Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Education from St Mary’s University, London during a summer graduation ceremony today.
The award recognises Dame Rachel’s lifelong commitment to advocating for children and ensuring their voices are heard, as well as her outstanding contribution to the field of education. As a teacher, headteacher, and Chief Executive of a multi-academy trust – for which she received a damehood in 2014 - Dame Rachel has been at the forefront of improving educational outcomes for young people.
In her current role as Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel continues to capture the voices and views of England’s children, using them to challenge, support and shape the national policy. She has led initiatives such as The Big Ask – the biggest survey of its kind, asking children what was most important to them in the post-pandemic world - and The Big Ambition, shining a spotlight on the rights and aspirations of children throughout the country.
Improving the life chances of children has been a golden thread throughout Dame Rachel’s career, and in presenting Dame Rachel with this Honorary Doctorate, St Mary’s University celebrates her tireless efforts to protect and promote the rights of children, while listening and empowering them to meet their full potential. Dame Rachel’s work aligns closely with the values of St Mary’s, which is celebrating its 175-year anniversary, as the University was founded with the mission to provide high quality education grounded in Catholic values.
Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said, “Over my 30 years of working with children and young people, whether as a teacher, Trust leader or now as Children’s Commissioner, the value of a great education has been a universal theme. It is a real privilege to receive this honour from St Mary’s, a wonderful place of learning where education and opportunity have transformed the lives of so many young people, particularly those who have been in care, or who have overcome particular challenges in their lives to enter higher education.”
Professor Anthony McClaran, Vice-Chancellor of St Mary’s University commented, “We are delighted to award Dame Rachel this honorary doctorate, in recognition of her extraordinary service to children and education. Her commitment to listening to young people - especially the most vulnerable – embodies the values we hold dear at St Mary’s, through her generosity of spirit and focus on inclusion. Dame Rachel’s work continues to remind us all of the importance of uplifting every voice, as we celebrate 175 years of educational mission, service and excellence.”