Yahoo News Prep school teacher found dead at London church where pupils performed nativity play
A teacher at an exclusive London preparatory school has been found dead at the church where pupils performed in a nativity play.
A clergyman discovered the body of a teacher from Pembridge Hall School in Notting Hill, west London, last Tuesday morning.
The body of the 52-year-old teacher was found at St Matthew’s in Bayswater, days after the school posted photos on social media of pupils taking part in a nativity play.
The girls’ school is part of the Inspired Education group of elite private schools, which also includes Wetherby, the prep school attended by Prince William and Prince Harry.
Sophie Banks, headmistress of Pembridge Hall School, 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, told The Telegraph that he found the body last Tuesday morning. “It was a horrible moment to discover a body,” he said.
He said that the school has been hosting nativity plays at the school for years. The church is closed to the public at night, he said.
Another staff member at the vicarage, who did not want to be named, said: “It was a very peaceful and dignified death”.
‘Early enquiries do not indicate death is suspicious’
Pembridge Hall, which charges fees of around £26,000 a year, teaches pupils between the ages of four and 11. It prepares girls for entrance exams at “the top day and boarding senior schools in the country”, according to its website.
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.”
