Projects per year
Personal profile
Research interests
As an early career researcher, Beth's research interests continue to evolve across various domains, including teacher education and development, curriculum design, student learning, and pedagogical principles. Currently, her primary focus lies within the higher education sector, where she is particularly interested in exploring data-driven metrics that inform student retention and continuation within the undergraduate programmes she manages. Additionally, Beth has a strong passion for researching and evaluating professional development for practitioners in teaching, learning, and coach development, aiming to enhance evidence-based practices that support educators at all stages of their careers. Her research seeks to generate meaningful insights that improve both staff and student experiences, ultimately contributing to institutional development while supporting her own professional growth. Through this work, Beth aims to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that evidence-based strategies drive positive change in higher education and professional learning environments.
Current teaching
Beth Smith is a Lecturer in Physical Education and School Sport at Hartpury University and joined in November 2020. She is the Programme Manager for the FdSc (Hons) Sport Performance and Coaching and the BSc (Hons) Sport Performance (Top-Up) programmes, and has recently undergone curriculum development to create a new BSc (Hons) Sports Performance. In addition to her leadership responsibilities, Beth contributes to teaching across the BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport, BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching, and FdSc (Hons) Sport Performance and Coaching programmes.
Beth achieved Fellow status with the Higher Education Academy (HEA) in April 2022 and was awarded Senior Fellow status in December 2024, recognising her commitment to high-quality teaching, learning, and academic leadership within higher education.
External positions and memberships
- England Football Learning (Formally known as the Football Association) - Licensed Coach
- FA Coach Mentor - Women and Girls (Regional)
- UEFA C Coach Developer (Regional)
- FA Quality Developer (National)
Previous positions
- FE Lecturer in Sport, West Kent College. August 2019 - November 2020
- The FA, Coach Mentor (Devon FA, Kent FA)
Research and knowledge exchange collaborations
Education/Academic qualification
MA Professional Education Practice (Distinction), University Marjon Plymouth
31 Jan 2020 → 25 Nov 2022
Award Date: 25 Nov 2022
PGCE Secondary Physical Education with PSHE and SEND Enhancement (Pass with Distinction), University Marjon Plymouth
Award Date: 1 Jul 2019
BA (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education - First Class, University Marjon Plymouth
Award Date: 1 Jul 2018
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Inclusivity at Hartpury university: how well are we supporting and including those that identify with a minority group.
Bradley-Covey, E. (PI), Norris, L. (CoI), Greening, L. (CoI), Smith, B. (CoI), Klinkenberg, B. (CoI), Twigg-Flesner, A. (CoI) & Whincup, R. (CoI)
7/10/24 → …
Project: Research project
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The Altus School - External Partnership Agreement
Smith, B. (PI) & Sharples, G. (PI)
2/9/24 → 4/9/28
Project: External Partnership
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Evaluative project on the contextual impact of the Hartpury Coaching Centre coach development portfolio.
Smith, B. (PI) & Longworth, M. (PI)
1/9/24 → 30/5/25
Project: Research project
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Fives Acres High School - External Partnership Agreement
Smith, B. (PI)
1/9/22 → 1/9/27
Project: External Partnership
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England Football Learning - Approved Deliverers Pilot
Longworth, M. (Supervisor) & Smith, B. (PI)
Project: External Partnership
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Bridging Academia and the Field: Elevating our own Professional Development in Football Coach Development through Research-Informed Practice (Part one)
Smith, B., Ballard, L. & McLean, G., 5 Mar 2025, Learning and Skills Research Network.Research output: Other contribution › Blog Post
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The successes, challenges and considerations for the enhancement of a university teaching development scheme
De Martin Silva, L., Wilkinson, K., Legge, T., Smith, B. & Lee, S., 17 Mar 2025, In: Innovations in Education and Training International.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal Article › peer-review
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What makes professional teacher development in universities effective? Lessons from an international systematised review.
Smith, B. & Wyness, L., 7 Aug 2024, In: Professional Development in Education. p. 1-23 23 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile4 Citations (Scopus)10 Downloads (Pure)
Activities
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Hartpury Coaching Centre - Resource and environment: How we influence football
Smith, B. (Organiser) & Longworth, M. (Organiser)
12 Dec 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Organising a workshop, seminar or course
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The Power of Data: Supporting Student Retention Through Academic Personal Tutor Led Engagement
Smith, B. (Speaker) & Wilkinson, K. (Speaker)
5 Mar 2025Activity: Talk or presentation types › Invited talk
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Women's Coach Development Group - Gloucestershire FA - International Women's Day
Smith, B. (Organiser)
5 Mar 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Organising a workshop, seminar or course
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FdSc and Foundation Year: Exploring student belonging, student identity and its influence in programme continuation and retention
Smith, B. (Speaker) & Ractliffe, L. (Speaker)
14 Jun 2024Activity: Talk or presentation types › Oral presentation at Conference
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Coach Development Portfolio 2024 - 2025. Structuring and managing a session: How we plan football.
Smith, B. (Organiser) & Longworth, M. (Organiser)
16 Oct 2024Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Organising a workshop, seminar or course
Press/Media
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FA-accredited Coach Development Portfolio kicks off at Hartpury University
28/10/24
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Press / Media
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Four ways Hartpury University students are championing school sport
19/6/24
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Press / Media
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