‘A heart-rending loss’ – headteachers pay tribute to Norwich man killed in Algeria

A young engineer from Norwich killed in Algeria was a talented pupil with a bright future ahead of him, according to his former headteacher.

Sebastian John, 26, died in the terror attack at the In Amenas plant, it was announced today, leaving his wife Nicola and thei seven-month-old child.

He was a pupil at Norwich School between 1997 and 2004 and had grown up in the Norwich area.

Chris Brown, the school's headteacher between 1984 and 2002, called Mr John's death 'a heart rending loss'.

He said: 'It is 10 years since I left Norwich School but I can still see him so clearly in my mind's eye.

'His openness of manner and approach, and his interest in design and engineering stay with me.

'On entering the sixth form he won an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship, a national award for promising work in Design and Technology and he was an able contributor to life at the school.

After leaving Norwich School, Mr John went on to Loughborough University, where he gained a first-class degree in civil engineering, and was well regarded as a young civil engineer, said Mr Brown.

He added: 'A life cut off at such an age with such promise is always a heart rending loss.'

During his time at the school, Mr John won the Richardson Prize for computer graphics and played rugby for the second XV.

Steffan Griffiths, the current headteacher at Norwich School, said the school had been left saddened by the loss 'of such a talented former pupil' in such unhappy circumstances.

He added: 'Our thoughts in the coming days and weeks will be with Sebastian's wife and family.

'Sebastian was a strong achiever at this school, at university and in his career.

'It is desperately sad that his exciting promise has been cut short, but we will do what we can to help the family remember the very positive effect he has had on our community.

'The school is in touch with the family and will continue to offer all possible assistance at this time.'