Image from Epsom College’s Facebook page

The head of independent school Epsom College in Surrey was found dead yesterday along with her husband and seven-year-old daughter in a property on school grounds, the BBC has reported.

Emma Pattison, 45, her husband George, 39, and their daughter Lettie 7 died in an incident “with no third-party involvement” according to the police.

Epsom College is a co-educational independent school for pupils aged 11 to 18.

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… 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.”

Pattison was appointed as Epsom College’s first female head last September, after six years as headteacher of Croydon High School in south London. Her husband was a chartered accountant and director of management consultancy firm Tanglewood.

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.”

In a statement, Epsom College said: “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.

Paul Williams has been appointed as acting headmaster of the school.