JAMES Hickish, head teacher at Ely St Mary’s Junior School, is to be ordained deacon by the Bishop of Ely, the Rt Revd Stephen Conway, at a special service in Ely Cathedral on Saturday.

James has been head teacher at the school for eight years and will continue in the role after his ordination alongside serving as a self-supporting minister in the Ely Team Ministry.

He studied Christian theology at the Eastern Region Ministerial Course.

James said: “It has been hard juggling the demands of the course, with a full time job and busy family life. I have had wonderful support from my school, parish, and of course my wife Bridget and the children.”

He added: “After ordination I intend to continue as head teacher, but in addition to this, to work to support parish and school links , and closer community outreach.”

James will be eligible for ordination to the priesthood after serving as deacon for a year.