Rickmansworth School offers ‘thoughts and prayers’ after death of former student Andrew Kirkman

Staff and students from Rickmansworth School have offered their ‘thoughts and prayers’ to the parents of a former student found dead on Sunday. Andrew Kirkman, 20, from Northwood, was found in a tent erected in an Oxford field by a passerby on Sunday (December 8) at 12.25pm, with police believing that the tent was filled with poisonous gas. The death of the 20-year-old Oxford University student is “unexplained but there are no suspicious circumstances”, according to Thames Valley Police. Mr Kirkman attended Eastbury Farm Primary School and Rickmansworth School before going on to secure a place to study physics and philosophy at the prestigious Balliol College, Oxford. The 20-year-old’s former teachers at Rickmansworth School have revealed their heartbreak over the announcement of his death. A school spokesman said: “The staff and students at Rickmansworth School were shocked and saddened to learn that an ex-student, Andrew Kirkman, died at the weekend. At this time our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We all remember Andrew fondly as a young man of great intellect and charm. His teachers didn’t so much teach him as guide him through school.” He added: “Andrew will live long in our memory and, as a school, we will do everything we can to support his parents, brothers and friends as they come to terms with this tragic loss.” Mr Kirkman’s former chemistry teacher, Mr Gentry, remembers his former student as one full of promise. He said: “Andrew would ask the most incredible questions; he thought deeply about what he was being told and would always seek answers that satisfied his scientific curiosity.” Physics teacher Mr Thomson added that Mr Kirkman was “amazingly well read” and a student who “really kept me on my toes with his thirst for knowledge and understanding.” Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Wilkes said: “He was a popular student whom his peers recognised as being one of the very best. We were all very excited for him when he succeeded in gaining a place at Oxford University to study Physics and Philosophy.” Acting head Mark Allchorn confirmed that the school would be offering support to affected students. He said: “Andrew was a very bright and well-loved former student and our school community has been deeply affected by this tragedy. We are closely monitoring the wellbeing of all students in the coming days and offering support where necessary.” If you would like to pay tribute to Andrew Kirkman email adam@mynewsmag.co.uk