AN inspiring head teacher at a Grays school who’s been fighting cancer for over a year has confirmed he’s to take a leave of absence.

James Howarth, of Hathaway Academy, confirmed the news in an end of term assembly on Friday to students, saying: “I’ve got to find the time to dust myself down, and get back up so that I can fight this illness and come back.”

His emotional 15 minute speech to students was captured on video and can be seen below. In it he tells students to take on opportunities and challenges, and to “be brilliant”.

Mr Howarth was diagnosed with blood cancer in the summer of 2014, and was off school for nearly a year.

Mr Howarth, a popular teacher amongst pupils and parents, has helped the school raise it standards to being rated as “good” in its latest Ofsted report. Before confirming his illness had returned, he told students it was just a stepping stone on their way to becoming “outstanding”.

Confirming his illness, an emotional Mr Howarth said: “I’ve suffered a lot of trouble with my kidneys because the medication I took in the time I was off. Unfortunately, despite what I might look like, I’m still not very well.

“I guess what I’m trying to tell you is, something has come along that’s trying to knock me down and stop me from achieving my dreams. My dreams that are built around doing things for us as a school.

“I’ve got to take some time away from school again. I’ve got to find the time to dust myself down, and get back up so that I can fight this illness and come back.”

Students then gave their head teacher a standing ovation, before Mr Howarth said he hopes to be back with them by Easter.

A video of Mr Howarth’s speech has been viewed nearly 15,000 times since it was posted on Friday.

Amongst comments left on the school’s Facebook page was one from Karen Pickard. She said: “Wow, what an inspirational speech. Stay strong Mr Howarth, I wish you a speedy recovery. You have done so well to bring the academy up to standard, all the best to you.”

Stacy Ann added: “James Howarth you are the strongest most determined person I've ever come across. You are a great leader and such an inspiration to all. Your students are extremely lucky to have you as their head teacher.”

The school's Vice Principal Fatima Rodrigues will take up the post of Acting Principal.