Police have launched a probe after a teenager was found dead at an elite girls’ boarding school.

Emergency services were rushed to Roedean School in Brighton, just after 6.30pm on Wednesday, after reports of a ‘concern for welfare of a child’.

There they found a 15-year-old girl. She was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

Sussex Police are now investigating the youngster’s ‘sudden and unexplained’ death. Her family has been informed.

Roedean is one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the country with fees of up to £60,000 a year.

Headteacher Niamh Green said the ‘distressing’ news had ‘come as a shock to everybody’.

She said the youngster had only recently joined the school, but was said to have already become ‘a valued member of the community’.

A letter was reportedly sent to parents, making them aware of the incident, while pupils were offered support.

Emergency services were called to Roedean School at 6.30pm on Wednesday. A teenage girl was declared dead at the scene

Emergency services were called to Roedean School at 6.30pm on Wednesday. A teenage girl was declared dead at the scene

The school, on the East Sussex coast, charges fees of up to £60,000 a year

The school, on the East Sussex coast, charges fees of up to £60,000 a year

The Mirror reported Ms Green said in a statement: ‘This incredibly distressing news has come as a terrible shock to everyone at Roedean.

‘The loss of such a young life, so full of promise and hope, is deeply heartbreaking, and we extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all those affected by this terrible news.

‘Although she had only recently joined us, she had already become a valued member of our community, making good friends and settling well into school life.

‘She will be greatly missed, and we will continue to support her family, our students and staff, and the wider community as we mourn her loss.’

Sussex Police said: ‘Emergency services were called to reports of concern for the welfare of a child at Roedean School in Roedean Way, Roedean, on Wednesday at 6.30pm.

‘Her next of kin have been informed. Enquiries are ongoing alongside the school, but there are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.’

Former pupils at the school include Roald Dahl’s daughter Tessa and Bafta-winning Industry star Marisa Abela.

The Daily Mail has approached the school and police for further comment.