School to open in half term for tributes to Year 11 pupil pulled from water at Midlands park

A West Midlands school is set to open for two hours for the community to gather following the death of a Year 11 pupil.

The body of 16-year-old girl, named locally as Lillianna Tomlinson, was recovered from water at Kingsbury Water Park, near Sutton Coldfield, shortly after 7.20pm on May 25. Despite the best efforts of emergency service crews, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lillianna was a Year 11 pupil at Kingsbury School, in north Warwickshire - which has now confirmed it will reopen for two hours on Thursday (May 28) from 11am for students, staff and parents to come together to honour her memory.

Headteacher Martin Clarke said it was "with great sadness" the school had to confirm the death of one of its students. In a letter to parents Clarke said: "Our thoughts are with Lillianna's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."

The school said support was being put in place for students, including access to pastoral and safeguarding staff, bereavement support, and drop-in sessions with the school nurse team. A book of condolences will also be made available.

However, the school also urged parents and carers to be mindful of speculating on social media, adding: ”We kindly ask that the privacy of Lillianna's family and friends is respected at this time."