Sami Ahmed, a Year 10 pupil at Dixons City Academy, off Manchester Road, suffered a head injury after falling from a "significant height" while on a hike on Sunday.

The school described 15-year-old Sami as a "fantastic young man" and an "excellent sportsman".

He is said to have fallen 30 to 40 metres from Intermediate Gulley on Dow Crag and was using the gulley as a descent route.

A Cumbria Police spokesman said the death was not being treated as suspicious.

The school say fellow pupils were notified of the news today and offered counselling if needed.

Dow Crag near Coniston

Dixons City Academy Principal Michael Feely's letter read: "With tremendous sadness, I write to inform you about Sami Ahmed, a Year 10 student at our academy, who passed away over the weekend.

"Sami was hiking with his family in the Lake District when he slipped and fell from a significant height.

"I know many of you know and care about Sami and his family, and will be deeply affected by this news.

"Students have been notified of the news today and offered counselling and ongoing support.

"Three counsellors will be in school tomorrow and will be available for students, staff, and especially Sami’s many close friends.

"Sami was a fantastic young man who was kind, polite, and hardworking.

"He was the epitome of everything great about our community and was loved by students and staff.

"He was an excellent sportsman and always went out of his way to help others. We will miss him dearly.

"In time, we will be working with Sami’s family, friends, and teachers to consider how we want to remember Sami and the positive legacy he has left in our school.

"For now, our priority is to respond thoughtfully and sensitively to Sami’s family and friends, ensuring they have the support they need."

A spokesman for Coniston Mountain Rescue Team expressed their sincere condolences to the young man’s family and friends.

He said: “Any incident of this type is extremely sad, and heartbreaking for all involved, and we would urge people of all ages to treat the hills and crags with respect.

“We would like to express our sincere condolences to the young man’s family and friends.”

Another stranded walker was met at the top of the climbers’ descent and was escorted down by mountain rescue crews.