Epsom College – latest: ‘Gunshots heard’ at school where headteacher and family found dead

Gunshots were heard before Epsom College’s headteacher Emma Pattison was found dead alongsider her husband and seven-year-old daughter, a source has claimed.

The noise prompted a staff member to alert the emergency services who found the family’s bodies, it was claimed in the Daily Telegraph.

Surrey Police have said it is an “isolated incident” and a third party is not being sought.

While the school’s rifle range was among the buildings cordoned off, The Independent understands that this was due to its proximity to the Pattisons’ home and it is not part of the scene of investigation.

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.”

Appearing on the Epsom Insights podcast just before Christmas, Ms Pattison said moving into the new job had been a “really big change” for her family.

Key Points

• ‘Gunshots heard’ at school where headteacher and family found dead

• Headteacher of Surrey private school found dead alongside husband and daughter

• Epsom College reacts after shocking deaths of school head and her family

• Surrey police explain how discovery of deaths were made

Epsom College's headteacher talks about ‘family changes’ in podcast before death

10:39 , Liam James

Shortly before she was found dead alongside her husband and seven-year-old daughter, the headteacher of Epsom College said her family had been going through changes.

Emma Pattison, 45, was just six months into her post as the Surrey private school’s first-ever female head.

In a podcast for pupils, she said: “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.

Colleagues of ‘much-loved’ headteacher found dead with daughter and husband pay tribute

10:01 , Liam James

Former colleagues of a headteacher found dead at her home with her husband and daughter have paid tribute to their “dear friend” (Lucas Cumiskey writes).

Emma Pattison, who was head at Croydon High School before she joined Epsom College in September last year, died on Sunday with her daughter Lettie, seven, and her husband George.

Surrey Police have not disclosed the cause of their deaths but said they are confident no-one else was involved.

Colleagues of ‘much-loved’ teacher found dead with daughter and husband pay tribute

Lettie was ‘perfect in every way’

09:00 , Liam James

The seven-year-old girl found dead alongside her parents was “perfect”, a former babysitter said.

Chloe Rathbone, 27, a nursery worker who previously looked after Lettie, told The Times: “I knew Emma, George and Lettie and I am utterly heartbroken over this news.

“They were such a lovely family and Lettie was perfect in every way.”

Police rule out ‘third-party involvement’ in deaths of headteacher and family

08:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Surrey police say they are treating the headteacher and her family’s deaths as an “isolated incident” which had no third-party involvement.

The statement came amid reports that gunshots were heard before the body of Emma Pattison was discovered alongside her husband and seven-year-old daughter.

“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 police said in a statement.

“Officers attended at around 1.10am where they, sadly, found the bodies of three people, including a child.

“We can confirm that the bodies found were Emma Pattison aged 45 years, head of Epsom College, her daughter Lettie, aged seven years and her husband George aged 39 years.

“The family’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

“An investigation is being carried out to establish the circumstances of their deaths. At this stage, police are confident that this is an isolated incident with no third-party involvement.”

Emma Pattison’s former school pays tribute

08:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Emma Pattison was the head at Croydon High School before she joined Epsom College in September last year.

Emma Pattison, 45, and her husband George, 39, were found dead alongside seven-year-old Lettie at the £42,000-per-year Epsom College early on Sunday morning.

In a statement, her previous school said they were “immensely shocked and saddened” by the news about Pattison’s death.

“Emma was a much loved and respected member of the GDST (Girls’ Day School Trust) community, as well as a talented Head and teacher and a dear friend to many of us,” said Cheryl Giovannoni, chief executive of GDST.

“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.”

Who was Emma Pattison?

07:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Pupils and staff at a prestigious private school in Surrey have been rocked by the news that their headteacher was found dead with her husband and young daughter.

Emma Pattison, 45, and her husband George, 39, were found alongside seven-year-old Lettie at the £42,000-per-year Epsom College, in Epsom, early on Sunday morning.

Described as a “wonderful teacher” and a “delightful person” who had a “distinguished career”, Pattison was appointed head of Epsom in September last year.

Matt Mathers has more.

Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?

Epsom College rifle range cordoned off

06:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The rifle range at Epsom College has reportedly been cordoned off following the deaths of the headteacher and her family.

Gunshots were heard before the body of Emma Pattison was discovered alongside her husband and seven-year-old daughter, The Daily Telegraph reported.

A source close to the school told the newspaper that a member of staff living close to the headteacher’s house called emergency services in the early hours of Sunday after hearing the gunshots.

