Tributes for schoolgirl cyclist

The teenager was crossing the road on her bike when the crash happened

A headteacher of an Oxfordshire school has paid tribute to a "fantastic" student who was hit by a coach and killed while cycling to school.

Sarah Waterhouse, 17, was riding her bike across Colwell Drive in Abingdon, when she was hit by a bus carrying about 30 pupils from Abingdon School.

Flowers have been laid at the scene where The Larkmead School and Cambridge applicant, student died on Monday.

Headteacher Chris Harris said they will "treasure their memories of her".

Sarah was described as an "exceptional" student who had achieved four A grades in her AS levels and had applied to Cambridge University to study natural science.

In a letter to parents informing them of the crash, Mr Harris wrote: "There is no greater tragedy for a family than the loss of a child.

"As a school community we share that loss and will always treasure the memories of a fantastic student from a loving family who had her whole life before her."

'Tragic accident'

A special assembly took place on Tuesday to remember the student, who also had a younger brother at the school.

Some of Sarah's friends spoke to the rest of the students about their memories of the teenager.

Nr Harris said: "She didn't waste a moment - she packed so much into her life. She was very capable, but very humble, and very good with other people."

"Our thoughts stay with Sarah's family, relations and close friends," Mr Harris added.

The driver of the bus, operated by Tappins Coaches, was sent home after the incident suffering from shock and the pupils on the coach at the time of the collision have been offered counselling.

It appeared the girl was crossing the road on her bike when the accident happened.

Insp Paul Winks, of Thames Valley Police, said officers made a detailed forensic examination of the scene to find out exactly what happened.

The coach company described the crash as "a tragic accident".