TRIBUTES have been paid to an ‘inspirational’ schoolboy who died suddenly.

Arlind Koka, aged 15, a pupil at Philips High School in Whitefield, died on Saturday, May 13.

The student is understood to have had a medical condition although his death was unexpected.

Headteacher Tina Owen paid tribute to Arlind, who was described as a ‘caring individual’.

In a letter to parents, Ms Owen said: “It is with deep regret that I am writing to inform about a recent loss to our school community. On Saturday one of our Year 11 students passed away unexpectedly.”

School pupils have left floral tributes to the teenager and stuck messages on a tree within the school grounds.

Ms Owen said: “We are planning an indoor tribute tree to him as well and a lasting one – maybe landscaping – a place where the school community can sit and reflect.

“We are all devastated, both pupils and staff. I asked the children to give me words to describe Arlind and they chose, ‘unique, inspirational, loving’ and ‘a caring individual’.

“He loved going to the gym and playing football — his friends said he had a good left foot and a bad right one. He loved watching Manchester United.

“Arlind has been with us since Year 7 and he has a sister in Year 8. We have had counsellors come into school, to help children and teachers.

“Arlind was really popular with both pupils and staff and everyone has pulled together to support each other through the tragedy.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with his family.”