The runner-up, Fylde, finished one point behind Exeter and were also promoted.

The league consists of sixteen teams, playing each other on a home and away basis to make a total of thirty matches for each team.

There are two promotion places and four relegation places, with the champions and runner-up promoted to National League 2 and the last four teams relegated to either National Division 4 North or South, depending on their location.

[1][2] National Division Three was increased from ten teams to sixteen with six of the clubs participating in last seasons competition.

To make up the numbers the top eight teams in National Division Four were all promoted; Lydney and Wharfedale, as champions of National League 5 South and National League 5 North respectively were also promoted, from the fifth to the third tier.