Ellen Thinnesen OBE, Chief Executive of Education Partnership
North East, has been appointed as the next Further Education
Commissioner, Education Secretary announced today (28
August 2025).
Ellen has a wealth of experience and knowledge to bring to the
role having been CEO and Principal of
Sunderland College from 2016 and Chief Executive of Education
Partnership North East from 2019. This includes successfully
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 in terms of both quality of teaching and
financial health.
As Further Education Commissioner, Ellen 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 play a key role in driving improvement at pace across
the sector and delivering on the Government's
missions through its Plan for Change, with a focus on
growing the economy in key sectors and breaking down barriers to
opportunity through tackling the rising numbers of young people
not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Ellen will take up her post in January 2026 for a three-year
term.
Education Secretary 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.
