Leah Tarpey
Leah Tarpey’s decision to study for her BA (Hons) Physical Education degree at Portobello Institute was highly influenced by the broad career opportunities and flexible delivery method.
While she always knew she wanted to study and work in sports, she wasn’t quite clear on which aspect of sport until she found a pathway to PE.
This path made it clear that she wanted to pursue postgraduate studies towards becoming a PE teacher, while working on her rugby career.
“Before studying at Portobello, my path was very much centred around sport. After finishing
school, I initially pursued a degree in Athletic Rehabilitation and Therapy, as I had a strong interest in sports science and injury prevention.
“However, when I was offered my first professional rugby contract with the IRFU, I made the difficult decision to step away from my studies to focus on rugby full-time.
“After a year of professional training, I wanted to expand my skills beyond sport, so I completed a Level 6 in Digital Marketing. This led to my current role where I work in digital marketing while continuing my rugby career and studying.
“Despite these experiences, I always felt drawn back to education and coaching, which is what led me to Portobello Institute and my decision to become a PE teacher,” she said.
Following Her Passion for Sport and Education
Leah’s passion for sports is evident in her impressive journey from representing Ireland in professional rugby to playing for Leinster while balancing work and study.
She is choosing a career that not only aligns with this passion but also provides stability to support the dedication required to succeed at the elite level.
“I’ve always believed in having a long-term plan for the future. Teaching PE felt like the perfect career path for me because it allows me to combine my love for sport with my passion for working with young people.
“Coaching made me realise how much I enjoy helping others develop their skills, grow in confidence, and enjoy physical activity, and I wanted to build a career where I could do that every day.
“Sport has been central to my life for years, and studying Physical Education allows me to take everything I’ve learned from rugby and pass it on to the next generation.
“Coaching first sparked my love for teaching, and since starting this course, that passion has only grown stronger.
“One of my favourite modules so far has been psychology, which has helped me understand how to work with different types of students and adjust my teaching style to engage everyone in the classroom.
“It’s been a game-changer for my coaching with the Tullamore U16 girls’ rugby team, helping me build confidence in managing groups and delivering sessions.
“My placement in a secondary school has been another amazing experience, it solidified my decision to become a PE teacher and showed me that I’m on the right path,” she said.
The Portobello Institute Blended Learning Experience: A Perfect Fit Focused on Flexibility
From training, to playing rugby, coaching in her spare time and juggling work, Leah needed a course that fit around her busy schedule.
Our flexible blended learning course delivery means classes are generally delivered online, evenings and weekends. They are recorded to allow you to catch up later and some practical classes throughout the year are planned in advance.
This delivery gives many of our students the chance to pursue other passions while securing their future with a qualification.
“Studying at Portobello gave me the opportunity to gain a qualification while still training and working full-time, ensuring I could set myself up for my future without having to put my rugby career on hold.
“The best thing about Portobello Institute has been the balance of flexibility and practical experience.
“The course isn’t just about reading theory, it’s about applying what you learn in real-world settings.
“I highly recommend Portobello Institute to family, friends and teammates, especially to anyone who has a busy schedule or is balancing sport, work, or other commitments.
“Portobello’s flexibility makes it possible to gain a degree without having to sacrifice other parts of your life. The support from tutors, the structured learning approach, and the career-focused modules make it an excellent choice,” she said.
A Bright Future for Physical Education
Through her studies, Leah is bridging the gap between practical experience and academic knowledge in physical education. She’s combining her love of sports on and off the pitch, while working towards a stable career for her future – one where she doesn’t have to limit her passion.
She is already implementing what she is learning into her rugby coaching sessions with young teams.
The course is providing her with valuable insights into sports science, psychology, coaching methodologies, and the role of physical education in development, helping her apply new concepts to her work.
‘The knowledge I’ve gained has given me a stronger foundation to support children and schools in developing meaningful physical education programmes. I now have the tools to help shape the future of sports education and make a positive difference in my community,’ she said.
Leah is particularly passionate about inclusivity in sports, ensuring that every child, regardless of background or ability, has access to quality physical education. Her work continues to focus on building confidence, fostering teamwork, and promoting healthy lifestyles through engaging and innovative programmes.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future in PE
Leah has clear goals and plans for her future and she is looking forward to chasing her dreams to make physical education fun, enjoyable and accessible to the next generations after her.
“My long-term goal is to teach PE at secondary school level while continuing to stay involved in rugby through coaching and mentoring young athletes.
“This degree, awarded by Liverpool John Moores University, is the foundation I need to progress to postgraduate studies to become a qualified teacher.
“The balance of studies, work, and rugby was something I was worried about before starting, but this course has made it all manageable.
“For anyone thinking about studying Physical Education, I’d say go for it! If you’re passionate
about sport and education, Portobello gives you the perfect pathway while still maintaining your other commitments,” she said.
Check out our upcoming sport courses here or book a call with our expert admissions advisor below!
Leah is a student and brand ambassador for Portobello Institute and is actively documenting her experience on TikTok and Instagram.
If you are interested in studying Sports at Portobello Institute, visit our faculty here.
