Channel 4 has announced the return of the acclaimed series, Educating Yorkshire, next year, marking a significant moment for fans and followers of the original documentary.
It has been ten years since the Twofour series, Educating Yorkshire, first captivated audiences with the story of Thornhill Community Academy in Dewsbury. The series, which won Baftas and Emmys, introduced viewers to memorable characters like Year 11 student Musharaf and his inspirational English teacher Mr Burton.
In a substantial development, the upcoming series is described as a “reinvention of the brand.” Notably, Mr Burton has transitioned into the role of Head Teacher, a significant step up from his previous position. Expressing his enthusiasm, he stated, “I’m excited to welcome Twofour back into our school over the coming months. 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 new series aims to shed light on contemporary issues facing teenagers, such as rising anxiety, exam pressures, and the impact of social media and mobile phones. Additionally, it will highlight the national attendance crisis and the significant challenges in the teaching profession, including the difficulty in recruiting new teachers, with nearly a third leaving the job within five years.
Filming is scheduled to take place over 2024 and 2025, with a planned broadcast by the end of the next year. Key figures from the original series, including David Clews and Grace Reynolds, will return as Executive Producers, along with David Brindley. Francesca Kybert will serve as the Production Executive.
Rita Daniels, Commissioning Editor for Channel 4, emphasised the importance of the series, stating, “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 reigns with full gusto. Much has changed for British teenagers since we were last at Thornhill Academy, and 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.”
David Clews, Chief Creative Director at Twofour, shared his excitement, saying, “Making the Educating series was a highlight of my career and I couldn’t be happier to be going back to a school we know and love to make something brand new and reflective of the world we live in today. Schools and young people deserve an honest and joyful portrayal on our screens and we can’t wait to work with a brilliant team to create that.”
As part of the production, 4Skills will fund the training and development of several roles, collaborating closely with Twofour to support Yorkshire-based talent in various production areas. This initiative underscores a commitment to nurturing local talent and providing opportunities within the industry.
With key original creators returning and a focus on current societal issues, the new series of Educating Yorkshire promises to offer an engaging and insightful look into the lives of British teenagers and the education system. Viewers can anticipate a profound and contemporary update to a beloved series.