Celebrating Leadership at Chelmsford College
Chelmsford College is proud to celebrate the achievements of Rebecca Leech, its Director of Learner Experience and Essential Skills, who recently was nationally recognised for her contribution to education, skills development and widening opportunity.
This year, Rebecca was named a finalist in the Women in Leadership Awards (with results announced in November 2026), selected as one of the Top 100 Impact Leaders in the SheInspires Founding Cohort and invited to speak at RISE 2026 in Manchester; a conference that brings together influential voices shaping the future of employability, leadership and education. These recognitions highlight not only Rebecca’s personal commitment to the sector, but also the values at the heart of Chelmsford College: ambition, inclusion and the belief that education should open doors for every learner to "unlock their potential".
At RISE 2026, Rebecca joined a panel exploring the skills gap and the question: Are we preparing women enough for the future of work? The discussion brought together leaders from across education and industry, touching on themes such as early career awareness, visible role models, the rise of AI and digital technologies and how employers can rethink recruitment to recognise talent more fairly. Representing Chelmsford College, Rebecca shared insight that resonated strongly with the audience: many young people will have several careers throughout their lives, so education should place greater emphasis on transferable skills, adaptability and digital confidence. What stood out most is how Rebecca approached this work in a grounded and collaborative way, always focused on the bigger picture. Her contribution at RISE was described by organisers as thoughtful, generous and energising - the kind of leadership that encourages others to think differently. Gulnaz Brennan, from the SheInspiresFoundation and Sandra McManus the Conference Director, shared a warm thanks with the panel afterwards, noting that Rebecca’s discussion "started conversations that will continue long after the conference has finished". That message perfectly describes Rebecca’s impact; she brings people together, asks the right questions and helps shape the future of education in a way that feels both ambitious and human.
Being named one of the Top 100 Global Impact Leaders is a testament to the influence Rebecca has beyond the College. Her work championing skills development through the Federation of Essex Colleges, supporting young people into meaningful futures and raising the profile of FE has gained attention across the sector. Her nomination as a Women in Leadership finalist further highlights her commitment to creating spaces where staff, learners and future leaders feel supported, valued and able to progress. These achievements reflect the difference she makes every day through advocating for skills based education, championing inclusive pathways, supporting staff development and representing the FE sector with authenticity and purpose.
Chelmsford College is incredibly proud to see one of its Directors recognised at this level. Rebecca’s achievements shine a light on the important work happening across the College as her work is rooted in community, opportunity and the belief that education can change lives. Her recognition is well deserved and the conversations she has helped spark will continue to grow both within the College and across the wider sector.
Chelmsford College was also represented in Manchester by Claire Wood, Head of Teaching and Learning at Chelmsford College and Essex’s most recent Teacher of the Year award winner. Claire joined Rebecca at RISE 2026, proud to see FE voices shaping such an important national conversation. She has also been nominated as a finalist for a Lifetime Award from the Foundation, recognising her long standing dedication to teaching, her impact on learners and her contribution to the FE community through the ETF Teaching Fellowship. Claire further helps highlight the strength of Chelmsford College’s staff community of educators and leaders who bring passion, expertise and heart to everything they do.