Susan Lapworth, the chief executive of the Office for Students
(OfS), will leave the organisation at Easter 2026, the OfS has
confirmed today.
In a letter to Secretary of State for Education , Susan Lapworth
said:
‘I am hugely proud of everything we have achieved since 2018. We
have established a new regulator and regulatory system focused on
the interests of students in a sector that has never been
regulated in this way before. And we have increasingly focused
our regulation on the things that matter most.
‘During my time as chief executive, we have embedded a rigorous
approach to monitoring financial sustainability, spotting and
intervening with institutions at significant risk. We have acted
where students, particularly those from disadvantaged
backgrounds, are exposed to weak outcomes, poor academic
experiences, or sexual misconduct. And we have robustly defended
academic freedom and freedom of speech – the essential
foundational values of all higher education.
‘Throughout this time, my OfS colleagues – past and present –
have been exceptional. They have faced expected and unexpected
challenges with expertise, commitment and good humour. I know
they will continue to do so in their stewardship of England's
higher education sector – because they know our sector is so
important for the country and for the life chances of
students.'
OfS chair Edward Peck said:
‘Since I joined the OfS as chair earlier this year, it has been
clear to me how dedicated Susan is to regulating the higher
education sector in the interests of students. Her role in
developing the OfS from its inception, through to taking on the
role of chief executive has been pivotal in creating a regulator
that can oversee a complex and broad ranging remit. She has been
adaptable to changes in the sector, designing an organisation
that can respond to the changing needs of students to maintain a
higher education sector that is the envy of the world.
‘On behalf of all OfS colleagues I am grateful for Susan's
commitment and enormous contribution over many years. We all wish
her the best for the future.'
Education Secretary 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.'
