A SCHOOL community has had a tragic end to the year after the death of a Year 11 student.

Matthew Arnold School sent a letter to parents yesterday morning breaking the news.

Headteacher Katherine Ryan and her assistant Hannah Palin said: “It is with great sadness that we confirm that a member of our school, Ricardo in Year 11, has died suddenly.

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“Ricardo will be remembered as a caring, considerate, well-liked member of our school community.

"Many young people will wish to talk with their parents, or talk to someone else, about how they are feeling. Please talk to your child about this, even if they did not know Ricardo.

"If you are concerned about your son’s/daughter’s reaction or expression of feelings about this news, please seek help and support.  During the rest of the summer holiday period, support is being made available through our School Health Nurse, Tikki Harrold, to all young people who wish to talk to an adult other than their own family." 

Few details have been released about the identity of the pupil or the circumstances of his death.

Year 11 pupils are usually aged 15 and 16 years old.

GCSE results were revealed on Thursday.

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The school heads at the Botley school added: "We ask that the school’s community is respectful of Ricardo’s memory and respectful of the family’s need for privacy at this difficult time as they start the process of grieving for their loss."

Any pupil who is in year 11 at the school but is leaving can still contact Mrs Palin or their house leader for support.

Independent organisations can also help:  

  • Winston’s Wish 08088 020021 winstonswish.org
  • Child Bereavement UK 08000 288840 childbereavementuk.org
  • 24/7 Mental Health Helpline for Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Adults: 0800 783 0119 or 01865 904 997

Children and young people: 0800 783 0121 or 01865 904 998