Headteacher of Epsom College found dead with husband and seven year old daughter

The head of Epsom College has been found dead in the grounds of the school, along with her husband and daughter.

Surrey Police confirmed the bodies of Emma Pattison, 45, her husband George, 39 and their daughter Lettie, seven were found after being called to a property in the early hours of Sunday morning (February 4).

The force were contacted by the South East Coast Ambulance Service to a property on the grounds of Epsom College.

Officers were at the scene around 01:10am, where they found the bodies.

The family are being supported and police have asked that their privacy is respected during this difficult time.

Surrey Police have said that an investigation is ongoing, but they believe it to be an isolated incident and at this stage are confident that there is no third-party involvement.

The three deaths have been reported to the coroner.

Epsom College has asked for "time and space" to process "these shocking events" in a statement released.

A statement has now been posted on Epsom College's Facebook and Twitter pages that says:

"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. 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 (Sunday 5 February). The College and Surrey Police will be in close contact 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."

Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey said, “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, 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.”

Emma Pattison became Epsom's first female head in September 2022.

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. 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.”

Police remain at the location, and in the surrounding area.

They have thanked the local community for their understanding while officers are continuing the investigation.