadership capabilities that genuinely enhance life prospects. Through practical application of skills developed over 40 years of youth leadership expertise, LEAP enables learners to build teamwork, communication, self-belief, and problem-solving capabilities valued by employers and educational institutions alike.
If you're enrolled on a Leadership Skills Foundation programme, commit to consistent LEAP engagement—regular platform visits, prompt evidence documentation, and active tutor communication accelerate progress and deepen learning. If you're considering leadership development, explore the Foundation's programmes through your school, college, or local organisation to discover how structured leadership qualifications can enhance your capabilities and opportunities.
Leadership skills developed through Foundation programmes extend far beyond certification. They create the confidence to believe, the qualities to lead, and the skills to succeed—capabilities that serve you throughout education, employment, and life beyond.