A teacher, praised as an "outstanding colleague", died of a cardiac arrest at Chessington Community College this morning.

Dr Jim Gill suffered a heart attack at about 9.15am and the school was closed and pupils sent home.

London Ambulance Service was called to the school but was unable to resuscitate him.

Dr Gill was a year 10 tutor, and ICT and chemistry teacher.

Headteacher Rob Niedermaier-Reed said in a statement on the school’s website: “I can confirm that Dr Jim Gill, a teacher at the school, had a heart attack this morning and has sadly passed away.

"Jim was a truly outstanding colleague who has given so much to our community.

"Everyone in our community, adults and children, is shocked and upset by this awful news.

"However, first and foremost, our thoughts at this moment are with his wife and family.

"The school is closed for today and tomorrow out of respect to Jim and his family and also to give our community time to reflect."

Mr Niedermaier-Reed said he had spoken to Dr Gill's family.

Students posted tributes on Twitter.

One said: “Mr Gill had been the best tutor to us for the last 2 years, RIP.

"Can't believe it was only today I said that Mr Gill would be the teacher I'd miss the most when we finish school.”

Another said: “Such a tragic day! Mr Gill was just such a lovely man, always happens to the best. All thoughts with his family. RIP."

Former pupil Rhammel Afflick said: "I am in so much shock. He was such a fantastic teacher. Always willing to go above and beond. Caring is an understatement."

He died at the scene, London Ambulance said.

A spokeswoman said: "Our staff treated one patient, a man believed to be in his early 50s, who was in cardiac arrest. Sadly, despite extensive efforts, the patient died."

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