A teacher collapsed and died in front of her pupils as they sat their GCSE exams at King's School in Winchester. The teacher, named locally as Mrs Bamford, was head of business and computing at the school.
The incident occurred shortly after pupils arrived for the start of the school day on Thursday, May 14. An air ambulance landed at the school just before 9am, and Hampshire Police arrived shortly afterward.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance confirmed that a doctor and two advanced paramedics were deployed by helicopter to the scene at 8:58am. Hampshire Police stated: '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.'
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 would never ever hurt a fly.'
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.'
