Ellen Thinnesen OBE, Further Education Commissioner
Ellen Thinnesen OBE was appointed as Further Education Commissioner in January 2026, working with FE colleges to help improve the quality and sustainability of their provision, and reducing the risk of failure.
Ellen has held senior leadership roles across further and higher education, including serving as CEO and Principal of Sunderland College and later Chief Executive of Education Partnership North East. She led the successful merger and transformation of 3 colleges, creating one of the strongest groups in the sector for quality and financial health.