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 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 at the church.

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.

‘Challenging period’

Sophie Banks, the Pembridge Hall School headmistress, 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.”

Rev Will Coleridge, the 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 the church had been hosting nativity plays by the school for years. St Matthew’s is closed to the public at night, he added.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “Police were called at 08.55 on Dec 5 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 inquiries do not indicate it is suspicious. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”

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.