Tragedy as schoolboy dies in 'accident' during half-term holiday

03 June 2024 , 12:05
1463     0
His headteacher has shared the tragic news in a letter to parents
His headteacher has shared the tragic news in a letter to parents

A "LOVELY" and "valued" schoolboy has died in an "accident" during half-term.

Tributes have poured in for Rufus Pomeroy, a Year 8 pupil at Redland Green School in Bristol.

Rufus Pomeroy was a pupil at Redland Green School in Bristol qhiqquidqeiqkqprw
Rufus Pomeroy was a pupil at Redland Green School in BristolCredit: Eventbrite

Headteacher Ben Houghton said Rufus, who passed away last Tuesday, was "a lovely and valued member" of the school community.

He said: "I would like to express our heartfelt thoughts and condolences to Rufus's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.

"We are devastated by the loss of such a lovely and valued member of our school community."

I'm a mum who takes my kids out of school for holidays - it saves me thousandsI'm a mum who takes my kids out of school for holidays - it saves me thousands

Mr Houghton notified parents on Friday, but did not go into details about the accident, according to BristolLive.

He told parents: "I understand it is unusual to receive a message from me during the school holidays, but I must share some tragic news with you.

"It is with profound sadness that one of our Year 8 students died following an accident on Tuesday, 28 May."

The letter to parents continued: "Given the impact this news will have on our community, I wanted to ensure you were informed as soon as possible, even during the half-term break.

"This will also give you the opportunity to talk to your child before the new term.

"We recognise that our students will react in different ways to this awful news and support will be available to all who may be particularly impacted.

"This will be provided by our Wellbeing Team and overseen by Bristol City Council's Educational Psychology Crisis Team.

"Break-out rooms providing a calm and quiet space will be made available for the foreseeable future for any student who needs it.

"Students will be told this news first thing in the morning during mentor time with immediate support on offer."

"Out of respect to his family and friends, I would ask that you do not comment about this tragedy on social media," he added.

Everything you need to know about how many weeks there are in a school yearEverything you need to know about how many weeks there are in a school year

"We are deeply saddened by this loss to our school community and will make every effort to support you and your child."

Rufus is the second pupil from the secondary school to have died in less than two years.

It's after a Year 13 student died unexpectedly in September 2022.

Jonathan Rose

Bristol, School term dates and holidays

Read more similar news:

06.02.2023, 10:18 • UK News
My son's school fined me £240 over hol - now I'm playing them at their own game
07.02.2023, 13:33 • Lifestyle
The overnight family city break in February half term for under £50
14.02.2023, 10:32 • Lifestyle
I told the head I was taking my kids away in term time & she cheered me on
14.02.2023, 11:45 • Lifestyle
Flying from these three airports could save families hundreds this August
16.02.2023, 15:55 • Showbiz
What is a prep school in the UK?
27.02.2023, 12:46 • Sport
Tempted to book a holiday? Here's what the fine is if you take your kids away during term time
13.04.2023, 13:45 • UK News
Major change to half-term school holiday sparks fury from thousands of parents
17.04.2023, 06:58 • UK News
Primary school places 2023
03.05.2023, 07:07 • Lifestyle
We were fined £480 for taking our kids on holiday but we have no regrets
10.05.2023, 08:13 • Sport
I've saved nearly £10k taking kids on holidays during term time FOUR times