'I wanted every child in Leeds to have a bed - and now I want them to dream bigger'

She’s helped thousands of children across Leeds get a good night’s sleep.

But now Rebekah Wilson is helping youngsters to dream even bigger after being named the Chancellor of Leeds Children’s University.

The founder of charity Zarach, which aims to end child bed poverty, has over 15 years experience in education and is currently deputy headteacher at Shakespeare Primary School.

She becomes the second Chancellor of Leeds Children’s University, a strand of the national Children’s University network, which provides high-quality and enriching extra-curricular learning experiences for children aged seven to 14.

Rebekah Wilson said: “Becoming Chancellor of Leeds Children’s University means being a voice for participation, a champion for the young learners in our city, and a reminder that an extracurricular spark of wonder can raise aspirations allowing children to dream of a bigger and brighter future.

“It’s a true honour to be a part of an organisation that creates learning opportunities of such depth and breadth, allowing the children of Leeds to fall in love with learning – once that happens, the sky is the limit. I look forward to working with the team who give the learners of our city their wings.”

First launched in 2014, Leeds Children’s University has welcomed children from schools across the city, helping the next generation develop an affinity for education while raising their self-confidence and aspirations.

Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University, said: “We are delighted to welcome Rebekah as Chancellor of Leeds Children’s University.

“Her outstanding commitment to improving the lives of children and families across Leeds, both through her leadership in education and her work with Zarach, makes her an inspiring role model for young people and a perfect fit for the role.

“As an alumna and Honorary Fellow of Leeds Trinity, her appointment is particularly meaningful.

“We are so proud of the work she has done since graduating almost 17 years ago and the positive impact she has already had on so many children and families truly embodies the mission and values of our university.

“She is an excellent example of the highly skilled, motivated leaders we aim to produce in our School of Education and, of course, across the whole institution.”