Askham Bryan College welcomes FE Commissioner Ellen Thinnesen for showcase visit

Askham Bryan College recently welcomed Ellen Thinnesen, FE Commissioner, to its York campus alongside members of the Further Education Commissioner’s Team. This was a wide ranging and highly positive visit that provided an opportunity to showcase the College’s distinctive offer and future ambitions.

The visit included open and constructive discussions with the senior leadership team, alongside a tour of key facilities that demonstrated the breadth and quality of learning opportunities available to students. From resources that support land based, conservation, and environmental education including a farm, a fully licensed Wildlife Park and a digital AI suit, the visit highlighted the College’s role in delivering high quality, career focused education that transforms students’ lives and supports regional and national priorities.

The visit enabled the FE Commissioner’s Team to engage in rich professional dialogue about continuous improvement, sustainability, and how colleges can be supported to drive excellence for students, employers and communities. The discussions reflected the Commissioner Team’s strong commitment to working constructively with colleges, recognising strengths while continuing to challenge and support the sector to deliver at its very best.

Dr Tim Whitaker, Principal and Chief Executive of Askham Bryan College, said:

“It was great to welcome Ellen and members of the FE Commissioner’s Team to Askham Bryan College. We had rich and positive discussions, and it was a valuable opportunity to showcase the amazing opportunities our students have access to, from our Wildlife Park and farm, to digital and specialist land‑based provision. What we do here, genuinely changes lives, and it was fantastic to share the ambition, passion and expertise of our staff and students. The visit was supportive, thoughtful and focused on how colleges like ours can continue to strive for excellence.”

Askham Bryan College remains committed to delivering outstanding education and training, supporting learners into fulfilling careers, and working closely with regional and national partners to ensure the further education sector continues to thrive.