The new chair of governors has been selected at Waltham Forest’s largest college

Paul Butler has left a similar role at Leyton Sixth Form College in Essex Road after 20 years.

He will join Waltham Forest in September.

Mr Butler said was the right time for a new challenge.

“I think that it’s actually quite important to renew and refresh. I would never want to be complacent,” he said.

“I think I have sat on every sub-committee there is. It is time for a new challenge for me.

“Since I have been (at Leyton Sixth Form College) we have achieved two ‘good’ Ofsted inspections, which in this day and age is superb.

“We secured £40million to enhance the environment and the build was completed on time and in budget.”

Mr Butler has a passion for education in the Waltham Forest after growing up in the borough and attending Norlington School for Boys and Newport School, both in Leyton.

“This is an area that I know, a community I know,” he added.

“I think that, because I lived most of my school life in Waltham Forest, it’s a draw for me to stay in the borough.

“I’m at the stage in my career where I have networks.

“If it means that I can make changes to just a few young people’s lives by being involved, then that is what I will do.”

The father-of-three, who now lives in Redbridge, believes colleges have an important social, as well as educational, responsibility.

He said: “Colleges have a role to play in terms of people seeing that there is another route out of where they are. It’s about giving young people options.

"My number one priority is to the students to ensure that the young people are able to achieve their potential and are getting the support that they need.

“Waltham Forest’s young people must benefit from their education.”

Mr Butler will take the place of retiring David Pendle.