EPPING Forest College has appointed a new principal with “vision and aspiration for the future”.

Peter Sadler has joined the Loughton college at a key moment in its history, as it prepares to unveil its £35m building at the start of the autumn term.

Mr Sadler said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be joining Epping Forest College at this exciting time. The fantastic new building will act as a catalyst to bring businesses and the community together and to ensure our students get the excellent education they deserve.

“We will focus on attainment and employability and look to become the engine room of the local economy.”

He added: “As the father of two children, I understand the importance of the learning environment on teenagers. Here we’re creating world-class buildings for world-class learning.

“September will be a new beginning for the college and we shall focus on the attainment and employability of our students and achieving excellence in all we do. I’m looking forward to building links with the local community and developing training programmes to help local businesses become even more successful.”

Mr Sadler was appointed by the college’s Board of Governors from a list of more than 20 applicants.

Chairman of governors Roger Neville said: “Mr Sadler is the right appointment at this momentous time for the college. The response we had for the position of principal was one of the best seen nationally over the last three years and we were able to choose Peter from an outstanding shortlist of candidates.”

He takes over from David Butler who has taken early retirement.

Paying tribute to Mr Butler’s legacy, Mr Neville said: ” I would like to thank David for his contribution to Epping Forest College. He’s a popular figure in the local community and his work in helping us to establish links with our community partners is appreciated.”

Mr Neville also paid tribute to Bill Grady, the interim principal at the college for the last six months, adding: “Bill Grady has made a strong contribution to the college during his time with us, and it’s thanks to his work that the new principal will be able to move into the new campus and progress the college further.”