A carpet of floral tributes have been laid in memory of a teacher named locally as Mrs Bamford, who worked at Kings’ School, Winchester as head of business and computing
09:12, 16 May 2026Updated 09:54, 16 May 2026
Tributes have poured in for a teacher named locally as Mrs Bamford
A school has been left in mourning after a “kind and beautiful” teacher collapsed and died in front of pupils while they were sitting their GCSE exams. Kings’ School, in Winchester, activated lockdown procedures following an “urgent medical situation” involving a long-standing female member of staff.
It is understood the incident happened just minutes after pupils arrived. Police and the air ambulance were scrambled to the scene, reports the Mail. In a statement, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance said “an air ambulance team of a doctor and two advanced paramedics were deployed by helicopter to an incident in Winchester at 8.58am on Thursday, 14 May.”
A Hampshire Police spokesperson said : “We were called at 9.54am on Thursday, 14 May by ambulance colleagues to a report of a medical incident at Kings’ School in Romsey Road, Winchester.
Flowers and tributes outside the school gates(Image: Hampshire Chronicle/Solent News)
“Sadly a woman in her 40s was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next-of-kin have been made aware. Officers attended.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.”
The school sent an email to parents informing them that pupils would be sent home early, but year 11 exams would continue as scheduled
The email, seen by Hampshire Chronicle, said: “Due to an ongoing situation in school today related to an urgent medical situation, involving a member of staff, we have taken the decision to close the school early.
“All pupils are safe and remain supervised. We are now beginning a controlled dismissal process.
The incident happened at King’s School in Winchester(Image: Google)
“All year 11 exams will remain as scheduled. We anticipate minimal disruptions, but we will keep you updated.”
Dozens of floral tributes, candles and cards have been laid at the school gates as many paid tribute to the teacher, who has been named locally as Mrs Bamford, the school’s head of business and computing.
One pupil wrote on card: “You were a wonderful teacher and will forever be remembered. Thank you for always being kind.”
Another wrote: “You were such a sweet, kind, lovable, enjoyable and free soul. You would never ever hurt a fly.
“You have made such an impact on many peoples lives, including mine. I’m very, very and forever will be grateful for all you have ever taught me.”
In a statement, a spokesperson from Kings’ School told Daily Mail: “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.
“Any operational or incident-related enquiries should be directed to Hampshire Police. Thank you for your understanding on behalf of everyone at Kings.”
Since the tragedy, scores of tributes have been posted on social media.
One wrote: “Thank you for being the kind of teacher that inspired and taught with kindness and compassion. You will be so missed and you leave a hole that can never be filled. Fly high beautiful lady.”
