A new principal with 30 years' experience in land-based education will take over at Easton and Otley College in April next year.

David Henley will replace the current principal at the Norfolk-based vocational college, David Lawrence, who will be stepping aside after 22 years at the helm because of health issues.

In Mr Lawrence's absence, interim principal, Christina Sadler has been temporarily managing the college and will continue to do so until Mr Henley starts his new role.

Mr Henley, who is married and has two daughters, grew up on a farm in Yorkshire and gained an agricultural engineering qualification from Harper Adams University.

His first position in education was as a technician at Oaklands College in Hertfordshire.

He spent 13 years as a lecturer at Askham Bryan and ten years as principal of Kingston Maurward College. He is currently principal of Bicton College in Devon.

Mr Henley said: 'I am passionate about land-based disciplines and a strong advocate of the specialist college. I intend to bring all my experience to bear at Easton and Otley College where I will be working with students, staff, businesses and the community, to build upon the successful merger that has been achieved - and the recent solid Ofsted result - that gives us all a great platform for future progress and development.'

Sally Bendall, chairman of governors, said Mr Henley's agricultural background and leadership experience made him the ideal choice 'to continue to position Easton and Otley College as a front runner in land-based education both locally and nationally'.

Easton College merged with Otley College, north of Ipswich, to become Easton and Otley College in August 2012.

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