A 52-year-old teacher from Pembridge Hall School in Notting Hill, West London, has been found dead at a local church, The Telegraph has reported.

A clergyman discovered the body at St Matthew’s in Bayswater, last Tuesday morning, days after the school posted photos on social media of pupils taking part in a nativity play in the church.

Pembridge Hall School is a non-selective private school for girls aged four to 11. It has been part of the Inspired Education group since June when Inspired acquired Alpha Plus Education.

Pembridge Hall School’s headmistress Sophie Banks said: “We are all deeply saddened at the recent passing of a member of our school’s community. On behalf of the school, we would like to extend our sincerest condolences to their family and friends. As we collectively navigate through this challenging period, we will focus on supporting our girls and colleagues.”

The Rev Will Coleridge, Church of England vicar of St Matthew’s, said: “It was a horrible moment to discover a body.” Another staff member at the vicarage said: “It was a very peaceful and dignified death.”

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called on 5 December at 8:52am to reports of an incident at St Petersburgh Place, W2. We sent a number of resources to the scene, including a medic in a fast-response car and an ambulance crew. Sadly, a man was found dead at the scene.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Police were called at 08:55hrs on 5 December to a church in St Petersburgh Place W2 after a 52-year-old man was found deceased. Next of kin have been informed. The death is being treated as unexpected but early enquiries do not indicate it is suspicious. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”