The death of 14-year-old Breck Bednar has "devastated" pupils and staff at St Bede's School in Redhill.
Breck, from Caterham, apparently suffered a stab injury to the neck on Monday morning at a flat in Grays, Essex.
Chris Curtis, head at St Bede's - where Breck was a year 10 pupil - said: "We were devastated to hear the awful news about Breck Bednar.
"Breck was a bright and hard working student who teachers describe as a real pleasure to teach.
"His tutor described him as 'a model student, a conscientious young man with a great deal of potential.'
"We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and with all affected."
