Coaching for Belonging: Redesigning HE Personal Development at B&FC

Abstract

A growing body of research highlights the importance of belonging, confidence and academic identity in supporting student engagement, persistence and success in higher education. This paper examines the redesign of the Higher Education Personal Development (PD) curriculum at Blackpool and The Fylde College, where coaching has been embedded as an approach to supporting these outcomes. Through a coaching-informed curriculum, belonging is woven throughout the student journey, creating opportunities for students and apprentices to develop self-awareness, confidence, autonomy and connection. The paper discusses the rationale for this approach and its potential contribution to student belonging, success and retention.