New Epsom College headteacher vows to honour predecessor Emma Pattison after mum and daughter found dead

17 February 2023, 23:05

A new headteacher has been brought in at Epsom College
A new headteacher has been brought in at Epsom College. Picture: Alamy/Social media

By Emma Soteriou

The new headteacher of Epsom College has vowed to honour the legacy of his predecessor Emma Pattison who is believed to have been killed with her daughter by her husband.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Sir Anthony Seldon, a former vice-chancellor of Buckingham University and former master of Wellington College, is set to take on the role from March 1 until September 2024 - when a permanent headteacher will be installed.

Mrs Pattison and her seven-year-old daughter Lettie are believed to have been murdered by husband and father George Pattison before he took his own life on February 5.

The three were found dead at their home in the grounds of Epsom College in Surrey after Mrs Pattison, 45, made a distressed call to her sister.

Read more: 'Comforted they remain together': Family pay tribute to 'inseparable' Epsom College head and daughter found dead

Read more: 'He must have gone mad': Family of Epsom College killer reveal their shock after 'murder-suicide'

The deaths are being investigated as a possible murder-suicide.
The deaths are being investigated as a possible murder-suicide. Picture: Social media

Sir Anthony, 69, said: "I am committed to ensuring that Emma's legacy is honoured and that Epsom College moves forward in the manner she intended.

"This is what Emma would have wanted for all the pupils and staff she had worked with, supported, and for whom she had such high hopes.

"Emma was driven, ambitious and courageous - there is no better way to respect her memory than for Epsom College to forge ahead and embody the values that guided her life."

Surrey Police have still not revealed details of how the family died but a firearm that was legally registered to 39-year-old Mr Pattison was found at the scene.

He was in contact with police just days before about changing the address on his licence after the family moved on to school grounds, but no concerns appeared to have been raised about a gun and ammunition being kept at his home.

Emma Pattison and daughter Lettie, 7, were described as "inseparable"
Emma Pattison and daughter Lettie, 7, were described as "inseparable". Picture: Surrey Police

Sir Anthony added: "My role as head of Epsom College will be to provide the confidence, stability and maturity to see it through the aftershocks of the deaths of Emma and Lettie Pattison.

"I will also focus everybody on outstanding teaching and learning in the classroom, and outside, giving pride, purpose, and meaning to the whole community.

"The members of the current senior leadership team have several decades of experience and will be running the school.

"I will be right alongside them, moving the school on in preparation for the incoming head in September 2024."

The appointment comes days after relatives of Mrs Pattison and Lettie released a tribute through Surrey Police that said: "To see the esteem in which Emma is held by all who knew her is an enormous comfort."

It added: "The two of them were inseparable and we take comfort in that they will remain so."

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has decided not to investigate the force's handling of the matter.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Australian breaker Rachael Gunn, also known as Raygun, during the B-Girls Round Robin breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park in Paris,Credit: Australian Associated Press/Alamy Live News

Raygun quits competitive breakdancing after 'kangaroo' dance mocked at Paris Olympics

Keir Starmer has offered his 'hearty congratulations' to Donald Trump - but is facing pressure to apologise over past comments made by David Lammy

Starmer offers 'hearty congratulations' to Trump, but faces pressure over Lammy's past criticisms of president

Kamala Harris has conceded defeat to Donald Trump

'I concede the election but not the fight': Harris urges supporters not to despair despite defeat to Trump

Donald Trump speaks at his election night watch party, Wednesday

What does Trump's victory mean for war in the Middle East and in Ukraine?

Amy Dowden and former dance partner JB Gill

Amy Dowden gives health update after announcing she is dropping out of Strictly in 'heartbreaking' statement

Mpox only spreads between people who are in close proximity to each other.

Another case of new more infectious mpox strain detected in UK, bringing total to four

Kamala Harris spoke with Donald Trump to congratulate him on his victory

Kamala Harris calls Trump to concede defeat and urges him to govern for all Americans as president

Exclusive
FILE - Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, right, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shake hands during their meeting at Trump Tower, on Sept. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

Trump 'is serious about ending Ukraine war', says former national security adviser as he blames Biden for the conflict

Suzy Lamplugh disappeared in 1986, with John Cannan the prime suspect

Prime suspect in disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh dies in prison 40 years after estate agent went missing

Queen Camilla will return to her royal duties next week.

Palace gives update on Camilla's return to work after Queen falls ill

Catherine Warrilow spoke out over her issue with Ryanair

Shock as Ryanair force passenger to pay over £100 for carry-on case - even though it fit in the checker

File photo of migrants being rescued in the Channel

Over 50 migrants rescued in English Channel, as 'several bodies' also pulled from the sea

JK Rowling funds a women-only rape crisis centre in Edinburgh

£70,000 payout for woman at centre of rape centre's 'trans heresy hunt'

Ukraine says forces clashed with North Korean troops for first time

Ukraine says forces clashed with North Korean troops for first time

John Swinney says he will press the new US government not to reintroduce tariffs on Scotch whisky.

Fears for Scottish whisky jobs with Trump election

Kamala Harris set to give concession speech hours after supporters are told to leave watch party amid Trump victory

Kamala Harris set to give concession speech hours after supporters are told to leave watch party amid Trump victory