Epsom College – latest: Murdered headteacher’s husband ran failed firm before deaths
The husband of late Epsom College head Emma Pattison had set up a wine importing company as he wanted to “do something better” than being an accountant, according to a report.
Police are investigating the deaths of Pattison and her family but believe husband George Pattison, 39, killed the headteacher and their daughter before shooting himself.
George Pattison’s wine company was ultimately unsuccessful, folding in 2016. In a pitch for the business, he described himself as a “career accountant desperate to do something better with his days”, according to the Telegraph.
It has also come to light that the couple hosted a dinner party hours before their deaths.
A friend told The Sun: “On Saturday night they threw a dinner party. It was quite an intimate affair and literally turned out to be their last supper.
“Nothing unusual happened. There were no arguments, no indication he would go on to do something so horrific a short time later.”
Earlier, it was reported that Ms Pattison was arrested seven years ago after a domestic row with her husband.
Key Points
Husband of Epsom head teacher had a failed wine business
Headteacher and husband ‘hosted dinner party hours before their deaths’
Headteacher ‘arrested seven years ago after domestic row with her husband’
Husband contacted police over gun licence days before deaths
Surrey Police investigating double-murder suicide
Neighbours reveal husband's movements in weeks leading up to deaths
Emma Pattison told relative of concern for husband hours before death
ICYMI: Police refer themselves to watchdog over contact with husband days before deaths
06:00 , Stuti Mishra
Police believe that the husband of Epsom College headteacher Emma Pattison shot his wife and daughter dead just days after they spoke to him on the phone about his gun licence.
George Pattison was found dead alongside his wife and seven-year-old daughter Lettie at their home on the grounds of the private school in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Investigators said a gun registered to Mr Pattison was found at the scene, but that the causes of death would not be officially confirmed until post-mortem examinations have been completed.
Read more:
Husband found dead with teacher wife contacted police over gun licence
IOPC will not investigate Surrey Police over Epsom College deaths
04:00 , Stuti Mishra
An independent conduct watchdog has decided not to investigate Surrey Police over the force’s recent contact with a man about his firearms licence days before he was found dead alongside his wife and daughter at a private school.
Epsom College headteacher Emma Pattison, 45, was found dead with her husband George Pattison, 39, and their seven-year-old daughter Lettie at their home in the grounds of the school in Surrey on Sunday.
Surrey Police has said Mr Pattison legally owned a gun that was discovered at the scene of the tragedy and the force has launched a homicide investigation, with the deaths being investigated as a possible murder-suicide.
Read more:
IOPC will not investigate Surrey Police over Epsom College deaths
Colleagues of ‘much-loved’ headteacher found dead with daughter and husband pay tribute
Friday 10 February 2023 19:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Former colleagues of a headteacher found dead at her home with her husband and daughter have paid tribute to their “dear friend”.
Emma Pattison, who was head at Croydon High School before she joined Epsom College in September last year, died on Sunday with her daughter Lettie, seven, and her husband George.
Cheryl Giovannoni, chief executive of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), of which Croydon High School is part, said: “We are immensely shocked and saddened by the news about the death of Emma Pattison, her daughter Lettie and her husband George.
“Our thoughts are with their family at this time, as well as everyone at Croydon High School, and Epsom College, which Emma joined as head in September 2022.”
Read on here:
Colleagues of ‘much-loved’ teacher found dead with daughter and husband pay tribute
Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?
Friday 10 February 2023 18:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Emma Pattison, 45, and her husband George, 39, were found alongside seven-year-old Lettie at the £42,000 per year Epsom College, Epsom, early on Sunday morning.
Described as a “wonderful teacher” and a “delightful person” who had a “distinguished career”, Ms Pattison was appointed head of Epsom in September last year.
She had previously been headteacher at Croydon High School in south London, where she worked for six years.
Prior to working in Croydon, Ms Pattison was the deputy head at St John’s School in Leatherhead, an independent school also in Surrey.
Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?
