John and James Sinclair with pupils from Finborough School

THE phrase “following in his father's footsteps” will become a reality for one Suffolk man when he is appointed as the new principal of a top independent school.

THE phrase “following in his father's footsteps” will become a reality for one Suffolk man when he is appointed as the new principal of a top independent school.

James Sinclair will take over his father's position at Finborough School, near Stowmarket, from January.

But having another family member at the school will not be anything new, as James' appointment from his post at Northampton Saints Rugby Club will make it three generations of Sinclairs at the school.

James' parents, John and Sue, currently hold the principal and admissions officer positions and will retire into director positions in September, after running Finborough School together for 26 years.

Louise Sinclair, James' wife, will also now be working at the school as the human resource director - and is also set to take over responsibility for admissions.

This will make Mr and Mrs Sinclair a recurring phrase of address from pupils, who include James and Louise's son, Louie, aged two, who attends the school's Montessori nursery.

Current principal John Sinclair said: “As was said following our recent Ofsted inspection, we have a 'gem of a school' and I want to ensure that this family-run school continues to be just as beneficial to our pupils in the future.

“As part of a strategic review, we have been looking at the succession plan for Sue and I. We are fortunate to have a family that care deeply about the school and are passionate about continuing to provide a stimulating and happy environment for our pupils.

“Our children were educated at Finborough, and now with our grandson Louie at the school, we are seeing another generation of family involvement.”

James Sinclair said: “I am thrilled to be joining the school and that the family ethos of our school is being further strengthened. The traditional values will be retained and complemented by a fresh, modern approach.”

John and Sue's youngest son, Simon Sinclair, is also working at the 220-pupil school, which educates children from two to 18, as director of sport and operations.

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