Duncan Sinclair

Born in Zimbabwe, Duncan and his family moved to South Africa when he was 7. Educated at The Ridge Prep School and St Alban’s College, Pretoria, Duncan left school to enjoy a Gap Year at Port Regis in Dorset where he caught the teaching bug. Having read English at the University of Cape Town, he then gained his teaching qualification and joined the staff at the prestigious Diocesan College Prep in Cape Town; ‘Bishops’ for short. Not long afterwards, he was tempted to travel back to England again and joined the staff at St Michael’s, Otford in 2002 as a Year 4 class teacher, and the UK became home for good.

At St Michael’s, Duncan rose through the ranks to Head of Geography, Head of PSHE, Senior Master and finally Deputy Head. After 10 years, he sought Headship and was appointed Headmaster of Taunton Prep in Somerset in 2013. Following four successful years at the school, Duncan joined The Schools at Somerhill in 2017 and is the Headmaster of Somerhill.

With his boys Hamish, Callum and Fraser, Duncan can often be found exploring the grounds of Somerhill on their bikes or building dens in the parkland. After an early career in semi-professional rugby in the Western Province, he now plays village cricket for Knockholt, is a goalkeeper for Sevenoaks Hockey Club and enjoys the odd round of golf. Given his mum was a music teacher, Duncan also enjoys singing and has played the clarinet, trombone and tuba in the past, resurrecting his tuba playing skills to join his pupils in the Somerhill orchestra!

Amanda McKnight

Amanda McKnight completed her undergraduate degree at Glasgow University, after which she studied at Durham University gaining a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. She has extensive teaching experience in State and Independent sector in both the UK and USA. Passionate about developing a true sense of adventure, curiosity and confidence in each child, Amanda is driven by the need to do the best for all children and help them find their unique ‘gift’, develop a growth mindset and become resilient little learners. She is proud to be leading a team of enthusiastic, dedicated, and caring staff at Somerhill Pre-Prep.

Amanda and her husband David have three children; two daughters away at university and their son is at Cranbrook School. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Before Amanda’s teaching career, she worked in Public Relations and Marketing.