Epsom College: All we know about elite £42,000 a year school where headteacher and family found dead
Friday 10 February 2023 17:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
According to its website, £45,000 a-year Epsom College is the current Independent School of the Year.
It is a co-educational independent school on Epsom Downs, Surrey for pupils aged 11 to 18 – offering both day and boarding places.
Founded in 1853, it first opened as a boys’ school intended to provide support for poor members of the medical profession, such as pensioners and orphans.
Notable alumni include comedian Tim Vine and BBC broadcasters Nicholas Witchell and Jeremy Vine.
Epsom College: Inside the £42K a year school where headteacher and family found dead
IOPC conclude no investigation required after Surrey Police refer themselves to watchdog
Friday 10 February 2023 16:11 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has concluded that no investigation is required by them following the deaths of Emma Pattison, her husband and daughter after a referral from Surrey Police.
It comes as investigators said a gun registered to Mr Pattison was found at the scene, but that the causes of death would not be officially confirmed until post-mortem examinations have been completed.
The watchdog said they have “reviewed the recent and past contact Surrey Police had with Mr Pattison regarding his firearms licence and have decided no investigation is required.”
Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “These events have been shocking and distressing for everyone involved. We continue to support the wider family with specialist officers and request that, having been subject to widespread local and national attention, they are afforded a level of privacy during this difficult time.
“We fully appreciate the concern this incident has caused within the local community and my team are working hard to establish the full circumstances and will provide any updates as appropriate in due course.”
Epsom College ‘to stay closed for days’ as police investigate headteacher ‘murder-suicide’
Friday 10 February 2023 15:51 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
A private school where the headteacher was found dead alongside her husband and their daughter will reportedly close until after the half-term break as police conduct a homicide investigation.
Emma Pattison, 45, was found dead with her husband George Pattison, 39, and their seven-year-old daughter Lettie at their home in the grounds of Epsom College in Surrey on Sunday.
Acting headmaster Paul Williams announced on Tuesday that the school will close until after the half-term break following the “incredibly distressing” details about how Mrs Pattison died, according to the BBC.
Epsom College ‘to close for days’ as police investigate headteacher ‘murder-suicide’
Husband of Epsom headteacher had a failed wine business
Friday 10 February 2023 13:55 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
The husband of Epsom College’s headteacher wanted to start a wine importing company as he wanted to be more than an accountant, reported the Telegraph.
George Pattison, 39, is suspected of killing Emma Pattison and their seven-year-old daughter Lettie before killing himself.
A presentation for his business pitch, obtained by the newspaper, reveals that he launched a company named Castle Street Vinters, a “specialist importer of high quality, low yield wines”.
He started the business with his Australian friend and described himself as a “career accountant desperate to do something better with his days”.
He said he worked “in a variety of industries including corporate finance, investment management and financial consultancy”.
“My love affair with wine started on my first trip to Burgundy, where I found a few wines that not only captured the natural characteristics of the grapes but elevated them – this was a life-changing experience for me,” he wrote.
It was reportedly closed in 2016.
Epsom College headteacher talks about ‘family changes’ in podcast before death
Friday 10 February 2023 12:55 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
The headteacher of Epsom College has been found dead inside the school, alongside her husband and seven-year-old daughter.
Police have described the incident as being “isolated” and said they are not seeking a third party in connection to it.
Emma Pattison, 45, was just six months into her post as the Surrey private school’s first-ever female head.
In this podcast, she shares some of the changes her family had gone through for her new job.
“It’s been a really big change for my family,” she said, sharing that they have moved house and bought a dog in the area.
Epsom College headteacher talks about ‘family changes’ in podcast before death
Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?
Friday 10 February 2023 11:52 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Pupils and staff at a prestigious private school in Surrey have been rocked by the news that their headteacher had been found dead with her husband and young daughter.
Emma Pattison, 45, and her husband George, 39, were found alongside seven-year-old Lettie at the £42,000 per year Epsom College, Epsom, early on Sunday morning.
