Susan Lapworth to step down as OfS chief executive in 2026

The Office for Students has revealed that its chief executive Susan Lapworth will be stepping down at Easter 2026. 

Lapworth has led the higher education regulator since its creation in 2018, overseeing the introduction of a new regulatory system for universities and other higher education providers in England with a stated focus on protecting students’ interests. 

The OfS has not yet said when the process to appoint Lapworth’s successor will begin.

In a letter to the education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, Lapworth said she was “hugely proud” of the organisation’s work since it was established, including its approach to monitoring financial sustainability across the sector and intervening where providers were judged to be at significant risk.

Lapworth said the regulator had taken action in cases where students, “particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds”, faced weak outcomes, poor academic experiences or sexual misconduct, and had defended academic freedom and freedom of speech.

Lapworth also paid tribute to OfS staff, saying colleagues had dealt with both expected and unexpected challenges “with expertise, commitment and good humour”, and would continue to do so in overseeing England’s higher education sector.

According to OfS chair, Edward Peck, Lapworth had played a central role in shaping the regulator from its inception and in developing its approach to a “complex and broad-ranging remit”.

Peck added that her leadership had helped create an organisation capable of responding to changes in the sector and to the needs of students, adding that colleagues were grateful for her “enormous contribution” over many years.

Phillipson said: “I would like to thank Susan for her dedicated service to the Office for Students and to higher education. Her leadership has ensured that the OfS is now well placed to meet the challenges ahead and help the sector achieve the government’s vision. I wish Susan every success for the future.”