Television presenter, actor, author and inclusion advocate George Webster received an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University in recognition of his outstanding contributions to representation, inclusive communication and the arts.

The award was conferred on Tuesday 14 July at First Direct Arena in Leeds, during a graduation ceremony celebrating the achievements of students from the Leeds School of Arts.

George, who is 25 and from Rawdon in West Yorkshire, became a household name in 2021 when he made history as the first presenter with Down syndrome on CBeebies. His warmth, humour and natural screen presence quickly made him a firm favourite with young audiences, and in 2022 he was awarded the BAFTA for Best Presenter at the British Academy Children’s Awards.

His journey into the public eye began closer to home, volunteering on Saturday mornings at Woodhouse Moor Parkrun in Leeds. A Sky television crew asked if they could follow him for the day, and the resulting documentary – part of Jessica’s Parkrun Heroes – set his career in motion. After being spotted by Mencap, who invited him to become an ambassador, a BBC Bitesize video he made busting myths about Down Syndrome went viral, and CBeebies came calling.

George has since built an impressive screen career, with acting roles in The Railway Children Return, Casualty and World on Fire, and a celebrated turn in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. In 2024, he joined the presenting team of Something Special – the very CBeebies programme that inspired him as a child through its use of Makaton signing. His work in theatre has seen him tread the boards in London and Paris and his live CBeebies shows have seen him share a stage with national and global stars. He speaks at conferences with health professionals and was one of the stars of the Leeds 2023 year of culture opening ceremony.

Alongside his media work, George is a published author. His picture book autobiography This Is Me, which grew from a poem he read on his very first day presenting for CBeebies was shortlisted for Children’s Book of the Year, and was followed by the children’s books Why Not? George and the Mini Dragon, and Lava Goes Wild, published through Scholastic, all carrying his message of confidence, inclusion and possibility. His engagement with schools where he takes his books is shaping the next generation in a positive way.

He is also an ambassador for Mencap, the UK’s leading charity for people with a learning disability and continues to do the odd shift at Café 21 Co in Leeds – a social enterprise run by and for people with Down syndrome.

George trained locally at Stage Door in Guiseley and with Mind the Gap, the Bradford-based theatre company that supports learning-disabled artists, and his roots in West Yorkshire have remained central to his life and work throughout his rise to national prominence.

Receiving his honorary doctorate, George Webster said: “This has all been possible because of all the incredible support I’ve had from my family, friends, speech therapists, portage, schools, college, charities, NHS, the council and occupational therapists. It’s also possible because I always ask myself, ‘Why not?’ – give everything a go.

“With everyone’s help, I am showing what happens when people with a learning disability have their voices heard and get the right support. I hope we can all dream big together for a world where our differences are our strengths, and everyone sees the glow in everyone else. Thank you to Leeds Beckett for this fantastic award.”

Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, said: “George Webster exemplifies the values that Leeds Beckett University holds at its heart – inclusion, ambition and a genuine commitment to make a difference in people’s lives. Throughout his work on screen, in print and as an advocate for those with learning disabilities, he has helped to reshape how our society understands disability and potential. We are delighted to welcome him into our community of honorary graduates.”

Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive of learning disability charity Mencap, said: “A huge congratulations to George on receiving an honorary doctorate, a truly well-deserved honour for his work championing diversity and representation. Seeing George presenting on CBeebies is so important, because representation matters. When people see themselves represented, it inspires possibilities.  George’s success helps raise expectations, challenges stereotypes and helps create a world where people with a learning disability are recognised for their talents and potential. George’s doctorate serves as a powerful reminder of what people with a learning disability can achieve, when given the right opportunities and support.”

George Webster received his honorary doctorate during Leeds Beckett University’s graduation week, where over 10,000 students graduated and 29,000 guests attended ceremonies across the week.