Ellen Thinnesen OBE appointed further education commissioner

Ellen Thinnesen OBE, the chief executive of Education Partnership North East, has been appointed as the next further education commissioner.

Thinnesen has a “wealth” of experience and knowledge, having been CEO and Principal of Sunderland College from 2016 and CEO of Education Partnership North East from 2019. 

This includes leading three colleges – Sunderland College, Northumberland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form College – through mergers and transforming them to become one of the strongest groups in the sector.

As further education commissioner, she will lead a team of deputies and advisers to “support and strengthen the leadership and governance of colleges, ensuring they are well run and continue to offer high quality education and training to the communities they serve”.

She will also help drive improvement “at pace” across the sector and deliver on the government’s Plan for Change, with a focus on breaking down barriers to opportunity through tackling the rising numbers of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).

She will take up her role in January 2026 for a three-year term.

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.”

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.”

She added: “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.”