Following the incident, police cordoned off the school’s indoor rifle range next to the property on Monday.

The school has a history of rifle shooting that dates back to the Victorian era. Epsom College has an eight-lane indoor shooting range, which is also open to guests at a cost of £15.

Colleagues pay tribute to headteacher found dead with family

05:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Former colleagues of the headteacher found dead at her home with her husband and daughter have paid tribute to their “dear friend”.

Emma Pattison, who was head at Croydon High School before she joined Epsom College in September last year, died on Sunday with her seven-year-old daughter Lettie and her husband George.

Cheryl Giovannoni, chief executive of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), of which Croydon High School is part, said: “We are immensely shocked and saddened by the news about the death of Emma Pattison, her daughter Lettie and her husband George.”

“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.”

Lucas Cumiskey reports.

Colleagues pay tribute to headteacher found dead with daughter, 7, and husband

Epsom College headteacher spoke of ‘family changes’ in podcast

04:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Emma Pattison, the headteacher of Epsom College who was found dead along with her husband and daughter, had previously spoken about some of the changes her family had gone through for the new job.

Police have described the incident as being “isolated” and said they are not seeking a third party in connection to it.

Pattison, 45, was just six months into her post as the Surrey private school’s first-ever female head.

“It’s been a really big change for my family,” she said in an appearance on the school’s podcast, sharing that her family had moved house and bought a dog in the area.

Watch here.

Epsom College headteacher talks about ‘family changes’ in podcast before death

Epsom College reacts after shocking deaths of school head and her family

03:00 , Eleanor Noyce

The private school where the bodies of its headmistress and her family were found dead has pleaded for “time and space” to process “these shocking events”.

Epsom College head Emma Pattison, 45, her husband George, 39 and their daughter Lettie, seven, were found in the grounds of the school in the early hours of Sunday morning by the South East Coast Ambulance Service.

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.”

Read more here:

Epsom College reacts after shocking deaths of school head and her family

Emma Pattison “absolutely loving” her time at Epsom College before her untimely death

02:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Just two months ago, Emma Pattison was telling pupils how excited she was to be leading Epsom College.

“There is so much to come”, she remarked on the school’s podcast, Epsom Insight. She was looking forward to embracing school traditions like Founder’s Day, where parents and alumni enjoy picnics, cricket and house sports competitions.

“I am absolutely loving my time here so far”, she confirmed shortly before the Christmas break. “It has been very, very busy, but absolutely wonderful.”

Nottingham headteacher “heartbroken” following death of friend, Emma Pattison

01:00 , Eleanor Noyce

A Nottingham headteacher has said she is “heartbroken” after her friend and colleague Emma Pattison was found dead in a property on the grounds of Epsom College.

In a tweet posted on Monday (January 6), Julie Keller said: “Heartbroken. My life was richer for having had Emma as a friend and colleague, the world is certainly poorer for her loss. Sending my love to her family and both Epsom College and Croydon High School at this most awful time.”

Cheryl Giovannoni, the chief executive of the GDST, added: “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.”

Epsom College issues tribute to “wonderful Head"

Monday 6 February 2023 23:50 , Eleanor Noyce

Epsom College has issued a statement following the passing of its “wonderful” headteacher, Emma Pattison, and her family.

“The shocking and tragic news has now reached many about the death of our Head, Emma Pattison. The College community will be coming together today to process the news, grieve and pay our respects to a wonderful Head”, Epsom College tweeted.

“At this time there is nothing more that we can say regarding the circumstances around Mrs Pattison and her family’s death beyond the statement issued by Surrey Police yesterday evening.

“We will be in close contact with Surrey Police over the coming weeks and months. We hope everyone will respect the privacy of Emma’s family at this time and allow the College’s pupils, staff and wider community the time and space necessary to come to terms with this loss.”

Colleagues pay tribute to headteacher found dead with daughter, 7, and husband

Monday 6 February 2023 23:20 , Eleanor Noyce

Former colleagues of a headteacher found dead at her home with her husband and daughter have paid tribute to their “dear friend”.

Emma Pattison, who was head at Croydon High School before she joined Epsom College in September last year, died on Sunday with her daughter Lettie, seven, and her husband George.

Surrey Police have not disclosed the cause of their deaths but said they are confident that no-one else was involved.

Cheryl Giovannoni, chief executive of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), of which Croydon High School is part, 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.

