A new series of Educating Yorkshire has returned to Thornhill Community Academy in Dewsbury, once again showcasing the wit, sensitivity and vulnerability of its 900 pupils. The programme, filmed a decade after the original, follows headteacher Matthew Burton and his staff as they navigate modern challenges such as TikTok, vapes, Andrew Tate and the lingering effects of the pandemic.
In one episode, a teenage girl confides in a student manager that she believes she is a psychopath. The manager gently disagrees, telling her she is not. The girl relaxes and smiles, illustrating the emotional literacy that Burton says impresses him about today's students. “They are so aware of their emotions and vulnerable when they need support,” he said.
Burton, who became headteacher after his inspirational work helping a student overcome a stammer in the original series, allowed cameras back to highlight the teaching profession amid a recruitment crisis. He notes that technology has changed dramatically, with children carrying powerful computers in their pockets. Despite a school-wide ban, some pupils spend over 15 hours a day on their phones.
Other storylines include a boy hiding a vape down his trousers, the growing challenge of AI, and the long tail of Covid affecting mental health and special educational needs. Year 8 pupil Riley struggles with a “mess” in his head and cannot sit still, while Amy, who attends school mainly for hash browns and friends, develops tics from friendship stresses.
Burton remains upbeat about the profession: “Nobody goes into teaching for life to be easy, but you get the chance to do something positive for somebody every day.” He hopes the series will show the fantastic work happening in schools across the country.
