The headteacher of Lockers Park School has paid tribute to the boy who died after a sporting accident on Tuesday evening.
The 12-year-old Lockers Park School pupil died after a freak accident during a school hockey game in Hemel Hempstead.
He was rushed to Watford General Hospital on Tuesday afternoon after being hit on the head by a ball during a training drill.
Paramedics were called to the young student's aid and fought to save him but he died in hospital later that evening.
Henry Wickman, head teacher at the school, said: "We offer our deepest condolences and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time.
"The school are all devastated at his loss and have described him as a bright light of Lockers, filling the school with his energy, sense of humour and huge smile. He will be deeply missed."
Gary Sanderson, spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service, said: "First and foremost our thoughts are firmly with the boy's family and friends at this tragic time."
He added that the ambulance had been called to the school shortly after 3pm.
"He was in cardiac arrest when we arrived and paramedics worked extremely hard to stabilise the boy who was in a critical condition, before conveying him to an awaiting medical team at Watford General Hospital," he said.
The school takes boarders and day pupils and has just 140 boys on its rolls, all aged between five and 13. Fees are up to £5,455 a term.
Founded in 1874, many of the school's pupils go on to study at Eton and Oxbridge and former old boys include Louis Mountbatten - great grandson of Queen Victoria and uncle to Prince Philip.
Tory politician Keith Joseph is also a former pupil.
Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the boy's death but say they have no reason to think there were any suspicious circumstances.
The family were too upset to talk about the tragedy.
A post-mortem examination was due to be held today (Thursday).
Schoolboy named after hockey tragedyLeave your tributes to the school boy hereJames Coles, Hemel Hempstead
Anita, Keavon our thoughts are with you in this difficult time. Jamie + Sarah
RIGAUD, BRISTOL
HIS POOR PARENTS
anon
The boy who was killed in the accident was one of my best friends and every boy in the school misses him but we know he is in heaven and he is having a good life.
Rob G, Wheathampstead
It was a very unfortunate accident and I hope he rests in peace
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