The trust which runs All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield has paid tribute to 15-year-old Harvey Willgoose, who was fatally stabbed, describing him as “precious” and “loved”.
Steve Davies, chief executive of the St Clare Catholic Multi Academy Trust which runs the secondary school said in a statement: “Yesterday All Saints Catholic High School lost one of our own in the most shocking and tragic of circumstances.
“Harvey was an invaluable part of our school community.
“An immensely popular young man with his fellow students and teachers alike, he had a smile that would light up the room.
“Harvey was young. He was precious. He was loved.
“We are all struggling to process what has happened and our thoughts and prayers are with Harvey’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“It is unimaginable to comprehend what they are going through and whilst there are no words that will take away the pain and grief from Harvey’s family and friends, I simply want to express, on behalf of the whole school community, our heartfelt condolences.
“A tragic and shocking incident such as this shakes us to our core and is the opposite of the ethos of what All Saints stands for – a loving, caring school community.
“We now need to focus on how we can support those grieving the loss of their precious family member, friend and student.”
Mr Davies thanked the other organisations which have offered their support.
He added: “I understand and appreciate the upset and fear that families will be feeling at this time.
“All Saints has always been proud of the warmth, care and love that the school is known for.
“We will all need to draw on those qualities in rebuilding confidence.
“We are assisting the police in their ongoing investigation and echo their call to refrain from engaging in speculation and misinformation whilst they establish the facts behind this tragic incident.”
I understand and appreciate the upset and fear that families will be feeling at this time
Bishop Ralph Heskett, Bishop of Hallam expressed his condolences to Harvey’s family.
He said: “Our prayers, and those of every parish and school, are with Harvey, his parents, family and friends for a young life lost and all those affected by this tragedy.
“My thoughts are also with the students, staff and community of All Saints Catholic High School at this time.”
Father Mark McManus, parish priest at St Joseph’s, Handsworth, said there will be a Mass for Harvey at 10am on Saturday.
The teenager was a former pupil St Joseph’s Academy, and the priest said: “Our parish has a particular bond with St Joseph’s School and close ties with All Saints School.
“It would then seem most appropriate that we offer our support wherever and whenever we can and most especially through our public prayer.
“Our Mass will be offered for Harvey and his family, and friends, for the two school communities and for all who have been marked or touched by this terrible tragedy.”
