Funded PhD: Physical Literacy Led Approach to School Sport and Its Impact on Pupil Engagement and Educational Outcomes (Bancroft’s School & Carnegie School of Sport)

This fully funded PhD studentship, sponsored by Bancroft’s School in collaboration with the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University, offers an outstanding opportunity for a motivated individual to explore the impact of a physical literacy led approach to school sport on pupil engagement and educational outcomes. The project is situated within a vibrant research environment and a forward-thinking sport department, providing the successful candidate with immersive experience in both research and applied practice. The studentship includes a generous bursary of £20,780 per annum (tax-free, paid monthly), UK home tuition fees for four years, substantially subsidised accommodation near the school site, and free meals during term time. A laptop will be provided for research and teaching duties, and there are opportunities to apply for additional funding to support research activities and professional development. International candidates are welcome but must pay the international fee top-up and are advised to contact the Research Admissions team for details. The research project will involve the co-creation, implementation, and evaluation of a physical literacy-based approach to sport at Bancroft’s School, a leading co-educational independent day school in North East London. The school is renowned for its academic excellence, strong pastoral care, and commitment to holistic development, with sport and co-curricular activities playing a central role in school life. The PhD candidate will work collaboratively with the sport department, contributing to teaching, coaching, curriculum development, and wider school sport, including Saturday sport, across the full age range of 7 to 18 years. Applied practice will be approximately three days per week during the 34-week academic term. The project aims to address the gap in practical models for embedding physical literacy within school sport, investigating how curriculum design, teaching practice, and department collaboration can support pupil engagement, enjoyment, and participation. The research will examine the influence of physical literacy on pupils’ motivation, confidence, attitudes to physical activity, and its relationship with broader educational outcomes and school engagement. The successful candidate will join a dedicated and experienced coaching and teaching team, contributing to the school’s mission of providing varied and engaging movement experiences that foster lifelong physical activity. Applicants should have a background in youth coaching, physical education, and/or athletic development, with experience working with children and young people. A passion for movement, athletic development, sport, and working with young people is essential, as is a background and enthusiasm for research methods and data analysis. The position is full-time for four years, with interviews scheduled from 26 March 2026 and a start date of 01 September 2026. To apply, candidates should search for a Postgraduate Research course for Autumn 2026/27, Full Time, and select 'Physical Literacy' as the programme title on the Leeds Beckett University portal, using Application Reference Number: 2026-September-BS/CSS-PHD. For further details, consult the provided link or contact the supervisory team. References supporting the project include key works on physical literacy and youth sport, such as Whitehead (2010), Penney et al. (2009), Till et al. (2025), and others. This studentship is ideal for individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact on school sport and educational outcomes through innovative research and practice.