Police are investigating the circumstances of the deaths but that no one else was involved.
Described as a “wonderful teacher” and a “delightful person” who had a “distinguished career”, Ms Pattison was appointed head of Epsom in September last year.
Read more here:
Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?
Epsom College: All we know about elite £42,000 a year school where headteacher and family found dead
Friday 10 February 2023 10:34 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Staff and pupils at an elite private school are grieving after their headteacher was found dead with her husband and seven-year-old daughter.
Epsom College head Emma Pattison, 45, husband George, 39, and daughter Lettie were found on school grounds in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Ms Pattison was just six months into her post as the school’s first female head. Described as a “wonderful teacher” and a “delightful person”, she presided over the education of almost 1,000 pupils.
“It is with the deepest sadness and regret that we have to announce the news of the deaths of Emma Pattison, Head of Epsom College, her daughter Lettie, and her husband George,” the school said a statement on Sunday. “Our thoughts, condolences and sympathies are with their families at this tragic time.”
Epsom College: Inside the £42K a year school where headteacher and family found dead
Emma Pattison: Police refer themselves to watchdog over contact with husband days before deaths
Friday 10 February 2023 09:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Police believe that the husband of Epsom College headteacher Emma Pattison shot his wife and daughter dead just days after they spoke to him on the phone about his gun licence.
George Pattison was found dead alongside his wife and seven-year-old daughter Lettie at their home on the grounds of the private school in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Investigators said a gun registered to Mr Pattison was found at the scene, but that the causes of death would not be officially confirmed until post-mortem examinations have been completed.
He had been in contact with Surrey Police over his firearms licence just over two days before the killings, and the force has referred itself to the police watchdog.
Husband found dead with teacher wife contacted police over gun licence
Epsom College ‘to stay closed for days’ as police investigate headteacher ‘murder-suicide’
Friday 10 February 2023 08:45 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
A private school where the headteacher was found dead alongside her husband and their daughter will reportedly close until after the half-term break as police conduct a homicide investigation.
Emma Pattison, 45, was found dead with her husband George Pattison, 39, and their seven-year-old daughter Lettie at their home in the grounds of Epsom College in Surrey on Sunday.
Acting headmaster Paul Williams announced on Tuesday that the school will close until after the half-term break following the “incredibly distressing” details about how Mrs Pattison died, according to the BBC.
Epsom College ‘to close for days’ as police investigate headteacher ‘murder-suicide’
Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?
Friday 10 February 2023 08:00 , Shweta Sharma
Pupils and staff at a prestigious private school in Surrey have been rocked by the news that their headteacher had been found dead with her husband and young daughter.
Emma Pattison, 45, and her husband George, 39, were found alongside seven-year-old Lettie at the £42,000 per year Epsom College, Epsom, early on Sunday morning.
Police are investigating the circumstances of the deaths, but have indicated that it appears licensed gun-owner George Pattison shot his wife and child before killing himself.
Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?
ICYMI: George Pattison ‘reported wife to police in 2016 before withdrawing complaint’
Friday 10 February 2023 07:00 , Shweta Sharma
George Pattison reported his wife to Surrey Police for allegedly striking him in 2016, sources have told The Times.
Emma Pattison was spoken to by officers before her husband quickly withdrew the complaint, saying it was trivial.
He is believed to have been a licensed gun owner for several years and his firearms certificate was renewed last year, The Times reported, citing sources as emphasising that there were no red flags on his record.
All we know about elite £42,000 a year school where headteacher and family found dead
Friday 10 February 2023 06:00 , Shweta Sharma
Staff and pupils at an elite private school are grieving after their headteacher was found dead with her husband and seven-year-old daughter.
Epsom College head Emma Pattison, 45, husband George, 39, and daughter Lettie were found on school grounds in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Surrey Police says it is treating the family’s deaths as an “isolated incident”, indicating there was no third-party involvement.
