A SCHOOL has paid tribute to the “honest and very talented” special forces marine killed in Afghanistan.

Captain Tom Jennings was blown up three days before Christmas, south of the capital Kabul.

The married 29-year-old was a member of the Special Boat Service based in Hamworthy, Poole.

Reports suggest the dad of two was escorting an RAF language expert to a meeting with local Afghans.

The Ministry of Defence does not comment on special forces operations and few details of the incident have been released.

Capt Jennings was from Coventry and went to King Henry VIII independent school.

Headmaster Jason Slack said Capt Jennings was a “star of his time”.

Mr Slack said: “Tom was a very talented pupil. He entered school a year young and his academic profile was just stunning.

“He was hugely into his sport, too. He represented the school and the City of Coventry at rugby and also took part in athletics.

“His head of sixth form at the time said he was very popular with pupils and very well liked by staff.

“He was made a school prefect. He was a good honest lad who everyone at the school got on with.”

Captain Jennings completed three gap years in Africa and spent time working as a professional scuba diver.

He went on to study Marine Biology at Swansea University and was a member of the Wales University Officers Training Corps.

He signed up to the Royal Marines in 2006 and was highest ranking member of the corps to die in Afghanistan.

Capt Jennings was killed alongside RAF Squadron Leader Anthony Downing, aged 34, from Dover. He was the highest ranking RAF servicemen to die.

The SBS has specialised in secret missions in Afghanistan.

Corporal Seth Stephens, 42, was killed in July 2010 after climbing into an exposed position to provide covering fire for colleagues. He was later awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.