Honorary Graduates 2025 – Liz Webster
Exceptional education leader Liz Webster has been celebrated for her contribution to education locally with an Honorary Master of Education degree from the University of Chichester. Liz’s contributions to primary education over more than two decades have been both innovative and transformative. Liz was appointed headteacher at Aldingbourne Primary School in 2001, and has since led her school with creativity, vision, and a deep commitment to educational excellence. A National Leader of Education since 2015, Liz has supported school improvement across the region through her role in a National Support School.
Her achievements include co-authoring the acclaimed ‘Hands On’ teaching resource series and co-developing the ‘Song of Sounds’ phonics programme, a scheme that is approved by the UK government and widely adopted, both nationally and internationally. Liz’s imaginative approach to learning environments has gained national recognition, including case study features on her school’s shipping container diner and double-decker bus breakfast club.
Awarded Sussex Literacy Champion of the Year in 2018, Liz is also a dedicated fundraiser, completing challenges such as abseiling Arundel Castle and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for school and community causes. She actively supports the University of Chichester through student placements and guest lectures, inspiring and championing the next generation of teachers.
Asked how she felt about receiving an Honorary Degree, Liz said: “I’m overwhelmed and so honoured, I can’t believe it! I feel blown away that the university would think I deserve this award.”
Liz added: “I truly love my job. From the first time I walked through the door of a primary school to volunteer at 16, I just loved working with children. One of my proudest achievements was developing the ‘Song of Sounds’ phonics system with my colleague, which has helped children around the world learn.
“If there’s one piece of advice I’d like to share with this year’s students, it’s to just enjoy the journey and go out there and make a difference.”
