Following the tragic death of Emma Pattison, Epsom College has asked Sir Anthony Seldon to be Head. He has agreed to take up the role from March 1 until September 2024. Sir Anthony has pledged to honour Emma Pattison’s legacy. Emma’s family fully support Sir Anthony’s appointment and are heartened that the College is able to move forward in a positive light.
Sir Anthony 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.”
“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.”
Commenting on Sir Anthony’s appointment, Lord Alex Carlile KC CBE, President of Epsom College, said: “Clearly, we wish this appointment had never been necessary. Emma was a wonderful person, an educator of distinction and someone who was set to take the College on an exciting journey. That her time was so cruelly cut short is devastating to all that knew her, and all those who were yet to know her but would have benefitted immeasurably from her talents.
“In these circumstances, I can think of no one better to lead the College than Sir Anthony. I am confident that his strong vision, leadership and experience, with the stellar support of the Senior Leadership Team that earned Epsom the title of Independent School of the Year, is the very finest way to honour Emma Pattison’s legacy.”
A new permanent Head will start in September 2024.
