Ellis O’Connell

Sutton Trust US Programme Assistant

Originally from the sunny Isle of Wight, Ellis made the big move to London at 19 for university. During his time there, he was able to undertake a study abroad year to Los Angeles. This life-changing experience ignited a passion for international education and social mobility. Having spent the last 3 years working in the music industry, he decided to make a career shift into international education, hoping to truly make a difference to people's lives. Having previously intended to complete his higher education in the US – and having introduced his own high school to the Sutton Trust US Programme – it is a full-circle moment for him to join the Commission as a Programme Assistant years later!

Outside of work, he enjoys travelling (having visited 27 countries and 19 US states), seeing live music, watching reality television competition programmes, eating good food and experiencing culture.