He began his education at the parish school of St Stephen's Church, Skipton a Catholic congregation.
From Bradford, Betts was accepted at the Royal College of Art where he came under the influence and instruction of Paul Nash.
While there, he developed friendships with fellow students Eric Ravilious, Edward Bawden, and Helen Binyon.
[3] In 1925, Betts married Nellie Flexen and the following year took a teaching position at Sheffield College, eventually becoming head of the painting department at the school.
[5] His remaining paintings are held by private collectors and in the University of Reading Art Collection.