Jewish school communities have reacted with “great sadness” to the news of the sudden death of a JFS pupil.

Tributes have been paid to Oli Leigh, who attended Yavneh College in Borehamwood until last year, and who died on Monday.

The 16-year-old was known as a gifted sportsman, representing Team GB at the 2017 Maccabiah Games as a goalkeeper in its under-16 futsal team.

Maccabi London Lions said the club was “very saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our talented under-16 goalkeeper Oli Leigh”.

It added: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad and difficult time.”

Martin Berliner, chief executive of Maccabi GB, said the organisation was “shocked and saddened”. Oli was a “key member” of its under-16 futsal team, he said.

“Oli served Maccabi Great Britain with great distinction at the World Games, the highest level of achievement for any amateur Jewish sportsperson.

“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Oli’s family,” said Mr Berliner.

JFS and Yavneh College held special assemblies for their Year 11 pupils, who were classmates of Oli, to inform them of his death.

Both schools have made arrangements for grief counselling for students.