A SCHOOL rifle range appears to be cordoned off after its headteacher, her husband and seven-year-old daughter were found dead on the grounds.
The bodies of Emma Pattison, 45, her partner George, 39 and little Lettie were discovered at Epsom College, Surrey, in the early hours of yesterday.
An investigation is underway to establish the circumstances of their deaths, reported to police at about 1am on February 5.
Cops said they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the "isolated" incident at the £42,000-a-year school.
But officers remain at the scene, with the family home and rifle club quarters sealed off, a man at the scene told The Telegraph.
Students joined the busy school-run traffic as normal this morning while teachers marshalled them through the gates.
READ MORE UK NEWS
Epsom College release statement after tragic death of head & her family
Tributes pour in after Epsom College headmistress Emma Pattison found dead
They will attend chapel services throughout the day and counselling will be made available to all pupils, a spokesperson said.
A staff member told The Sun before the morning bell: "Today will be difficult for everyone."
Emma was appointed the first female headteacher at Epsom College in September 2022 after six years at Croydon High School in South London.
Late last year, she shared that her family had faced "really big changes" during the transition period – including two new jobs, a new house, a new school for Lettie and a new puppy.
Most read in The Sun
Nicola cops call in specialist divers with special sonar today in hunt
I had to tell dad about romp with Harry after he wrote about it… it was awkward
Headmistress, seven-year-old daughter & husband found dead on school grounds
Corrie legend reveals he's split from his wife and is getting divorced
She told sixth form students on the school podcast Epsom Insight: "It has been a really big change for my family.
"We've obviously moved house, we've bought a dog, I've got a new job, my husband's got a new job which wasn't meant to happen but did, and my daughter has started a new school.
"There has been a lot of change for us as a family, but it has been wonderful."
The "gorgeous" pup, a Labrador called Bella, joined the family days before the episode was recorded.
Emma, who is described as a "wonderful teacher", recalled how Bella "barked all night" in the days that followed, forcing her to apologise to her neighbours.
Tributes have flooded in for the headmistress, who parents and teachers say "enriched children's lives".
Mum Sheena, whose daughter attends Croydon High School, told the BBC: "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."
SCHOOL SHOCK
Dr Alastair Wells, chairman of the board of governors at Epsom College, described her as a "delightful person".
And in an interview with School Management Plus last month, Emma was described as "fresh and forward-thinking, a far cry from traditional perceptions of aloof elitism in the independent sector".
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.
Epsom College won the top prize at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2022, with judges calling it a "beacon of excellence".
Read More on The Sun
Pro piercer reveals the four piercings everyone should steer clear of
My girl, 10, wears makeup daily & spends £100 a month, I’m judged, it’s NOT neglect
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.
Source: Read Full Article