06 February 2023 , 07:44
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Tributes have poured in for a "wonderful" headteacher who was found dead alongside her husband and seven-year-old daughter on the grounds of a £42,000-a-year private school.
Epsom College head Emma Pattison, 45, her husband George, 39 and their daughter Lettie were found on the grounds of Epsom College in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Surrey Police were called to the school at 1am on Sunday and the South East Coast Ambulance Service attended where the bodies were found.
Police have confirmed that it was an isolated incident and there was no third-party involvement.
The three deaths have been reported to the Coroner.
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Emma and George Pattison at a school function
Headteacher Emma Pattison was found dead early Sunday morning (John Wildgoose Copyright 2017)Since the news, tributes to the "delightful" head teacher have been made.
A parent whose daughter attends the school where Mrs Pattison worked said the new was "an utter shock and tragedy".
She told BBC: "In her time as head teacher, she turned the school around, and she did so many things that enriched the children's lives.
"She was slight but very formidable, she knew all of the pupils by name. She was exactly what you would want from a head teacher."
The Chair of the Board of Governors at Epsom College expressed "disbelief" and "utter shock" at the tragic news.
Dr Alastair Wells, Chair of the Board of Governors at Epsom College, 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.
Police are investigating to establish the circumstances around their deaths (Peter Macdiarmid/LNP)"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.
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"There is currently a significant police presence at the location and the surrounding area, and we would like to thank the local community for their understanding while our officers continue their investigation."
Police are investigating to establish the circumstances around their deaths (Peter Macdiarmid/LNP)In an email from Dr Wells to parents at the school, he said the College would come together in the morning at the usual time.
It read: “Chapel services will take place throughout the morning; Housemasters, housemistresses and the head of lower school will be on hand to offer immediate support and comfort; and we will have additional counsellors on site for any member of the community - pupils and staff - who needs to talk, grieve or be supported.”
The school, which was named independent school of the year in 2022, released a statement yesterday evening expressing their condolences and asking for privacy.
In a statement, the school said: "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 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 heartbreaking and we need time and space to come together and process these shocking events. No further statement will be issued at this time."
Police say the family's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
An investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances of their deaths.
Mrs Pattison became Epsom's first female head in September 2022 after six years as headteacher of Croydon High School in south London.
Boarding students at the college pay more than £42,000 a year and its alumni include Conservative MP Sir Michael Fallon, broadcaster Jeremy Vine and comedian Tim Vine.
Over 850 boys and girls attend the school, which was founded in 1853, and its acting head has been listed as Paul Williams.
Mrs Pattison's husband George was a chartered accountant who was the director of a management consultancy firm called Tanglewood 2016, according to Companies House.