STUDENTS held a minute’s silence today (Monday) to remember 15-year-old Alex Rodda.

Alex was in year 11 at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School, and his body was found in Ashley on Friday morning.

Holmes Chapel Comprehensive headteacher Denis Oliver said: “Today the school community mourned the loss of Alex Rodda, a much-loved member of our school community.

“A young man who we all knew well, Alex was always a larger than life character, an energetic and engaging student who loved life.

“Alex wore his heart on his sleeve, as the saying goes, an open book to those who knew him well.

“He kept a very close group of friends. We must now, as a school family, all work together to come to terms with our loss.

“The safety and wellbeing of our students is our number one priority, and today we needed to give our students the opportunity to express their grief, to spend some time together in thoughtful reflection.

“This morning all of our students took part in a series of assemblies where we celebrated Alex’s time with us. During the assembly students held a minute’s silence in tribute to Alex.

“I am immensely proud of the way that students and staff have supported each other with thoughtful dignity.

Knutsford Guardian:

Floral tributes to Alex Rodda where his body was found

“There is nothing we can say to lessen the impact of this tragedy. What we can and will do is to offer support to all, particularly those who feel his loss most.

“We will remember Alex with fondness and compassion for the person that he was.

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone here at school are with Alex’s family and close friends at this truly heart-breaking time.”

An 18-year-old from Ollerton appeared in court today charged with Alex’s murder.