By Gavin Mackintosh-
The headteacher of top private school, Epsom College, has been found dead along with her husband and seven-year-old daughter on school grounds.
Surrey Police discovered the bodies of Emma Pattison, 45, her husband George, 39, and 7-year-old daughter Lettie when they were called to the prestigious boarding school on Sunday.
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In a statement late on Sunday evening, the elite school, which was named independent school of the year in 2022, asked for privacy as the school community grappled with the shocking news and the loss of its head.
“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,” the school said.
“Our thoughts, condolences and sympathies are with their families at this tragic time.”
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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 prioritise the needs of our pupils.
“The news is heart breaking and we need time and space to come together and process these shocking events. No further statement will be issued at this time.”
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.”
Chairman of the school’s board of governors, Dr Alastair Wells, said: “On behalf of everyone at Epsom College, I want to convey our utter shock and disbelief at this tragic news.
“Our immediate thoughts and condolences are with Emma’s family, friends and loved ones, and to the many pupils and colleagues whose lives she enriched throughout her distinguished career.
“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.”
Their deaths have shocked the prestigious independent school and the wider community in the Surrey town.
Mrs Pattison became head of Epsom College in September 2022 having previously been head at Croydon High School for six years.
Emma Pattison’s former school, Croydon High School in south London, has paid tribute to the “much loved” headteacher after she was found dead with her husband and daughter on Sunday.
Speaking on behalf of Croydon High School, Cheryl Giovannoni, chief executive, Girls’ Day School Trust, said: “We are immensely shocked and saddened by the news about the death of Emma Pattison, her daughter Lettie and her husband George.
“Our thoughts are with their family at this time, as well as everyone at Croydon High School, and Epsom College, which Emma joined as head in September 2022.
“Emma was a much loved and respected member of the GDST community, as well as a talented head and teacher and a dear friend to many of us.
“She touched the lives of all of us with her energy, wisdom and kindness during her six years as head of Croydon High School and the school will always bear the legacy of her inspiring leadership. We are taking time to support staff and students at Croydon High School as well as everyone in the GDST family, and their wellbeing will be our priority in the coming days.”
Emma Pattison, 45, was just six months into her post as the Surrey private school’s first-ever female head.
In a student-run podcast, Epsom Insights, she shares some of the changes her family had gone through for her new job.
“It’s been a really big change for my family,” she said, sharing that they have moved house and bought a dog in the area.
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