We are all devastated by the loss of a young life full of such promise

Gloucestershire County Council

Rescue worker Arthur Marshall said: "Friends of the young swimmer were standing by the side and were very, very upset when we arrived.

"They were able to give us a description of where he was but unfortunately he had been under water for about 15 to 20 minutes and we were unable to do anything."

The student's family has been informed and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In a joint statement issued on behalf of the school by Gloucestershire County Council, the principal and governors said their deepest sympathy and prayers were with the family.

Coroner's report

"We are all devastated by the loss of a young life full of such promise," it said.

"We are working with the police, local authority and all other appropriate authorities thoroughly to investigate the circumstances which led to this tragedy."

A police spokesman added: "How Yunus got in there will be the subject of inquiries.

"A report is being prepared for the coroner."

The council refused to say what type of outing the school party had been on or what activities they had been involved in at the quarry.