Georgia Scarff was an accomplished, active, popular 15-year-old buzzly student at the Royal Hospital School at Holbrook. Tragically she was killed on April 15th 2024 when a lorry hit her just after 6am. The incident has opened up crucial conversations about mental health support for students at the elite boarding school. With fees now between £22–52,000 a year this could not be more timely.
Scarff was described by her family as an “inquisitive, yet quiet, young person” who “possessed great kindness, sensitivity, and the ability to be truly empathetic.” She was a star athlete, homecoming queen and straight A student, who was deeply interested in geopolitics. Her mental health was severely affected when her father was killed in a cycling accident when she was just two years old. Georgia’s mother, Jenny Scarff, had warned that her daughter was feeling suicidal. From Jan. 2023 to Jan. 2024, she experienced a spiking “sense of hopelessness” in the state of Georgia.
In reaction to her father’s death, the school put Georgia on a watch list to keep track of her health. During that time, she went to just three sessions with the school counselor. George King, a member of the school’s staff, stated that Georgia “did not present in a way which suggested she was suffering from mental anguish or anxiety.”
She joined the Royal Hospital School in August 2019. She had a difficult time adjusting to the demanding setting. On the last night of the Easter break, Georgia spent some good time with her mom and younger sister. They bonded over simultaneous laughter in front of their one television set.
Overnight she unexpectedly left the home and sent her mother “concerning” texts. At the end of this process, she ended up with devastating head injuries when struck by a goods vehicle on an arterial road.
Coroner Darren Stewart ruled on the circumstances of her death and ruled that Georgia had suicidal intent. In his unexpected report, he had praise for the embattled school’s safeguarding system. What he said worried him most was the inability of a teacher to reach out at the right moment.
“While I am satisfied the school has an effective safeguarding system in place, I do have a concern that a teacher did not enter that communication.” – Coroner Darren Stewart
Georgia Scarff’s death has left the community enraged and heartbroken. It has started a critical national conversation about what our schools can and should do to better care for the students battling mental health issues. Now the Royal Hospital School is in the spotlight. It has an opportunity to strengthen its mental health resources and preventative measures for students dealing with loss or increased anxiety.
Georgia’s family called her “a hugely positive force,” a fitting tribute to the immeasurable impact that she made on all who loved her. Advocacy for more mental health support for young people is at the forefront. Georgia’s story is a poignant reminder that honest dialogue and watchful engagement are imperative to protecting emotional health.
