Ellen Thinnesen OBE to lead drive to strengthen college governance and leadership and tackle NEET rates

Education Partnership North East Chief Executive Ellen Thinnesen OBE has been appointed as the new Further Education Commissioner.

Announced today by Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson, Ellen will drive improvement across the FE sector – with a focus on key industries and tackling rising Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) rates.

Having worked in Further Education for over 25 years, Ellen brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.

An inspiring leader, she oversaw the successful mergers and remarkable transformation of Sunderland College, Hartlepool Sixth Form College and Northumberland College into EPNE, a changemaking college group and one of the strongest in the FE sector in terms of both quality of teaching and financial health.

She has held numerous board position in the education and not-for-profit sectors within the North East and beyond, contributing to influence education policy and reform, and is passionate about making a difference particularly through the lens of social justice.

James Stuart, Chair of EPNE’s Board of Corporation, said: “On behalf of our Board of Governors, I want to congratulate Ellen on her appointment as Further Education Commissioner.

“Her exceptional leadership has transformed our college group into one of the most outstanding in the country, creating opportunities that have changed thousands of lives.

“As Ellen now takes her expertise and passion into this vital national role, we know she will bring the same energy and vision to strengthen FE governance and leadership, as well as supporting a greater focus on ambitious pathways for all students, including NEET re-engagement—an issue that is close to our mission and critical to the future of young people across the country.

“We are immensely proud of all she has achieved and excited to see the positive impact she will make at a national level.”

Ellen, who will take up her new role in early 2026, added: “It is a privilege to be appointed Further Education Commissioner at such a crucial time, when skills are central to delivering growth and opportunity.

“Further Education changes lives, drives skills, and strengthens communities. My priority is to build capacity, share robust evidence-based practice, and ensure long-term resilience for a strong, sustainable FE system that delivers excellence and ambition across every community it serves.”

“I am honoured to take on the role of Further Education Commissioner at such a pivotal time for the sector. Colleges not only change lives through skills and opportunity, but they also play a vital role in advancing fairness and social justice within their communities”.

“I look forward to working across all regions to ensure every college can thrive as a pillar of its community, and the sector as a whole, is strong, sustainable, and well placed to unlock opportunity and meet the needs of a changing economy”.

Leading a national team, Ellen will 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.

On Ellen’s appointment, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Ensuring our further education sector is strong and effective is central to breaking down barriers to opportunity through our Plan for Change.

“I am delighted to appoint Ellen to this vital role. Her track record of driving improvement through culture, accountability, and consistency will be invaluable as we work together to ensure colleges deliver the skills our economy and communities need to thrive.

“I would also like to thank Shelagh Legrave CBE for her outstanding contribution as Further Education Commissioner and wish her well for the future.”

Everyone at Education Partnership North East is deeply grateful for Ellen’s outstanding leadership and commitment to our students, staff, and community over the past 10 years, and we wish her all the very best in her next role as FE Commissioner.