A-level results day for one school was tinged with sadness following the death of a much-loved teacher.

Students at Oaks Park High School have paid tribute to Craig Foster, who died yesterday after being diagnosed with terminal cancer just over two weeks ago.

Pupils heard the tragic news hours before receiving their A-level results, with Redbridge Council confirming the school had achieved provisional grades of 21 per cent A*s and As and 68 per cent A*-C grades.

In a statement posted on the school website yesterday, headteacher Steve Wilks spoke of his sadness at the death of the father of two, who was inclusion co-ordinator at the school, working to help new pupils settle in.

Mr Wilks wrote: “It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Mr Foster passed away earlier today. He was at St Francis Hospice surrounded by his close family.

“Over the past few weeks Mr Foster’s condition has deteriorated rapidly having been diagnosed with terminal cancer just over two weeks ago.

“Despite this deterioration in his health Mr Foster remained in good spirits throughout and until the last few days continued to question me about what was going on at school.”

Mr Foster joined Oaks Park in May 2002 as a head of year, before being appointed as inclusion co-ordinator in September 2011.

“He contributed so much to Oaks Park and he will be sorely missed by all the staff and students past and present,” said Mr Wilks.

“I am still trying to come to terms with the news and will update you all when appropriate.

“Our thoughts are with his wife Melanie and his children Ben and Hayley.”

Taking to Twitter, pupils at the school spoke of “love and respect” for Mr Foster.

Sean Thomas ‏(@SeanThomas93) wrote: “Rest in peace Mr. Foster. Oaks Park has lost a great teacher and an even better man. Thoughts go out to his family and friends.”

George Saunders ‏(@GeorgeJSaunders) said: “RIP Mr Foster, Oaks Park won’t be the same without him. Always such a happy person and did his best for everyone.”

Taylor Mullaney ‏(@TaylorMullaney_) said: “R.I.P MR Foster, I just hope you know how much every single student at Oaks Park loves and respects you, Gone but never forgotten.”

And Ryan Cooper ‏(@coops_ryan) wrote: “Oaks park lost a huge influential person today, one of the best teachers I knew, god bless him and his family #RIP.”