The headteacher of a school attended by a “role model” pupil who has died suddenly has said staff and pupils are devastated.

Aneesha Fazarally, 14, died suddenly on Sunday, although the circumstances surrounding her death have not been revealed.

Zoe Cozens, headteacher of Heathcote School and Science College in Normanton Park, Chingford, today paid tribute to the “bubbly” and “popular” student.

She said: “Her loss is tragic, we are absolutely devastated.

“It is always difficult when a child dies suddenly and we are all grieving terribly. Aneesha was part of our community.

“She was a good, hard working student - a bubbly girl with a good sense of humour. She was able and a role model student. We will miss her.

"It is too difficult to describe how her fellow pupil’s feel. All I know is they are very upset and we are all mourning.

The school received a call from a member of Aneesha’s family on Monday informing them of her death.

She was a former pupil of Chase Lane Primary School in York Road, Chingford.

Ms Cozens said the year 10 pupil was on target to achieve good exam results in her GCSE’s next year.

The pupil’s two form tutors, Emily Welham and Elke McShane, have described the teenager as a “great model to her peers”.

In a statement, they said: “Aneesha was a great role model to her peers and always had a friendly smile on her face. She also had an assertive side to her character and would always stand up for what she believed in.

“She was a popular member of the school and especially in her form, always there to give a helping hand to anyone who would need one. We will miss her positive spirit.”

An area has been set up in the foyer of the school with a book of condolence and dozens of flowers have been laid by staff and pupils.