Special assemblies have been held at St John’s School, Marlborough, to help pupils come to terms with the death of their friend and schoolmate Maisie Gibbins.

Identical twin Maisie, a Year 8 student, died on Wednesday after a short illness. She had been taken ill at the beginning of the half term in late October and had been seriously ill in hospital in Bristol for nearly three weeks.

Headteacher Dr Patrick Hazlewood said in a message to parents: “We are very sorry to say that, although the doctors tried everything they could to help her, Maisie passed away peacefully.

“Maisie was a very positive and determined young lady and we know that her parents, and Maisie herself, would not want you to be sorry or sad. However, it is a tragic loss and one that will affect many in the school and the wider community.

“We have made counselling and support available through Rev Candice Marcus, the school counsellors and pastoral staff at the school for anyone who may need it.

“There will be a book of remembrance in student services for students who knew Maisie to write in for the next few days. We will then pass this on to Maisie’s family.”