Staff and pupils have been left in shock after the sudden death of an "inspiring" assistant headteacher.
Mark Hargreaves suddenly fell ill during lunchtime break and was quickly attended to by members of staff and the emergency medical team.
CPR was given and he was rushed to hospital and placed in intensive care.
The long-serving teacher, who taught at St Gabriel's RC school in Bury, collapsed in the playground on Thursday and sadly passed away surrounded by family the next day, Manchester Evening News reports.
Chris Foley, catholic senior executive leader for the St Teresa of Calcutta Academy Trust said the "distinguished" teacher made a difference to "so many lives and young people".
He added: "We are certain you will join us in reflecting on the difference Mark made at St Gabriel's."
Parents received a letter explaining the tragic death today.
The school have released a statement saying that Mr Hargreaves will be remembered as a "kind, compassionate and loyal colleague" who "gave his very best" for the students.
The statement reads: "On Thursday, our long serving colleague, Dr Mark Hargreaves, suddenly fell ill while doing a job he both loved and cherished.
"The emergency services were immediately called when the severity of the situation became clear. Tragically, Mark passed away on Friday evening surrounded by his family."
It continues: “We are all devastated by this loss, and will continue to pray for him and his family.
"Over the coming days and weeks our priority is to come together as a community so that we can start to grieve and heal after this tragedy. We will, of course, also be offering any support we can to Mark’s family.
“When the time is right, our community will find suitable ways to commemorate Mark’s life and the huge difference he made to so many of us.
"There are young people whose aspirations and achievements have been forever enhanced by Mark’s dedication and expertise."
“We now ask that we all keep Mark, and his family, in our prayers. We will feel his loss more keenly as each day passes, so we ask for privacy, compassion and prayers over the coming weeks.”
