Funded PhD Studentship: Bancroft’s School sponsored PhD studentship

Project Overview: Exploring a physical literacy led approach to school sport and its impact on pupil engagement and educational outcomes

A strong body of research positions physical literacy as a foundational determinant of lifelong engagement in physical activity, emphasising the holistic development of motivation, confidence, physical competence and knowledge that enables individuals to value and participate in movement (Whitehead, 2010). Despite its growing prominence in educational and sports policy, practical models for embedding and enacting physical literacy within school sport remain underdeveloped and inconsistently applied. There is a clear need for contextually grounded research that not only conceptualises physical literacy but also investigates how it can be enacted through curriculum design, teaching practice and whole-department collaboration, particularly given evidence that supportive, developmentally appropriate environments strengthen young people’s motivation, confidence and sustained engagement in physical activity (Penney et al., 2009; Till et al., 2025).

As such, the project will involve the co-creation, implementation and evaluation of a physical literacy-based approach to sport at Bancroft’s School. Working collaboratively with the full sport department, the embedded PhD candidate will help shape teaching practices and curriculum design with a focus on supporting pupil engagement, enjoyment and participation. Furthermore, the research will examine how this approach influences pupils’ motivation, confidence and attitudes to physical activity and will explore relationships between physical literacy, wider educational outcomes and school engagement.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposals with a member of the supervisory team.

Director of Studies:Dr Ffion Thompson

Supervisor: Dr David Cooke

Advisor: Professor Kevin Till

Service responsibilities

The PhD candidate will be embedded as a member of the sports department within the school, delivering approximately three days per week of applied practice. Responsibilities include supporting curriculum delivery, contributing to school sport where appropriate, including Saturday sport, and working across the full pupil age range.

The successful candidate should have:

• A background in youth coaching, physical education, and/or athletic development
• Experience working with children and young people
• A passion for movement, athletic development, sport and working with young people
• A background and passion for research methods and data analysis

When applying: To find the course on our portal you will need to search for a Postgraduate Research course, Autumn 2026/27, Full Time and search for Physical Literacy as the programme title.

A laptop will be provided

Substantially subsidised accommodation near the school site

Free meals during school term time

Stipend Value: £20,780

Stipends are tax-free and paid pro-rata in monthly payments

The successful candidates would ideally have: 2:1 or higher in a relevant undergraduate degree.

For those whose first language is not English you must also have an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.5 in order for applicants to obtain a CAS and Visa.

The PHD Studentship will be awarded to the strongest applications assessed on the applicant’s academic excellence, the strength of the research proposal and how the proposal fits with the research project.

To apply, please go to the application portal which can be found through the 'Apply Now' button.

To find the course on our portal you will need to search for a Postgraduate Research course, Autumn 2026/27, Full Time and search for Physical Literacy as the programme title.

Please make sure that you complete the application process in full and also provide the following additional information:

1. RESEARCH PROPOSAL (include title and project reference)

The proposal should align to the project summary and include a brief literature review related to this project, with an outline of the studies that you would propose to the answer the aims of the PhD (maximum 5 pages single spaced). It must include the research project title and reference.

The criteria listed below will be used in both selecting those applicants who will be called for interview and those who will be successful in securing a PGR award, and these should help you form your research proposal.

a) Context and significance of your research
Please outline the significance and originality of your proposed research, indicating:  aims, relationship to previous research in the field, research question(s) you are seeking to answer.
b) Research design and methods
Please outline the design of your proposed research, indicating: methodology and methods, a timetable for completion of the PGR award, ethical considerations that your research may raise.
c) Dissemination and impact
Please identify:  possible opportunities to disseminate your research to academic audiences during your PGR programme, the ways in which your research might be relevant outside academia.

You are strongly advised to discuss your proposal with the named Supervisor(s) before making your application.

How applications will be assessed Your application will be considered by a Carnegie School of Sport selection panel. The panel will evaluate applications based on the quality of the proposal, preparedness of the applicant and feasibility of the research project.

2. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE 
This should be a maximum of 1000 words outlining: What knowledge, skills, and training would you bring to the proposed research? This may include relevant academic study, relevant experience as a professional or practitioner, and any specific training in research skills/methods.  Why do you want to undertake this research in the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University. How does the proposed research relate to your career goals.

3. CV
A current CV, including your employment history or other professional experience, including internships. 

• Please state clearly that you are applying for a Carnegie School of Sport studentship and include the project reference '2026-September-BS/CSS-PHD'.
• The closing date for applications is midnight on 5th March 2026.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.
• We aim to hold in person interviews for shortlisted applicants on 26th March 2026 (Location: Bancroft's School)
• For queries about applying please contact Research Admissions

Suggested Reading:

Till, K., Lara-Bercial, S., Baker, J. and Morley, D., 2025. Challenges and Solutions to Supporting Physical Literacy within Youth Sport. Sports Medicine, 55(12), pp.2953-2965.

Whitehead, M. ed., 2010. Physical literacy: Throughout the lifecourse. Routledge.

Lundvall, S., 2015. Physical literacy in the field of physical education–A challenge and a possibility. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 4(2), pp.113-118.

Hurter, L., Essiet, I.A., Duncan, M., Roberts, W.M., Lewis, K., Goss, H., Morris, J.L., Bingham, D.D., O'Brien, W., Barnett, L.M. and Shearer, C., 2022. Physical literacy consensus for England: Evidence review.