Read more:

Colleagues pay tribute to headteacher found dead with daughter, 7, and husband

‘Gunshots at 1am’: Police tape off school rifle range after headteacher and family found dead

Monday 6 February 2023 22:50 , Eleanor Noyce

The headteacher of a prestigious independent school spoke about how there was “so much to look ahead to and be excited” about just weeks before her death.

Emma Pattison, 45, was found dead alongside her seven-year-old daughter Lettie and husband, George, at their home on the grounds of Epsom College, in Surrey.

Police have not yet confirmed the cause of their deaths, but said they were confident that there was “no third-party involvement”.

An unnamed source told The Telegraph that a member of school staff had called the emergency services after hearing what they believed to be gunshots in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The area surrounding the Pattisons’ home, which is granted to headteachers and their families at the prestigious school, was cordoned off on Monday.

Read more:

‘Gunshots heard at 1am’ at school where headteacher and family found dead

Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?

Monday 6 February 2023 22:20 , Eleanor Noyce

Pupils and staff at a prestigious private school in Surrey have been rocked by the news that their headteacher had been found dead with her husband and young daughter.

Emma Pattison, 45, and her husband George, 39, were found alongside seven-year-old Lettie at the £42,000 per year Epsom College, Epsom, early on Sunday morning.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the deaths but that no one else was involved.

Described as a “wonderful teacher” and a “delightful person” who had a “distinguished career”, Ms Pattison was appointed head of Epsom in September last year.

She had previously been headteacher at Croydon High School in south London, where she worked for six years.

Prior to working in Croydon, Ms Pattison was the deputy head at St John’s School in Leatherhead, an independent school also in Surrey.

According to its website, Epsom, founded in 1851, is the current Independent School of the Year.

My colleague Matt Mathers reports:

Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?

Epsom College headteacher talks about ‘family changes’ in podcast before death

Monday 6 February 2023 21:51 , Eleanor Noyce

The headteacher of Epsom College has been found dead inside the school, alongside her husband and seven-year-old daughter.

Police have described the incident as being “isolated” and said they are not seeking a third party in connection to it.

Emma Pattison, 45, was just six months into her post as the Surrey private school’s first-ever female head.

In this podcast, 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.

Watch:

Epsom College headteacher talks about ‘family changes’ in podcast before death

Local councillor offers tribute to Pattison family, noting she is “deeply saddened"

Monday 6 February 2023 20:59 , Eleanor Noyce

As the community continues to grieve, a local councillor has expressed that she is “deeply saddened“ by the death of Epsom College’s headteacher, her husband and their child.

Councillor Hannah Dalton, chairwoman of the Residents’ Association Group on Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic events that took place at Epsom College over the weekend, involving the headteacher Emma Pattison and her family.

“Our thoughts are with their loved ones, Epsom College staff and pupils, and the wider community as they come to terms with this devastating loss.”

Rifle range not considered part of investigation scene

Monday 6 February 2023 20:19 , Andy Gregory

The area surrounding the Pattisons’ home, which is granted to headteachers and their families at the prestigious school, was cordoned off on Monday, reports Martha McHardy.

Among the sealed buildings was Epsom College’s rifle range. The Independent understands that it is not considered part of the scene of investigation but was closed because of its close proximity to the house.

Police and security guards in hi-visibility clothing flanked the school entrances as investigations continued, with officers expected to remain in the area over the next few days.

‘Gunshots heard at 1am’ at school where headteacher and family found dead

‘Gunshots heard’ before bodies were discovered, source claims

Monday 6 February 2023 19:03 , Andy Gregory

The sound of gunshots prompted a staff member at Epsom College to call the emergency services who would later discover the bodies of headteacher Emma Pattison and her family, a source has claimed to the Daily Telegraph.

Their home at Epsom College is located next to the school’s indoor rifle range, which appeared to have been cordoned off on Monday morning, according to the paper, which reported a source familiar with the school as saying that the range has no live ammunition in it.

English rugby star sends condolences to former college

Monday 6 February 2023 17:33 , Andy Gregory

English rugby star Kyle Sinckler has sent his condolences to Epsom College, where he was reportedly a sixth form pupil.

Local residents express shock after ‘awful news’

Monday 6 February 2023 16:59 , Andy Gregory

People living near Epsom College have expressed their shock following the deaths of headteacher Emma Pattison and her family.

One local who lives opposite the school told the South West News Service: “It’s extremely sad what’s happened. I don’t know them as we don’t have anything to do with the school really but it is awful news.”

Another told the agency: “Well we are shocked. That’s it really. It’s such shocking and sad news. It’s all really quite horrible.”

