John Reilly's hanged body was discovered less than a mile from his office at Sandilands Community Primary in Wythenshawe.
It is understood Mr Reilly (pictured), who was a father in his mid-forties, had gone in to the school early on Monday morning but left before lessons began.
As revealed in later editions of yesterday's M.E.N, police said there were no suspicious circumstances and handed the case over to the coroner.
Shocked staff at the school held special assemblies as colleagues spoke of Mr Reilly as a popular head who would be `sadly missed'. Pupils have also been offered psychological support and a book of condolence has been opened.
It is understood the children who discovered Mr Reilly were secondary school pupils and did not attend Sandilands.
Pauline Newman, director of children's services at Manchester council, said: "The sudden death of John Reilly has shocked and saddened everyone at the school.
"He joined Sandilands primary as headteacher in September 2005 and was a popular head with staff, pupils and parents.
"He will be sadly missed by the whole school community.
Emotional support
"Special assemblies have been held for pupils and we are providing emotional support through our education psychology team for any pupils and staff who need this.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at what is clearly a terrible time, and we send our sincere condolences to them."
Mark Lyons, chair of governors, sent a letter to all parents saying Mr Reilly would be `sadly missed by everyone'.
It said: "His death has shocked and saddened everyone at school.
"Special assemblies have been held and planned support for staff and children is in place should this be required."
Mr Reilly began work at Sandilands - which has nearly 400 pupils - when the school was formed by a merger of separate junior and infant schools.
A government inspection last year pronounced it a `forward-looking school' with `harmonious relationships at all levels'.
It said: "The headteacher, ably assisted by the two deputy headteachers, drives the development of the school.
"He has a great determination to ensure children achieve as well as they can, and to provide extended services that meet the needs of the wider community."
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I was really shocked when I heard this news. Mr Reilly was a great headteacher when he was at Acrehall in Flixton, and I as a parent of a child at the school was sad to see him leave Acrehall.
My thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and pupils at this time.
I was so sorry to read this story.
My prayers are for his family and all those close to him...I also pray that he has now found peace.
We are all absolutely devasted by the tragic news about Mr. Reilly. He was a fantastic headteacher who had time for everybody. He will be sorely missed. God bless you Mr. Reilly. We were lucky enough to have him as our headteacher at Acre Hall in Flixton.
I had the privilege of being John's Deputy at the former Wellacre Junior School for four years. A more caring, humorous and understanding Head Teacher you couldn't meet: I'm finding it hard to take in this devastating news. John has left us far too early, but we're left with happy memories and can only offer our love, sympathy and support to the immediate family he left behind.
I am really really Saddened to hear this when i went to wellacher primary school quite a long time ago, he was my head teacher, i hope he is in peice now, and my thoughts are with his family and Friends
Sam