Fly-on-the-wall documentary series Educating Yorkshire is set to return to Channel 4 next year, providing viewers with an updated look at Thornhill Community Academy in Dewsbury. The series, which first aired in August 2014, gained widespread acclaim for its heartfelt depiction of school life, particularly the memorable scenes of English teacher Mr. Burton helping Year 11 student Musharaf overcome his stammer.
The new series will highlight the changes at Thornhill Community Academy, including Mr. Burton’s transition to headteacher, succeeding Mr. Mitchell, and the introduction of a new team of staff.
Mr. Burton expressed his enthusiasm for the return of the cameras: “The national challenges the profession faces are well publicised, and at Thornhill I’m really proud of how our staff and students work together to thrive through those. Our values – work hard and be nice – are at the centre of all we do. I have no doubt that viewers will see those come to life in our brilliant community.”
The programme is part of the broader Educating series, which began with Educating Essex in 2011 and most recently featured Harrop Fold School in Educating Greater Manchester in 2020.
The upcoming series will explore current educational challenges, including the impact of mobile phones in classrooms, the national school attendance crisis, teenage anxiety, and exam pressure. It will also shed light on the difficulties faced by school administrators amidst a teacher recruitment crisis, with nearly a third of teachers leaving the profession within five years.
Rita Daniels, Channel 4 commissioning editor, emphasized the significance of the series: “Telling the complex story of young people in Britain in 2025 is crucial for Channel 4, and what better way to do so than through this iconic, much-loved school. It will be fantastic to see Mr. Burton in charge, and I look forward to watching him seize the reins with full gusto. Much has changed for British teenagers since we were last at Thornhill Academy. It will be fascinating to see how practices have developed and adapted since the burgeoning impact of social media, the Covid epidemic, and the intense pressure to deliver good results.”
Produced by Twofour, a part of ITV Studios, the series will also involve Yorkshire-based talent in its production, further rooting the show in its community.
For more updates and behind-the-scenes insights, stay tuned to Channel 4 as Educating Yorkshire prepares for its much-anticipated return.
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