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 Bridget Phillipson, 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 Bridget 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.’
Notes
- The Office for Students is the independent regulator for higher education in England. We are striving to deliver exemplary regulation in the interests of students. Find out more about our new strategy.