Ellen Thinnesen to be new Further Education Commissioner

Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, has named Ellen Thinnesen OBE as the new Further Education Commissioner, effective January 2026. Ellen Thinnesen brings a wealth of experience to the role, having been the CEO and Principal of Sunderland College since 2016 and Chief Executive of Education Partnership North East since 2019. In this capacity, she successfully oversaw the mergers of three colleges—Sunderland College, Northumberland College, and Hartlepool Sixth Form College—transforming them into one of the sector’s most robust groups in terms of both educational quality and financial stability.

The Role of the Commissioner

As Further Education Commissioner, Thinnesen will lead a team of deputies and advisers. Her primary focus will be to support and strengthen college leadership and governance, ensuring these institutions provide high-quality education and training to their communities. She is tasked with driving improvement across the sector and advancing the government’s Plan for Change. Key goals include boosting the economy in crucial sectors and addressing the rising number of young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Her three-year term will begin in January 2026.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

I am delighted to appoint Ellen to the vital role of FE Commissioner. Her experience of driving improvement will be invaluable as we work to ensure the FE sector creates the skills our economy and communities need to thrive.

I would like to thank Shelagh Legrave CBE DL for her work in the role over the last three years and I wish her all the best for the future.

Ellen Thinnesen said:

It is a great privilege to be appointed Further Education Commissioner at this crucial time when skills are vital to delivering the Government’s missions for growth and opportunity.

The further education sector plays a critical role in transforming lives and driving economic growth. Looking ahead, it is well-placed to tackle persistent skills challenges, deliver equitable access to quality education, and re-engage those not in education, employment, or training (NEET). By adapting, innovating, and aligning provision with future labour market needs, the sector has a vital role in equipping learners with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.

I look forward to working with colleges across England to ensure they are in the strongest possible position to change people’s lives for the better and meet the needs of employers and communities.