Epsom College: Inside the £42K a year school where headteacher and family found dead
Surrey police faces backlash for ignoring domestic abuse angle
Friday 10 February 2023 05:00 , Shweta Sharma
Police have been accused by domestic rights activists of ignoring a pattern of violence against women after it described the Epsom College deaths as an “isolated incident”.
Following police suspicion that George Pattison could have shot his wife and their daughter before killing himself, the police response has sparked criticism from a section of people.
David Challen, who led a campaign to free his mother Salley Challen from prison for murdering his abusive father, criticised the police’s choice of words.
“When police call the event of a man killing women as an ‘isolated incident’ it is a refusal to connect it to the pattern of male violence against women,” he told Yahoo News UK.
“It is a refusal to recognise that every three days in the UK, a woman is murdered by her partner or ex-partner and that male violence is a daily lived threat that women face.”
Husband of Epsom headteacher had a failed wine business
Friday 10 February 2023 04:00 , Shweta Sharma
The husband of Epsom College’s headteacher wanted to start a wine importing company as he wanted to be more than an accountant, reported the Telegraph.
George Pattison, 39, is suspected of killing Emma Pattison and their seven-year-old daughter Lettie before killing himself.
A presentation for his business pitch, obtained by the newspaper, reveals that he launched a company named Castle Street Vinters, a “specialist importer of high quality, low yield wines”.
He started the business with his Australian friend and described himself as a “career accountant desperate to do something better with his days”.
He said he worked “in a variety of industries including corporate finance, investment management and financial consultancy”.
“My love affair with wine started on my first trip to Burgundy, where I found a few wines that not only captured the natural characteristics of the grapes but elevated them – this was a life-changing experience for me,” he wrote.
It was reportedly closed in 2016.
ICYMI: Headteacher ‘should not be seen as victim of a cowardly man'
Friday 10 February 2023 03:00 , Joe Middleton
Emma Pattison should not be seen as the “victim of a cowardly man” but remembered for her talents, Helen Walker, who knew the headteacher for 16 years, said.
Speaking to The Times, Ms Walker said: “It should really be about her. I don’t want to speculate on him in any way. I want people to envisage her and her daughter in a happy place.”
The pair reportedly met when they worked as part-time ski holiday reps in Mühlbach, Austria. Ms Walker said she was not aware of any domestic issues in Ms Pattison’s marriage.
She also shared a picture of Ms Pattison and Lettie, her seven-year-old daughter, paddling on Walberswick beach, Suffolk, four years ago.
“My post was about her light,” she said. “It’s a bit like when you have a terrorist attack. You shouldn’t focus on the perpetrator. You should focus on the victims.”
Epsom College ‘to stay closed for days’ as police investigate headteacher ‘murder-suicide’
Friday 10 February 2023 02:00 , Joe Middleton
A private school where the headteacher was found dead alongside her husband and their daughter will reportedly close until after the half-term break as police conduct a homicide investigation.
Emma Pattison, 45, was found dead with her husband George Pattison, 39, and their seven-year-old daughter Lettie at their home in the grounds of Epsom College in Surrey on Sunday.
Acting headmaster Paul Williams announced on Tuesday that the school will close until after the half-term break following the “incredibly distressing” details about how Mrs Pattison died, according to the BBC.
Epsom College ‘to close for days’ as police investigate headteacher ‘murder-suicide’
Colleagues of ‘much-loved’ headteacher found dead with daughter and husband pay tribute
Friday 10 February 2023 01:00 , Joe Middleton
Former colleagues of a headteacher found dead at her home with her husband and daughter have paid tribute to their “dear friend”.
Emma Pattison, who was head at Croydon High School before she joined Epsom College in September last year, died on Sunday with her daughter Lettie, seven, and her husband George.
Colleagues of ‘much-loved’ teacher found dead with daughter and husband pay tribute
Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?
Thursday 9 February 2023 23:59 , Joe Middleton
Pupils and staff at a prestigious private school in Surrey have been rocked by the news that their headteacher had been found dead with her husband and young daughter.
