It is with profound sadness that the Stretford Grammar School community announces the sad and unexpected passing of our Curriculum Leader of Mathematics, who left us at the age of 57. He was not only a deeply respected member of our staff and wider school community but a cherished personal friend to so many of us.

For 25 years, Chris served Stretford Grammar with an unparalleled level of professionalism and commitment, with barely a day’s teaching missed.  He was a passionate teacher who truly loved his subject, had phenomenal subject knowledge and took immense pride in seeing the achievement of his students.  He was the consummate professional, with a real sense of moral purpose in the way he planned and  delivered lessons and marked students’ work and lead the Maths Department, with his colleagues not only respecting him as their line manager but also knowing Chris as a dear friend who always remembered birthdays and looked after them professionally and personally.  

Beyond the Maths Department, Chris was a steadfast pillar of our community, fully involved in the wider life of the school, a stalwart on the Year 7 Conway Residential, as well as Year 8 Geography visits to Snowdonia and overseas trips to the US, France and Belgium.  The first to volunteer whenever we needed help in school, Chris covered lunch duties at short notice, stood on the corridor outside his classroom at every single lesson changeover, keeping the school quiet during the Exam Season so that GCSE and A Level students could sit their exams without interruption.

A keen walker and runner, Chris loved the outdoors. He also appreciated the finer things in life and travelled miles in search of the perfect artisan real ale or a local Beer Festival.

Mrs. Baxter sums up the sadness for the whole school community: "Chris’ loss leaves a profound absence in our hallways, our staffroom, and our hearts. He was a kind and thoughtful gentleman  whose legacy will live on through the generations of students he supported and taught.”

We are deeply saddened by his untimely passing. He will be sorely missed by his students, his colleagues, his friends, and his family, especially his sister, Laura. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

You can share your memories of Mr. McAvoy by following this link: https://forms.gle/a43T2m1HFqEvYQUe8

As always, the Stretford Grammar School community will pull together to honour the passing of such a respected teacher, colleague, dear friend and family member.