Map shows location of Emma Pattison’s home in relation to school

Monday 6 February 2023 16:29 , Andy Gregory

Epsom College named Independent School of the Year in October

Monday 6 February 2023 16:03 , Andy Gregory

Epsom College, where fees reach £28,686 a year for day pupils, was named Independent School of the Year in October.

As the new headteacher, Emma Pattison had called the award “an incredible honour”, adding: “We put focus on time, space and heart and spirit to give all the young people in our care everything they need to become the best version of themselves – in the classroom, on the sports field and in any field of interest that lights that spark within them.”

What did Emma Pattison say about joining Epsom College?

Monday 6 February 2023 15:29 , Andy Gregory

When she was given the job last year, Ms Pattison became Epsom’s 14th-ever headteacher and the first woman to hold the role, reports my colleague Matt Mathers.

“I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed head of Epsom College,” Ms Pattison said in January 2022.

“It is a school I have long admired, with an enviable reputation, and George and I can’t wait to meet the pupils, parents and staff and to become part of this wonderful community.”

Her husband George was a chartered accountant who was listed on Companies House as being the director of a management consultancy firm called Tanglewood 2016.

The ‘outstanding’ lesson taught by Emma Pattison

Monday 6 February 2023 15:01 , Andy Gregory

During her application for the headteacher role at Epsom College, Emma Pattison was asked to teach a 30-minute lesson on a topic of her choice, and opted for “identity”, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Announcing her appointment last year, the school’s board of governors chair, Dr Alastair Wells, said that the lesson “was of such outstanding quality it concluded with spontaneous applause from pupils”, according to the paper.

Emma Pattison told of excitement for year ahead in podcast

Monday 6 February 2023 14:32 , Andy Gregory

Emma Pattison told pupils in a school podcast just two months ago about her excitement for the year ahead, saying: “There is so much to come.”

“I am absolutely loving my time here so far,” she told the Epsom Insight podcast shortly after taking on the headteacher role. “It has been very, very busy, but absolutely wonderful.”

Ms Pattison added: “There’s been a lot of change for us as a family, but it’s been wonderful.”

Deaths ‘an appalling tragedy’, says local MP

Monday 6 February 2023 13:39 , Andy Gregory

Local MP Chris Grayling has called the deaths “an appalling tragedy”, adding: “I know everyone locally will be shocked about what has happened.”

Monday 6 February 2023 13:00 , Lucy Skoulding

In a statement late on Sunday evening, Epsom College, 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.”

The school continued: “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.”

“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 said the family’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers while an investigation is now under way to establish the circumstances of their deaths.

Former school pays tribute to ‘much loved’ Emma Pattison

Monday 6 February 2023 12:30 , Lucy Skoulding

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’s final podcast before death

Monday 6 February 2023 12:00 , Lucy Skoulding

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.

Epsom College rifle range cordoned off

Monday 6 February 2023 11:53 , Lucy Skoulding

Epsom College’s rifle range appears to have been cordoned off this morning after headteacher Emma Pattison was found dead along with her husband and daughter at their home in the grounds of the boarding school in Surrey.

A man who was delivering portable toilets to police working at the scene spoke to the Telegraph to confirm the rifle range has been cordoned off.

Police are expected to continue with investigations at the school for the rest of the week.

The next of kins have been informed of what has happened.

Police say the three deaths were an isolated incident and there is no reason to suspect third-party involvement at this stage.

What have the police said on the deaths?

Monday 6 February 2023 11:30 , Lucy Skoulding

Pupils and staff at a prestigious private school in Surrey have been rocked by the news that their headteacher had been found dead with her husband and young daughter.

Emma Pattison, 45, and her husband George, 39, were found alongside seven-year-old Lettie at the £42,000 per year Epsom College, Epsom, early on Sunday morning.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the deaths but that no one else was involved.

Surrey Police said they were treating the deaths as an “isolated incident” and were not seeking a third party in connection to the incident. In a statement last night a spokesperson for the force 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.

“Officers attended at around 01:10am where they, sadly, found the bodies of three people, including a child.

“We can confirm that the bodies found were Emma Pattison aged 45 years, head of Epsom College, her daughter Lettie, aged seven years and her husband George aged 39 years.

“The family’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

“An investigation is being carried out to establish the circumstances of their deaths. At this stage, police are confident that this is an isolated incident with no third-party involvement.”

Who was Emma Pattison?

Monday 6 February 2023 11:00 , Lucy Skoulding

Described as a “wonderful teacher” and a “delightful person” who had a “distinguished career”, Ms Pattinson was appointed head of Epsom in September last year.