Emma Pattison, 45, and her husband George, 39, were found alongside seven-year-old Lettie at the £42,000 per year Epsom College, Epsom, early on Sunday morning.
Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?
Epsom College's headteacher talks about ‘family changes’ in podcast before death
Thursday 9 February 2023 23:00 , Joe Middleton
ICYMI: Headteacher and husband ‘hosted dinner party hours before their deaths’
Thursday 9 February 2023 22:00 , Joe Middleton
Headteacher Emma Pattison and her husband George Pattison reportedly hosted a dinner party hours before their deaths.
A friend told The Sun: “On Saturday night they threw a dinner party. It was quite an intimate affair and literally turned out to be their last supper.
“Nothing unusual happened. There were no arguments, no indication he would go on to do something so horrific a short time later.”
Police suspect Mr Pattison killed his headteacher wife Emma and their seven-year-old daughter Lettie before taking his own life.
ICYMI: George Pattison ‘reported wife to police in 2016 before withdrawing complaint’
Thursday 9 February 2023 21:00 , Joe Middleton
George Pattison reported his wife to Surrey Police for allegedly striking him in 2016, sources have told The Times.
Emma Pattison was spoken to by officers before her husband quickly withdrew the complaint, saying it was trivial.
He is believed to have been a licensed gun owner for several years and his firearms certificate was renewed last year, The Times reported, citing sources as emphasising that there were no red flags on his record.
ICYMI: Police ‘working around the clock’
Thursday 9 February 2023 19:44 , Joe Middleton
Police are “working around the clock” on the homicide case at one of the country’s most prestigious schools.
Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, senior investigating officer on the case, said: “This is an incredibly traumatic incident and we are working around the clock to investigate and understand the exact circumstances which led to this point.
“We understand the public concern and upset, and we will clarify what we can, when we can, while respecting the right to a level of privacy for the families of those who have lost their lives.”
Epsom College's headteacher talks about ‘family changes’ in podcast before death
Thursday 9 February 2023 18:34 , Joe Middleton
Epsom College: All we know about elite £42,000 a year school where headteacher and family found dead
Thursday 9 February 2023 17:26 , Joe Middleton
Staff and pupils at an elite private school are grieving after their headteacher was found dead with her husband and seven-year-old daughter.
Epsom College head Emma Pattison, 45, husband George, 39, and daughter Lettie were found on school grounds in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Epsom College: Inside the £42K a year school where headteacher and family found dead
ICYMI: George Pattison ‘reported wife to police in 2016 before withdrawing complaint’
Thursday 9 February 2023 16:20 , Emily Atkinson
George Pattison reported his wife to Surrey Police for allegedly striking him in 2016, sources have told The Times.
Emma Pattison was spoken to by officers before her husband quickly withdrew the complaint, saying it was trivial.
He is believed to have been a licensed gun owner for several years and his firearms certificate was renewed last year, The Times reported, citing sources as emphasising that there were no red flags on his record.
Floral tribute for Emma Pattison created at Croydon High School
Thursday 9 February 2023 15:20 , Emily Atkinson
Pupils, staff and parents at a school in Croydon have created a vast floral tribute to its former headteacher, who died on the grounds of Epsom College.
Ms Pattison was head of Croydon High School in Selsdon from 2016 to 2022, before moving to the prestigious private school to become its first female headteacher.
Posting to Twitter, the school said: “The whole Croydon High community are joining together to support one another and to honour the memory of our former Head, Emma Pattison and her daughter Lettie, who was a pupil in our Junior School.
According to Inside Croydon, one tribute said of Ms Pattison: “Your character and talents will inspire others for many years.”
The whole Croydon High community are joining together to support one another and to honour the memory of our former Head, Emma Pattison and her daughter Lettie, who was a pupil in our Junior School. pic.twitter.com/Jsf8s7QF5a
— Croydon High School (@CroydonHigh) February 8, 2023
ICYMI: Emma Pattison was ‘beautiful inside and out’, friend says
Thursday 9 February 2023 14:20 , Emily Atkinson
A friend of Emma Pattison’s has described her as “beautiful inside and out”.
