Detectives are investigating a possible murder-suicide at Epsom College after its first headmistress was found dead along with her husband and young daughter.
The bodies of Emma Pattison, 45, her husband George, 39, and her seven-year-old daughter Lettie, were discovered by police at her home on the grounds of the prestigious school in Surrey.
Emergency services were reportedly alerted by a staff member who had heard gunshots at the £42,000 a year independent school at around 1am.
Ms Pattison had only taken up the role at the prestigious school last September and was said to be “excited” about her role as the first headmistress.
Just a few weeks ago, she said on a student-hosted podcast that moving to Epsom College had been a “really big change” and that her husband, whom she married in 2011, had also changed jobs unexpectedly.
Epsom College students attended a service in the chapel yesterday. It is understood that staff are telling parents that they can close early this week for day students. The school, which teaches more than 850 boys and girls aged 11 to 18, was the 2022 Independent School of the Year and counts BBC journalists Jeremy Vine and Nicholas Witchell among its alumni.
An Epsom College spokesperson said: “The university community will come together to process the news, grieve and pay our respects to a wonderful head.”