She had previously been headteacher at Croydon High School in south London, where she worked for six years.

Prior to working in Croydon, Ms Pattison was the deputy head at St John’s School in Leatherhead, an independent school also in Surrey.

When she was given the job last year, Ms Pattison became Epsom’s 14th-ever headteacher and the first woman to hold the role.

“I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed head of Epsom College,” Ms Pattison said in January 2022.

“It is a school I have long admired, with an enviable reputation, and George and I can’t wait to meet the pupils, parents and staff and to become part of this wonderful community.

Her husband George was a chartered accountant who was listed on Companies House as being the director of a management consultancy firm called Tanglewood 2016.

Read the full story by Independent reporter Matt Mathers.

Emma Pattison quit Thomas Cook job for teaching

Monday 6 February 2023 10:28 , Lucy Skoulding

Emma Pattison spoke on a podcast, Epsom Insights, recorded just before Christmas about why she quit her job at Thomas Cook and went into teaching.

She said: “This is much more fun, my mum’s a teacher so had that kind of role model and thought maybe I should give that a go.”

Chatting more about why she loves the job, she said: “I get to talk to people, I get to work with young people and I think the moment when I thought about what my day to day life would be and the fact that it would be working with young people, it’s so much fun – they keep you young, they keep you happy, they keep you energised.

“That was a turning point, I ditched the job I didn’t like very much went into teaching and literally haven’t looked back since.”

Emma Pattison was ‘quite excited’ about prospect of move to Epsom College

Monday 6 February 2023 09:30 , Lucy Skoulding

Emma Pattison spoke on a student-led podcast not long after joining as headteacher.

She shared how, previously, as head of Croydon High School, she knew about Epsom College and its “fantastic reputation”.

Ms Pattison admitted she “was quite excited” when she saw the job advert, thinking it would be a “beautiful place to live and work”.

Explaining how she came to get the job, she told the Epsom Insights podcast hosts: “So it’s a bit of a process when you’re interviewing for a job of course, you know they choose you and you choose them. And I think that with every job I’ve ever taken it’s about seeing if there’s a job to be done that you feel you can do.

“And so, I worked as St John’s as I’m sure you know, which is not too far away, and so I knew of Epsom College by reputation and we played rugby and netball against each other. And so I knew of it and it has a fantastic reputation – beautiful place to live and work. So when it popped up I was quite excited about the idea.

“I suppose it was about thinking about my skillset and thinking about who I am and wondering, would I be a good fit? Is the job that is to be done over the next however many years something that I think I can do?”

Emma Pattison’s last podcast episode

Monday 6 February 2023 09:00 , Lucy Skoulding

Emma Pattison spoke on a student-presented podcast just before Christmas, not too long after starting in the new Headteacher role at Epsom College.

On the podcast, the Epsom Insights, which is still on spotify, Ms Pattison spoke of how her, her husband George and her seven-year-old daughter Lettie were facing a lot of change.

She also chatted about how the family had bought a dog when she moved to the new job, called Bella.

Epsom College move was ‘really big change’ for family

Monday 6 February 2023 08:36 , Lucy Skoulding

Appearing on a student-hosted podcast, Epsom Insights, just before Christmas, Emma Pattison said the move to Epsom College had been a “really big change” for her family.

She told the hosts: “I am absolutely loving my time here so far, it has been very very busy but absolutely wonderful. I have found tha the pupils are warm friendly and actually really fun. They’re interested and interesting on everything that is on offer here.

“I’ve found the staff to be so welcoming, so professional and so committed, there’s a real love of the college and I’ve been talking with parents and prospective parents about the college – I think we offer amazing time, space and I think there’s real heart and spirit to the college that I’ve come to know over the past seven weeks or so.

“It’s been wonderful, in terms of transition it has been a really big change for my family, so we’ve obviously moved house, we’ve bought a dog, I’ve got a new job my husband has got a new job – which wasn’t meant to happen but did. And my daughter has started a new school, so there’s been a lot of change for us as a family, but it’s been wonderful, the college has been so supportive.”

Parent says Ms Pattison ‘enriched children’s lives'

Monday 6 February 2023 08:06 , Lucy Skoulding

The parent of a child who goes to Croydon High School, which is where Ms Pattison used to work, said the news is “an utter shock and tragedy”.

Only wanting to give her first name, she told BBC News: “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.”

Monday 6 February 2023 07:39 , Katy Clifton

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.

