Chessington Community College has created a new achievement award in memory of a teacher who colllapsed and died at the school.

Dr Jim Gill who taught IT and was a Year 10 form tutor, died after suffering a cardiac arrest in front of pupils on Tuesday, September 10.

But the school remembered him through a celebration of its pupils achievements earlier this month.

At the annual prize-giving ceremony, the inaugural Dr Jim Gill Memorial Award went to one of his former pupils, Lewis Barr - who had worked towards an IT GCSE with the help of Dr Gill.

Headteacher Rob Niedermaier-Reed said: “The Dr Jim Gill Award is a new prize awarded to the student who has most epitomised the schools achievement values of achievement, endeavour and resilience.

"Lewis was awarded this prize because he has consistently demonstrated these three values.

"In particular, he showed a fierce determination to achieve the best maths grade possible by attending every extra session that was made available to students.

“In addition, he obtained an ICT GCSE even though this was not one of his timetabled subjects because he and Dr Gill worked together in their spare time to undertake this qualification.

"Therefore, one can see why Lewis was particularly apt first recipient of this award.”

The school closed for two days following the death and students, staff, family and friends showed their condolences and support with flowers left at the school gates.

Other notable winners on the night included Jake Fenton who won the Charlie O’Donoghue Sport Award, Calum Garner who won the Mike Cowley Award for service to the college, Vincent Preece who won the Chessington Community College Challenge Award and Kalina Joniak who won the Artist of the Year Award.