Zoe Roberts, a teacher at Caterham School, said: “It is tragic and we wish this had never happened. She was beautiful, inside and out. She was just the most wonderful person.
“We can’t put it into words at the moment, it is too raw. We are still working it out. It is just a tragic loss. “
Headteacher and husband ‘hosted dinner party hours before their deaths’
Thursday 9 February 2023 13:57 , Joe Middleton
Headteacher Emma Pattison and her husband George Pattison reportedly hosted a dinner party hours before their deaths.
A friend told The Sun: “On Saturday night they threw a dinner party. It was quite an intimate affair and literally turned out to be their last supper.
“Nothing unusual happened. There were no arguments, no indication he would go on to do something so horrific a short time later.”
Police suspect Mr Pattison killed his headteacher wife Emma and their seven-year-old daughter Lettie before taking his own life.
ICYMI: Police ‘working around the clock’
Thursday 9 February 2023 13:20 , Emily Atkinson
Police are “working around the clock” on the homicide case at one of the country’s most prestigious schools.
Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, senior investigating officer on the case, said: “This is an incredibly traumatic incident and we are working around the clock to investigate and understand the exact circumstances which led to this point.
“We understand the public concern and upset, and we will clarify what we can, when we can, while respecting the right to a level of privacy for the families of those who have lost their lives.”
ICYMI: Epsom College headteacher found dead in school with husband and daughter
Thursday 9 February 2023 12:20 , Emily Atkinson
Epsom College: All we know about elite £42,000 a year school where headteacher and family found dead
Thursday 9 February 2023 11:20 , Emily Atkinson
Staff and pupils at an elite private school are grieving after their headteacher was found dead with her husband and seven-year-old daughter.
Epsom College head Emma Pattison, 45, husband George, 39, and daughter Lettie were found on school grounds in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Surrey Police says it is treating the family’s deaths as an “isolated incident”, indicating there was no third-party involvement.
Epsom College: Inside the £42K a year school where headteacher and family found dead
Watch: Epsom College's headteacher talks about ‘family changes’ in podcast before death
Thursday 9 February 2023 10:40 , Emily Atkinson
Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?
Thursday 9 February 2023 09:55 , Emily Atkinson
Pupils and staff at a prestigious private school in Surrey have been rocked by the news that their headteacher had been found dead with her husband and young daughter.
Emma Pattison, 45, and her husband George, 39, were found alongside seven-year-old Lettie at the £42,000 per year Epsom College, Epsom, early on Sunday morning.
Police are investigating the circumstances of the deaths but that no one else was involved.
Who was Emma Pattison? Matt Mathers has the details:
Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?
Calls for more awareness around male violence in schools after headteacher’s death
Thursday 9 February 2023 09:15 , Emily Atkinson
Helen Redfern, a Conservative councillor in Croydon, described headteacher Emma Pattison as a beautiful, inspiring, caring woman and called for more awareness around male violence in schools.
She tweeted: “I hope that local schools (co-ed and single sex) will address this — not just telling girls what to look out for, but to address the boys’ behaviour too.”
Chilling from @cherylGDST.
I hope that local schools (co-ed and single sex) will address this - not just telling girls what to look out for, but to address the boys behaviour too. https://t.co/8eWQDg4Jyd— Helen Redfern (@_HelenRedfern) February 8, 2023
Headteacher’s death ‘shows domestic violence not just reserved for women with no platform'
Thursday 9 February 2023 08:35 , Emily Atkinson
The death of Epsom College’s headteacher shows that even female leaders are “only as safe” as the men in their lives allow them to be, according to friends.
The Times reports that Cathy Walker, a former colleague, said: “Her death shows that domestic abuse and violence against women and girls is not reserved for those who have no voice, no platform, few opportunities.”
Ms Walker, who worked with Ms Pattison within the Girls’ Day School Trust, reportedly wrote on her blog: “It shows that you can be a female leader, empowered, successful, admired, looked up to: and still only as safe as the men in your life allow you to be.”
