A teacher has died after collapsing in front of pupils during GCSE exams at King's School in Winchester. The woman, named locally as Mrs Bamford, was the head of business and computing at the school.
The incident unfolded on Thursday, May 14, minutes after pupils arrived for the start of the school day. An air ambulance landed at the school just before 9am, with Hampshire Police arriving shortly afterwards.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance confirmed a team was deployed by helicopter to the incident at 8:58am. Hampshire Police said: "We were called at 9.54am by ambulance colleagues to a report of a medical incident at Kings' School. Sadly a woman in her 40s was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next-of-kin have been made aware. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner."
Hundreds of pupils paid tribute to Mrs Bamford, leaving cards and floral tributes outside the school. One card read: "You were a wonderful teacher and will forever be remembered. Thank you for always being kind." Another said: "You were such a sweet, kind, lovable, enjoyable and free soul. You have made such an impact on many people's lives, including mine."
A spokesperson for King's School said: "Our focus remains on supporting the family, our staff and pupils at this difficult time. We have no further comment to make beyond that and continue to ask that their privacy is respected."
