SCHOOL NIGHTMARE
Epsom College tragedy: Headmistress Emma Pattison, daughter, 7, & husband George found dead on school grounds
THE headmistress of prestigious Epsom College, her daughter and her husband have been found dead on school grounds.
Cops were called to the £42,000-a-year private school in Surrey at 1am yesterday.
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There they discovered the bodies of Emma Pattison, 45, her daughter Lettie, seven, and her husband George Pattison, 39.
Police believe this is an isolated incident with no third-party involvement.
Headmistress Emma has been described as a "wonderful teacher" and "delightful" person.
Her last social media post saw her celebrate a prestigious award won by school shortly after she took the helm.
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Alongside a smiling picture of her celebrating with champagne, she wrote on Twitter: “Wow! What an honour. We're thrilled to be Independent School of the Year.”
She later added: "It gets better every time I read it. Epsom College is school of the year."
Emma had previously spoken about her life at the school in a podcast presented by students.
She revealed in December that the family had bought a Labrador, named Bella, to live with them within the school grounds.
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Emma, who grew up on a farm in Lincolnshire, said: “In terms of transition it’s been a really big change for my family. We’ve moved house - we’ve bought a dog.
“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.”
The Epsom College community has been left reeling at the "traumatic" loss.
In a statement late on Sunday evening, the elite school asked for privacy as it grappled with the shocking news.
A spokesperson said: "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 news is heartbreaking and we need time and space to come together and process these shocking events."
A fresh statement this morning said pupils and staff would "come together" today to process the loss.
SCHOOL HORROR
In an email to parents, it was confirmed that chapel services would be held throughout the morning and counselling would be made available to students.
Teens joined the busy school-run traffic as normal this morning while teachers marshalled them through the gates for their first day back since Emma's death.
Many turned to peer out of car windows as they drove past the cordoned off area where she lived.
The school's rifle range is also sealed off, a man at the scene told .
A staff member told The Sun: "Today will be difficult for everyone."
Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey said yesterday: “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, and hope to be able to bring some peace in these traumatic circumstances. I would ask that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time.”
Inspector Jon Vale, Epsom and Ewell’s Borough Commander, added: “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."
Dr Alastair Wells, Chair of the Board of Governors at Epsom College, wrote: “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.”
Emma was appointed the school’s first-ever female head in September last year.
The school boasts presenter Jeremy Vine and broadcaster Nicholas Witchell among its alumni.
In an interview with last month, Emma was described as "fresh and forward-thinking, a far cry from traditional perceptions of aloof elitism in the independent sector".
She finished the chat by declaring: "It could be time to shape a really exciting future."
One mum, Sheena, whose daughter attends Croydon High School where Emma used to work, told : "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."
Cheryl Giovannoni, chief executive at GDST which oversees Croydon High School, said: "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.
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"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."
George was a chartered accountant who was director of a management consultancy firm called Tanglewood 2016, according to Companies House.
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