Our student panel

Caleb is a postgraduate student at the University of Exeter studying an MBA apprenticeship degree. He was previously awarded an MA in Diplomacy and International Relations at Lancaster University and a BA (Hons) in Public Services at the University of Plymouth.

Caleb is currently employed as the Safeguarding Manager for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, having spent over seven years in secondary education as a Safeguarding Lead. Appointed as the youngest Magistrate for the Ministry of Justice in 2017, Caleb is now a member of the National Magistrate's Leadership Executive and further volunteers his time sitting on the board of trustees for the Youth Hostel Association (England and Wales) and ActionAid UK.

Caleb became chair of the OfS Student Panel in 2023.

Nkechi is currently studying MSc Development Studies at the London School of Economics. She has a BA in Business Management and Economics from the University of Sheffield and spent two years working in the technology industry.

Nkechi joined the student panel in 2022.

Why did you want to join the panel?

During my undergraduate studies I was actively involved with representing student voices and perspective as a course representative. I have also held various roles with organisations that work to address education inequality and issues of wellbeing throughout different stages of education. I was interested in pursuing this role with the OfS to build upon this.

Molly is currently studying BA Education Studies at UCL.

Molly joined the student panel in 2022.

Why did you want to join the panel?

I applied to be on the student panel because I think student voice and representation in higher education is crucial to the student and staff experience.

As an Education Studies student, I have an interest in how education policy is created. Being a student representative over the past two years has given me an understanding of the impact students can have and some of the obstacles that higher education currently faces, especially following the pandemic, and I hope this understanding will help me contribute to the panel.

I am excited to work with a panel of passionate and dedicated representatives to improve student experience and make positive change across the higher education sector.

Thomas is currently Vice-President (Welfare and Community) at Kent Union, having previously studied BSc (Hons) Psychology and MSc Management at the University of Kent.

Thomas joined the student panel in 2022.

Why did you want to join the panel?

I applied to be on the student panel because I am passionate about higher education and ensuring every student receives a high quality education that enriches their lives and careers.

I am most looking forward to working collaboratively with other student panel members to influence the OfS’s work.

Thibau recently graduated from Pearson College London having studied Business Management and Entrepreneurship.

Thibau joined the student panel in 2022.

Why did you want to join the panel?

I applied to be on the student panel for two reasons – I’d like to create positive change for the UK’s universities by doing what I am best at… being a student, but I’m also keen to challenge education as a whole.

I can’t wait to help the OfS fulfil their objectives, particularly to help students live fulfilling lives post-education. I believe this starts with looking at what the OfS is doing currently and building positive regulation so that higher education can thrive in the future.

I’m excited to join a team that helps to make a real impact on so many students’ lives and can’t wait to learn more!

Anita is a PhD student at Manchester Metropolitan University within the field of conservation ecology of African herbivores.

Anita joined the student panel in 2022.

Why did you want to join the panel?

I applied to be on the panel in the hope that I can represent the views of my peers on a national level.

The opportunity to work with students at all levels of higher education and from across the country does not present itself often, and so I am looking forward to working together to represent the views of all students and contribute to resolving the issues that are important to us all.

Oscar is a recent law graduate from the University of Reading, and is currently working as Education Officer at Reading University Student’s Union.

Oscar joined the student panel in 2022.

Why did you want to join the panel?

I applied to be on the student panel because having represented students I have found that many of the frustrations they have are wider sectoral issues that need to be dealt with at a national level. As a result, I am looking forward to contributing to and helping shape OfS policy to benefit all students.

Being a disabled student myself, I am also particularly keen in championing the rights and experiences of students with disabilities; I want to ensure that higher education institutions act equitably, providing inclusive environments and equal opportunities for those with disabilities.

Misha is completing a DPhil in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford.

Misha joined the student panel in 2022.

Why did you want to join the panel?

I am passionate about removing barriers to access higher education. I am an active member of committees supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives at the University of Oxford and I am looking forward to bringing my experience to the student panel to have a broader impact nationally.

Michael is starting a foundation year in Clinical Science at the University of Bradford after recently completing his A Levels.

Michael joined the student panel in 2022.

Why did you want to join the panel?

I joined the student panel because of my passion for education and my belief that every student deserves value for money and a high quality educational experience.

I look forward to sharing my own experience of education, listening to the experience of others and trying to make a better education system for all.