An inspiring head teacher at a Grays school who’s been fighting cancer for more than three years has stepped down as principal.

James Howarth left the Hathaway Academy, in Hathaway Road, Grays, where he has been principal since June 2013.

He has been battling blood cancer since the summer of 2014 and has previously taken leaves of absence while going through treatment.

Ian Cleland, Chief Executive Officer at Academy Transformation Trust, said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that the Principal of the Hathaway Academy, James Howarth is leaving the academy with immediate effect.

“Despite his ongoing fight with this terrible disease and the incredible support from The Trust over the past three years, sadly the disease has once more returned and in Mr Howarth's own words, he is unable to give the job his full and ongoing attention.

“In Mr Howarth's absence, Fatima Rodrigues, the Acting Principal, will continue to do the brilliant job she has been doing and offer fantastic stability at this time.”

In December 2015, he delivered a powerful and inspiring assembly to students in which he instructed students to take on opportunities and challenges, a video of which was viewed more than 15,000 times.

In a touching message, Mr Howarth said: "It is with heartbreak that I inform you I have resigned my position as Principal of Hathaway Academy.

"My cancer has returned and despite the unbelievable support of ATT and their CEO Ian Clealand over the past three years, my inconsistent attendance, due to my illness, has begun to impact on student outcomes - the opposite of what I set out to achieve.

"The importance of stability to a school, its staff and most significantly the children should be be underestimated.

"I will continue to keep a very close eye on the academy and help in any way I can.

"I cannot thank Fatmia Rodrigues enough for her unfaltering drive for excellence in my absence.

"Education will always be my moral purpose and I am devastated to be in this position.

"On Wednesday, I am going to say thank you and farewell to staff and students. It will be one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.

"I made them all a promise of becoming outstanding and I am stepping off the bus before our journey is complete.

"I am genuinely so so so sorry."

Mr Howarth will deliver a final assembly to staff and students on Wednesday (September 27) before personally bidding farewell to everyone at the gates.

Mr Howarth will be at the gates until 2.50pm and the school have said any parents and carers who wish to say goodbye to him are welcome to do so.

Acting Principal Fatima Rodrigues said: "“During his time as Principal, James made a significant contribution to the Academy.

"James laid the foundation for the work that carried us through to our ‘good’ grading in OfSTED as well as impacting on our improved examination results.

"Throughout his illness James has always had the Academy’s best interest at heart, often working hard behind the scenes.

"I would personally like to thank James for his support of all of the students and staff at the Academy, as well as his unwavering support of me.

"As we are about to launch our scheme to recognise staff who have made an outstanding contribution to the Academy, it seems fitting that James is the first Hathaway Hero.

"I wish him well for the future and am sure that he will watch and support us from a distance.”

For regular news updates, like us on Facebook and Twitter