A 'kind and beautiful' teacher tragically collapsed and died in front of horrified pupils as they were sitting their GCSE exams.

Kings' School, in Winchester, was plunged into lockdown procedures following an 'urgent medical situation' involving a long-standing female member of staff.

The incident happened just minutes after pupils arrived for the start of the day at the highly-rated school, where around 1,800 students are enrolled.

An air ambulance was seen landing at the school, just before 9am on Thursday morning. Hampshire Police arrived afterwards at the scene to offer assistance.

In a statement, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance confirmed 'an air ambulance team of a doctor and two advanced paramedics were deployed by helicopter to an incident in Winchester at 8.58am on Thursday, 14 May.' 

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: 'We were called at 9.54am on Thursday, 14 May by ambulance colleagues to a report of a medical incident at Kings' School in Romsey Road, Winchester.

'Sadly a woman in her 40s was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next-of-kin have been made aware. Officers attended. 

'The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.'

Following the incident, the school sent an email to parents informing them that pupils would be sent home early, but year 11 exams would continue as scheduled.

The email, seen by Hampshire Chronicle, said: 'Due to an ongoing situation in school today related to an urgent medical situation, involving a member of staff, we have taken the decision to close the school early.

'All pupils are safe and remain supervised. We are now beginning a controlled dismissal process.

'All year 11 exams will remain as scheduled. We anticipate minimal disruptions, but we will keep you updated.'

The school remained closed for a second day on Friday, with dozens of floral tributes, candles and cards laid at the gates this morning.

Hundreds gathered to pay tribute to the teacher, who has been named locally as the school's head of business and computing. 

One pupil wrote on card: 'You were a wonderful teacher and will forever be remembered. Thank you for always being kind.'

Another wrote: 'You were such a sweet, kind, lovable, enjoyable and free soul. You would never ever hurt a fly. 

'You have made such an impact on many peoples lives, including mine. I'm very, very and forever will be grateful for all you have ever taught me.'

In a statement, a spokesperson from Kings' School told Daily Mail: 'Our focus remains on supporting the family, our staff and pupils at this difficult time. 

'We have no further comment to make beyond that and continue to ask that their privacy is respected. 

'Any operational or incident-related enquiries should be directed to Hampshire Police. Thank you for your understanding on behalf of everyone at Kings’.

Following the incident, scores of former students began paying tribute to the 'compassionate' teacher, who was 'one of the best' on social media.

One wrote: 'Thank you for being the kind of teacher that inspired and taught with kindness and compassion. You will be so missed and you leave a hole that can never be filled. Fly high beautiful lady.'

Another wrote: 'So heartbreaking. Such a legend.' 

A third wrote: 'One of the kindest and caring teachers. We are completely devastated by this news. Our thoughts go out to her family. 

'She will be missed but never forgotten.' 

One devastated pupil called her 'a beautiful lady who just had a lovely aura about her. Always smiling'.

The incident was attended by police, ambulance crews and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

A police spokesperson said: "We were called at 9.54am on Thursday, May 14, by ambulance colleagues to a report of a medical incident at Kings' School in Romsey Road, Winchester.

"Sadly, a woman in her 40s was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next-of-kin have been made aware.

"Officers attended. The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file is being prepared for the coroner."