School’s statement in full

Monday 6 February 2023 07:34 , Katy Clifton

“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 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.

“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.”

Emma Pattison spoke about ‘really big change’ for her family in December

Monday 6 February 2023 07:15 , Lucy Skoulding

Emma Pattison, who joined Epsom college this academic year in September, spoke about significant changes for her family in December 2022.

In the school’s podcast, she told the school’s pupils that her husband got a new job but that wasn’t supposed to happen.

“In terms of transition it’s been a really big change for my family. We’ve moved house - we’ve bought a dog,” she said, according to The Sun.

“I’ve got a new job, my husband has got a new job, that wasn’t meant to happen but it did and my daughter has started a new school so there’s been a lot of change for us as a family.”

She said they bought a Labrador, named Bella, to live with them on the school’s ground.

Her husband George was a chartered accountant who was working as a director of a management consultancy firm called Tanglewood 2016, according to Companies House.

So far little details have come out about her husband who was 39 year old.

What do we know about Epsom College?

Monday 6 February 2023 06:45 , Shweta Sharma

Known as an elite rugby school, Epsom College is award-winning independent day and boarding school that teaches over 850 boys and girls aged 11 to 18.

Police were called to the £42,000-a-year Surrey school at 1am on Sunday.

Surrey Police have said that they are confident that this is an isolated incident and there is no third-party involvement.

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.”

Epsom college says they are heartbroken after shocking deaths

Monday 6 February 2023 06:15 , Shweta Sharma

Epsom College said the news of the death of the head teacher and her family is “heartbreaking” as they demanded “time and space” to process the loss.

Epsom College head Emma Pattison, her husband George, and their daughter Lettie, seven, were found on the grounds of the school in the early hours of Sunday morning by the South East Coast Ambulance Service.

In a statement last evening, the elite school, which was named independent school of the year in 2022, offered its deepest sadness and regret over the deaths.

“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.”

Surrey Police earlier confirmed that it was an isolated incident and there was no third-party involvement.

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.”

Headteacher of Surrey private school found dead alongside husband and seven-year-old daughter

Monday 6 February 2023 05:37 , Lucy Skoulding

The head of a prestigious Surrey private school has been found dead at the school alongside her seven-year-old daughter and her husband.

Epsom College head, Emma Pattison, 45, and her husband George, 39, were found dead alongside seven-year-old Lettie.

Ms Pattison has been described as a “wonderful teacher” and a “delightful person” who had a “distinguished career”.

Police were called to the £42,000 per year Surrey school at 1am on Sunday.

Headteacher of Surrey private school found dead alongside husband and daughter

Epsom College reacts after shocking deaths of school head and her family

Monday 6 February 2023 05:07 , Shweta Sharma

The private school where the bodies of its headmistress and her family were found dead has pleaded for “time and space” to process “these shocking events”.

Epsom College head Emma Pattison, 45, her husband George, 39 and their daughter Lettie, seven, were found in the grounds of the school in the early hours of Sunday morning by the South East Coast Ambulance Service.

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.”

Epsom College reacts after shocking deaths of school head and her family

Surrey police explain how discovery of deaths were made

Monday 6 February 2023 04:42 , Shweta Sharma

In a statement last night, a spokesperson for Surrey police force 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.

“Officers attended at around 01.10am where they, sadly, found the bodies of three people, including a child.

“We can confirm that the bodies found were Emma Pattison aged 45 years, head of Epsom College, her daughter Lettie, aged seven years and her husband George aged 39 years.

“The family’s next of kins have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

“An investigation is being carried out to establish the circumstances of their deaths. At this stage, police are confident that this is an isolated incident with no third-party involvement.”

Emma Pattison spoke about ‘really big change’ for her family in December

Monday 6 February 2023 04:29 , Shweta Sharma

Emma Pattison, who joined Epsom college this academic year in September, spoke about significant changes for her family in December 2022.

In the school’s podcast, she told the school’s pupils that her husband got a new job but that wasn’t supposed to happen.

“In terms of transition it’s been a really big change for my family. We’ve moved house - we’ve bought a dog,” she said, according to The Sun.

“I’ve got a new job, my husband has got a new job, that wasn’t meant to happen but it did and my daughter has started a new school so there’s been a lot of change for us as a family.”

She said they bought a Labrador, named Bella, to live with them on the school’s ground.

Her husband George was a chartered accountant who was working as a director of a management consultancy firm called Tanglewood 2016, according to Companies House.

So far little details have come out about her husband who was 39 year old.