Portobello Institute is thrilled to announce the appointment of Irish women's senior rugby player, Leah Tarpey, as a student and brand ambassador for our BA (Hons) Physical Education degree.
Leah, a dedicated player for the Ireland and Leinster Senior Women’s Rugby teams, joins us to pursue her long-standing dream of becoming a PE teacher, marking a significant step in both her sporting and academic journey.
As a talented athlete playing for Railway Union RFC in Dublin, Portobello Institute's flexible delivery and one-to-one support provides an accessible pathway for Leah to balance the demands of professional sport while staying committed to her education and long term career goals.
“I’m very excited to be given this opportunity to study at Portobello Institute and work towards my goal of becoming a PE teacher.
“I’ve always wanted to be in education, but with my full-time athletic commitments, I couldn’t find a course that offered both flexibility and a passion for my career goals. Now, I’ve found that in Portobello Institute’s Physical Education programme," Leah said.
Leah’s role as a brand ambassador aligns with our mission to nurture individual potential, offering young athletes like her the opportunity to pursue higher education without compromising on their athletic dreams.
Her ambassadorship aims to inspire other young people who are equally serious about sports and education, showing them that it’s possible to excel in both with the right support and structure.
At Portobello Institute, we passionately believe in access to education and nurturing the one in everyone. Our innovative approach and student-centred support make it possible for individuals like Leah to succeed in the classroom, gaining a globally recognised qualification awarded by Liverpool John Moores University while excelling on the field.
“We are honoured to have Leah Tarpey join our community, not only as a student but as a brand ambassador. Her drive, talent, and commitment to both her sport and education resonate with our core values,” said Denise Flood, College Director at Portobello Institute.
“Leah is a role model for aspiring athletes who are looking for that balance between excelling in sports and achieving academic success. We are excited to support her as she embarks on this new chapter.”
With the BA (Hons) Physical Education degree, Leah will develop the skills and qualifications she needs on her path to becoming a PE teacher.
Leah will be keeping Portobello Institute readers up to date with exclusive blog posts on her education and sports journey, as well as sharing behind the scenes of her busy schedule on her Instagram @leahtarpey and TikTok @leahtarpey.
You can also follow along for collaborative insights and content on Instagram @portobelloinstitute and TikTok @portobelloinstitute.
Leah’s journey with Portobello Institute begins on October 5th, and we look forward to supporting her and celebrating her successes both on and off the pitch.
Find Out More
If you are interested in studying sport at Portobello Institute, get in touch with our admissions advisor Hannah Meade who can support you with any questions. You can book a consultation call at a time that suits you, email hannah.meade@portobelloinstitute.com or call 01 892 0029.
