A man who fell to his death from the top of an Oxford church tower was yesterday named as a teacher at one of the city's leading private schools.

Dr David Brunton, who lived in Hinton Waldrist, near Wantage, was head of media studies at Magdalen College School.

He died on Tuesday last week after falling from the top of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin in Radcliffe Square.

Pupils and former pupils at the private boys' school in Cowley Place have paid tribute to Dr Brunton on the Oxford Mail and The Oxford Times websites.

Ex-pupil Hugo White said: "David was the best teacher I have ever had the pleasure to be taught by. His wit, his energy and above all his kindness and understanding dovetailed to create a genius in the true sense of the term.

"He was definitely the school's most popular teacher and will be greatly missed by all those he taught, amused and helped. Fond memories. Rest in peace."

Tadhgh Barwell O'Connor, from Oxford, said: "Dr Brunton was a dearly loved teacher and everyone who has ever been taught by him will miss him greatly.

"He made school life fun simply be being there. I am a better person because of his part in my life."

An unnamed former pupil said: "This is a tragic loss. That only recently, years after I left the school, I was recounting stories of David's wit and the value of his teaching, is testament to the qualities of the man.

"I have no doubt that I will continue to tell the same affectionate stories for many years."

Dr Brunton had worked at Magdalen College School for some years and was a housemaster.

He was pronounced dead by paramedics outside the church about 20 minutes after the ambulance service was called to reports that a man had apparently jumped from the tower.

Police are not treating the death as suspicious.

An inquest into Dr Brunton's death was opened and adjourned by Oxford coroner Nicholas Gardiner on Friday.