Boy on life support after window fall

A student from St Paul's Collegiate in Hamilton is on life support in Starship children's hospital after falling from a boarding house window.

It is believed the boy was "skylarking" when he fell from the bedroom window on the first floor of the school's Clark House on to a concrete path on Sunday night.

Students and staff went to the aid of Zachary (Zach) Bradley, 13. Headmaster Greg Fenton, who stayed with Zach while an ambulance was called, said the boy was in terrible pain.

He was taken to Waikato Hospital then transferred to Starship.

His father, Simon Bradley, said about 20 family members and friends were at the hospital.

"Yesterday [Monday] was the longest day we have ever had with Zach," Mr Bradley said.

"Last year he was diagnosed with juvenile chronic arthritis so for this to happen it has really knocked his mates around.

The family wasn't interested in talking about exactly what happened.

"Zach is a really awesome kid. He likes to have his fun. He would have been skylarking with his mates."

Mr Fenton said Occupational Safety and Health would investigate the incident but he believed it was an exceptional circumstance.

"It is not a window you can fall out of. You would have to be doing something a bit out of the ordinary."

Students at the school have been offered counselling.

- NZPA