Headteacher ‘should not be seen as victim of a cowardly man'
Thursday 9 February 2023 07:55 , Emily Atkinson
Emma Pattison should not be seen as the “victim of a cowardly man” but remembered for her talents, Helen Walker, who knew the headteacher for 16 years, said.
Speaking to The Times, Ms Walker said: “It should really be about her. I don’t want to speculate on him in any way. I want people to envisage her and her daughter in a happy place.”
The pair reportedly met when they worked as part-time ski holiday reps in Mühlbach, Austria. Ms Walker said she was not aware of any domestic issues in Ms Pattison’s marriage.
She also shared a picture of Ms Pattison and Lettie, her seven-year-old daughter, paddling on Walberswick beach, Suffolk, four years ago.
“My post was about her light,” she said. “It’s a bit like when you have a terrorist attack. You shouldn’t focus on the perpetrator. You should focus on the victims.”
ICYMI: Epsom College headteacher found dead in school with husband and daughter
Thursday 9 February 2023 07:10 , Sravasti Dasgupta
The headteacher of Epsom College, her husband, and their young daughter were found dead inside the school.
Board of governors chair at the school, Dr Alastair Wells, said: “On behalf of everyone at Epsom College, I want to convey our utter shock and disbelief at this tragic news.
Watch:
Epsom College headteacher found dead in school with husband and daughter
Epsom College ‘to stay closed for days’
Thursday 9 February 2023 06:10 , Sravasti Dasgupta
Emma Pattison, 45, was found dead with her husband George Pattison, 39, and their seven-year-old daughter Lettie at their home in the grounds of Epsom College in Surrey on Sunday.
Acting headmaster Paul Williams announced on Tuesday that the school will close until after the half-term break following the “incredibly distressing” details about how Mrs Pattison died, according to the BBC.
Ellie Ng reports:
Epsom College ‘to close for days’ as police investigate headteacher ‘murder-suicide’
Epsom College headteacher and daughter killed by husband in murder-suicide
Thursday 9 February 2023 05:10 , Sravasti Dasgupta
The headteacher of Epsom College and her seven-year-old daughter were killed by her husband in a double-murder suicide, police believe.
Surrey Police confirmed the deaths of headteacher Emma Pattison and her daughter Lettie are being treated as a murder investigation.
The force has also referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Martha McHardy has more:
Epsom College headteacher and daughter ‘killed by husband in murder-suicide’
All we know about elite £42,000 a year school where headteacher and family found dead
Thursday 9 February 2023 04:10 , Sravasti Dasgupta
Epsom College head Emma Pattison, 45, husband George, 39, and daughter Lettie were found on school grounds in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Ms Pattison was just six months into her post as the school’s first female head.
Described as a “wonderful teacher” and a “delightful person”, she presided over the education of almost 1,000 pupils.
Here’s everything we know about the elite school:
Epsom College: Inside the £42K a year school where headteacher and family found dead
Epsom College's headteacher talks about ‘family changes’ in podcast before death
Thursday 9 February 2023 03:10 , Joe Middleton
ICYMI: Emma Pattison was ‘beautiful inside and out’, friend says
Thursday 9 February 2023 02:10 , Joe Middleton
A friend of Emma Pattison’s has described her as “beautiful inside and out”.
Zoe Roberts, a teacher at Caterham School, said: “It is tragic and we wish this had never happened. She was beautiful, inside and out. She was just the most wonderful person.
“We can’t put it into words at the moment, it is too raw. We are still working it out. It is just a tragic loss.”
Emma Pattison: Police refer themselves to watchdog over contact with husband days before deaths
Thursday 9 February 2023 01:10 , Emily Atkinson
Police believe that the husband of Epsom College headteacher Emma Pattison shot his wife and daughter dead just days after they spoke to him on the phone about his gun licence.
