A school community is in shock after a much-loved student with a bright future died suddenly from suspected meningitis.

Chris Mapletoft was in the upper-sixth form at Hampton School and had recently taken his A-levels.

The school said he became seriously unwell on the morning of Tuesday, June 18, and died later that day.

Headteacher Barry Martin said everyone at the school was devastated.

He said: “News of the death of a much-loved and admired student, with a very bright future ahead of him, has shocked and saddened the Hampton School community.

“Our hearts go out to the boy’s family and our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.

“All at the school are still trying to come to terms with the news of this tragic death. We are doing all we can to support the family and our thoughts remain with them at this profoundly sad time.”

Parents and pupils were told of the sad news on Wednesday and were given information about meningitis, which is the suspected cause of death.

Mr Martin said: “We understand that the exact cause of death has not yet been established. However, we have taken advice from Public Health England, which is treating this as a suspected case of meningococcal disease.

“No one else at the school is being treated for the disease and we have been advised that it is very rare for further connected cases to occur.”

Students and members of staff at the school have been offered counselling after the death of the popular student, who was a budding rugby centre.

He was awarded player of the tournament in the Jack Chester memorial competition, which the Hampton team won last year.

Loving tributes from his friends poured in on social media site Twitter.

Joshua Finn Weddle said: “It was good to know Chris Mapletoft while I could, a great man and teammate. Simply a shame he hadn’t the chance to live a fuller life #RIP.”

Ben Lewis-Clare said: “Never woken up to more desperately sad news. Goodbye my friend. RIP Chris Mapletoft.”

Ravi Patel said: “I’m still in shock, you were such a great guy and had so much to offer. You will be missed dearly. RIP Chris Mapletoft.”

Dan Fryer said: “RIP Chris Mapletoft you were a great friend. Thoughts are with your family x.”