Tragedy Strikes Prestigious Kent Boarding School
The Kent College Canterbury community is in mourning today after an 18-year-old student was found dead in his boarding house on Thursday night. The teenager, who has not been formally named, passed away after suffering what the school described as a 'medical episode' at bedtime.
School Closes as Community Grieves
In response to the devastating loss, the senior school has been closed for day pupils. A statement from the school confirmed they are focusing on supporting their boarding community as they come to terms with this tragic event. Kent College Canterbury, which was founded in 1885 and currently educates more than 500 students, is expected to reopen on Saturday, November 19.
The school's statement expressed profound sadness: 'We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our boarding pupils on November 17. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family, friends and our wider school community.'
Wellbeing Support and Tributes
Comprehensive support is being provided to students and staff affected by the tragedy. The school has made available wellbeing support, counselling, and adult listeners to help the boarding community process their grief.
In an email to parents, teacher Mark Turnbull paid tribute to the student, noting he had 'won considerable praise from his teachers for the manner in which he approached the opportunities at the school.' The co-educational private school, which charges £53,394 per year for full-boarders, has five houses for its senior school pupils. While the senior school remains closed, Kent College Junior School is open with appropriate support being offered.