George Pattison was found dead alongside his wife and seven-year-old daughter Lettie at their home on the grounds of the private school in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Investigators said a gun registered to Mr Pattison was found at the scene, but that the causes of death would not be officially confirmed until post-mortem examinations have been completed.
Husband found dead with teacher wife contacted police over gun licence
ICYMI Photographer describes Lettie Pattison as ‘an absolute angel’
Thursday 9 February 2023 00:10 , Joe Middleton
John Wildgoose, a photographer who took a portrait of the Pattison family last month for the Epsom College’s announcement of Emma’s headship, has described seven-year-old Lettie as “an absolute angel”.
“It was amazing how she was for the camera, it’s heartbreaking,” The Sun quoted him as saying.
Epsom College's headteacher talks about ‘family changes’ in podcast before death
Wednesday 8 February 2023 23:10 , Joe Middleton
ICYMI: Colleagues of ‘much-loved’ headteacher found dead with daughter and husband pay tribute
Wednesday 8 February 2023 22:10 , Joe Middleton
Former colleagues of a headteacher found dead at her home with her husband and daughter have paid tribute to their “dear friend”.
Emma Pattison, who was head at Croydon High School before she joined Epsom College in September last year, died on Sunday with her daughter Lettie, seven, and her husband George.
Colleagues of ‘much-loved’ teacher found dead with daughter and husband pay tribute
Headteacher ‘arrested seven years ago after domestic row with her husband’
Wednesday 8 February 2023 21:25 , Joe Middleton
Headteacher Emma Pattison was reportedly arrested seven years ago after a domestic row with her husband, George Pattison.
Mrs Pattison, who police believe was shot by her partner, allegedly slapped Mr Pattison around the face, Sky News reported.
He phoned the police and they arrested Mrs Pattison on suspicion of common assault, but she was later released without charge.
ICYMI: Former neighbour laments ‘unimaginable’ death of ‘very bubbly’ Emma Pattison
Wednesday 8 February 2023 21:10 , Joe Middleton
A former neighbour of the family has described Emma Pattison as “very bubbly” as they described her suspected murder at the hands of husband George as “just shocking and unimaginable”.
“She was very bubbly, she was out jogging a lot,” they told The Sun. “He was quiet. All I know about him is that he was a financial guy.
“I got nothing more than a wave from him in four years, whereas Emma I often chatted to. She was more outgoing. I would see her out with the daughter, running and playing on the bike.”
Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?
Wednesday 8 February 2023 20:10 , Joe Middleton
Described as a “wonderful teacher” and a “delightful person” who had a “distinguished career”, Emma Pattison was appointed the 14th headteacher of Epsom College last September – becoming the first woman to hold the role.
She had previously been headteacher at Croydon High School in south London, where she worked for six years.
Prior to working in Croydon, Ms Pattison was the deputy head at St John’s School in Leatherhead, an independent school also in Surrey.
Matt Mathers has more details:
Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?
ICYMI: Police ‘working around the clock’
Wednesday 8 February 2023 19:09 , Joe Middleton
Police are “working around the clock” on the homicide case at one of the country’s most prestigious schools.
Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, senior investigating officer on the case, said: “This is an incredibly traumatic incident and we are working around the clock to investigate and understand the exact circumstances which led to this point.
“We understand the public concern and upset, and we will clarify what we can, when we can, while respecting the right to a level of privacy for the families of those who have lost their lives.”
Epsom College's headteacher talks about ‘family changes’ in podcast before death
Wednesday 8 February 2023 17:33 , Joe Middleton
Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?
Wednesday 8 February 2023 16:19 , Andy Gregory
Described as a “wonderful teacher” and a “delightful person” who had a “distinguished career”, Emma Pattison was appointed the 14th headteacher of Epsom College last September – becoming the first woman to hold the role.
She had previously been headteacher at Croydon High School in south London, where she worked for six years.
Prior to working in Croydon, Ms Pattison was the deputy head at St John’s School in Leatherhead, an independent school also in Surrey.
My colleague Matt Mathers has more details:
Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?
