A pupil was found dead at a private school last night, with the site partly closed today as his peers and staff mourn the tragedy.
Police were called to Kent College Canterbury after the 18-year-old “died at bedtime” in a boarding house.
The pupil died at Kent College Canterbury on Monday night
A statement released by the private school says: “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.
“We are now supporting our pupils and their families.”
The senior school will be closed for day pupils today.
“This will allow us to support our boarding community as they come to terms with this tragic loss,” the statement continues.
Police say the tragedy at Kent College Canterbury is being treated as non-suspicious
“The school is expected to re-open on November 19, at which point we will take time to bring our whole community together and offer further support.
“Kent College Junior School remains open with pupils and staff being offered appropriate support.”
In an email to parents, teacher Mark Turnbull says the pupil had “won considerable praise from his teachers for the manner in which he approached the opportunities at the school”.
He adds: “Given the magnitude of the tragedy, we have cancelled school for the day to give the whole community some time to come to terms with the tragic loss.
“The boys and the boarding community are being provided with access to wellbeing support, counselling and adult listeners that will give them the support that they need at this time.”
A co-boarding private school, Kent College dates back to 1885 and has more than 500 pupils.
It has five houses for senior school pupils.
Police say they were called to a medical incident on Whitstable Road, Canterbury, at just before 11pm on Monday.
A spokesperson said: “Officers attended the scene along with paramedics and an 18-year-old man was confirmed to be deceased.
“His death is being treated as non-suspicious, and a report will be compiled for the coroner.”
