The headteacher of Epsom College, Emma Pattison has been found dead along with her husband and seven-year-old daughter on school grounds.
What happened to Emma Pattison and her family?
Surrey Police were called to the prestigious boarding school at around 1 am on Sunday and found the bodies of Emma Pattison, 45, her husband George, 39, and 7-year-old daughter Lettie.
Police were called to the £42,000 per year Surrey school at 1 am on Sunday. In a statement, last night a spokesman for Surrey Police explained how the discovery was made.
“In the early hours of this (Sun) morning, Surrey Police was contacted by the South East Coast Ambulance Service to attend a property in the grounds of Epsom College.”
The headteacher of one of the country's most prestigious private schools, Epsom College has been found dead along with her husband and 7-year-old daughter. @richardgaisford reports. pic.twitter.com/qvt9Jfl3IC
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) February 6, 2023
The school released an official Statement on Tragic Incident
| “It is with the deepest sadness and regret that we have to announce the news of the deaths of Emma Pattison, Head of Epsom College, her daughter Lettie, and her husband George. “Our thoughts, condolences, and sympathies are with their families at this tragic time. “The College is working with the police in what remains an ongoing investigation. We must now focus on the welfare and well-being of our pupils and staff, and work to ensure that they receive all the comfort, warmth, and support required from the Epsom College community. “We ask that the public and the media respect the privacy of Emma’s family. It will help us to prioritize the needs of our pupils. “The news is heartbreaking and we need time and space to come together and process these shocking events. No further statement will be issued at this time.” |
A statement by Epsom and Ewell borough commander Inspector
| Epsom and Ewell borough commander Inspector Jon Vale said: “We’re aware that this tragic incident will have caused concern and upset in the local community. “While this is believed to be an isolated incident, in the coming days, our local officers will remain in the area to offer reassurance to students, parents, teachers, and the local community. “I would like to thank the school and the community for their understanding and patience while the investigation continues.” Surrey Police earlier confirmed that it was an isolated incident and there was no third-party involvement. Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey said: “On behalf of Surrey Police, my team, and I, I first want to express my sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Emma, Lettie, and George, as well as to the students and staff of Epsom College, for their tragic loss. “I want to give my assurance that we will conduct a thorough investigation into what took place last night. Hope we will be able to bring some peace in these traumatic circumstances. I would ask that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time.” |
The community co-operates with the Investigation
The school added: “The College is working with the police in what remains an ongoing investigation. We must now focus on the welfare and wellbeing of our pupils and staff, and work to ensure that they receive all the comfort, warmth, and support required from the Epsom College community.”
The college concluded the statement by saying: “We ask that the public and the media respect the privacy of Emma’s family, and help us to prioritize the needs of our pupils.
The school Parent says Ms. Pattison ‘enriched children’s lives
The father of a student at Ms. Pattison’s former workplace, Croydon High School, described the news as “an utter shock and heartbreak.” She spoke to BBC News but only gave her first name because she did not want to reveal her identity. “In her time as a head teacher, she turned the school around, and she did so many things that enhanced the children’s lives,” she said.
She was small but formidable, and she knew each student’s name. She embodied everything you would expect in a head teacher. “Emma was a wonderful teacher, but most of all she was a delightful person.
“In time we will commemorate Emma and her family, in the appropriate way, and in line with the wishes of her family. But for now, we ask that we are all given the time, space, and respect we need to come to terms with this tragic loss.”
Epsom College
Epsom College won the top prize at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2022, with judges calling it a “beacon of excellence”. The school was also named the winner of the Student Wellbeing Award at the October ceremony thanks to its “whole-school approach to mental health and the wellbeing of both its staff and pupils”.
More than 850 boys and girls attend the school, which was founded in 1853, and its acting head has been listed as Paul Williams.
Condolences Posted on Social Media
Charlie Clapperton Posted
Ms. Emma Pattison was a wonderful headteacher and helped me so much when I was at school. She was passionate and patient with us, and my thoughts go to her friends and family during this awful time.
The bodies of a headteacher, her husband, and her young daughter have been found dead at Epsom College, the fee-paying independent school in Surrey where she worked. Emma Pattinson, 45, had worked at the school for five months, previously serving as headteacher at Croydon High.
— David Waddell 🌍⛵🚴♂️🏃♂️🥃🇬🇧☘️ (@David_Waddell) February 5, 2023
Loiusa Clarance-Smith Posted
Breaking: A tragic incident has occurred at Epsom College. The headteacher Emma Pattison has been found dead at the school alongside her 7-year-old daughter and husband. Police say they believe it is an isolated incident with no third-party involvement.
David Weddell Posted
The bodies of a headteacher, her husband, and her young daughter have been found dead . The incident happened at Epsom College, the fee-paying independent school in Surrey where she worked. Emma Pattinson, 45, had worked at the school for five months, previously serving as headteacher at Croydon High.
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