The father of a 16-year pupil who died by suicide on the grounds of an exclusive boarding school says he is “praying for grace, forgiveness, and wisdom for all involved” at the beginning of a three-day inquest into her death. Caitlyn Scott-Lee’s body was found in April 2023 at Wycombe Abbey School in Buckinghamshire.
Caitlyn, who had autism and was suffering from anxiety and depression, had been due to have a headmistress’s detention after vodka and a tattoo kit had been found in her locker. It would have been her first detention.
Jonathan Scott-Lee told The Sunday Times that it had “never occurred” to him that Caitlyn was at risk of committing suicide at boarding school but that it had “become painfully clear that Caitlyn was truly literal”, and she confided in a friend, who alerted the school after she said she would “rather kill myself than go to detention!”
Scott-Lee says he doesn’t blame the school, which offers access to in-house counsellors and a wellbeing centre, for his daughter’s death but that it would be prudent to explore improvements.
Responding to Caitlyn’s death, Wycombe Abbey said the school was “deeply shocked” at the loss of “a bright and talented young woman with enormous promise who will never be forgotten here”.
Last Summer, Caitlyn was awarded posthumous GCSE results which showed she had achieved ten GCSEs of grade seven and above.
Mr Scott-Lee said: “I was grateful that Wycombe Abbey shared the concept of posthumous awards and, in time, her achievements will be a positive memory to cherish.
“For now, I would much rather be holding Caitlyn than a piece of paper with grades. Sadly, she isn’t here to celebrate with us or her friends. She, herself, wanted to achieve the very best and did so.
“I’m very proud of Caitlyn but, actually, nothing that she could ever do would make me love her any more nor less.”
Scott-Lee told The Telegraph: “As Caitlyn’s inquest begins, my thoughts remain with Caitlyn, the Coroner, and the witnesses who will provide evidence over the next three days.
“I have been particularly praying for grace, forgiveness, and wisdom for all involved.”