The headmistress of a prestigious independent school said a few weeks before her death that there was “so much to look forward to and be excited about”.
Emma Pattison, 45, along with her seven-year-old daughter Lettie and husband George, were found dead in their home on the grounds of Epsom College in Surrey.
Police have not yet confirmed the cause of their deaths, but said they are confident there was “no third party involvement”.
That’s what an anonymous source said The Telegraph that a member of school staff had called emergency services after hearing gunshots in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The area around the Pattisons’ home, which is awarded to headteachers and their families at the prestigious school, was cordoned off on Monday.
Among the sealed buildings was Epsom College’s shooting range. The independent understands that it is not considered part of the place of investigation, but is closed due to its proximity to the house.
Police and security guards in high-visibility clothing flanked the entrances to the school as the investigation continued, and officers are expected to remain in the area for the next few days.
The college remains open and students and staff would receive advice. The school flag is flown at half-mast.
Ms Pattison spoke on the school’s Epsom Insight podcast in December about her arrival as headteacher in September.
She said moving from her previous job in Croydon had been a “major change” for her family, with her daughter leaving school and her husband taking a new job.
“A lot has changed for us as a family, but it’s been great,” said Ms. Pattison. “There is so much to look forward to and be excited about… so much more to come.”
Surrey Police called the deaths an “isolated incident” but gave no further information.
Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey said: “I want to give my assurance that we will be conducting a thorough investigation into what happened last night, and I hope to bring some peace to these traumatic circumstances.”
Dr. Alastair Wells, chairman of the board of Epsom College, said students and staff were “utterly shocked and incredulous”.
“Our immediate thoughts and condolences are with Emma’s family, friends and loved ones, and the many students and colleagues whose lives she has enriched during her distinguished career,” he added.
“Emma was a great teacher, but most of all she was a wonderful person. We will remember Emma and her family in due course, appropriately and in line with her family’s wishes.”
She was formerly the headmistress of Croydon High School, whose principal Cheryl Giovannoni described her as a “dearly loved and respected” colleague, “as well as a talented principal 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 headmaster of Croydon High School and the school will always carry the legacy of her inspiring leadership,” she added.
Named Independent School of the Year in 2022, Epsom College has alumni including Conservative MP Sir Michael Fallon, broadcaster Jeremy Vine and comedian Tim Vine.