The Teacher Season 3 Filming Locations: A Surprising Journey from Sheffield to Spain
Season 3 of the Channel 5 anthology drama The Teacher presents a captivating narrative set against the backdrop of Sheffield and the scenic Peak District. However, in a twist that mirrors the show's own dramatic flair, the majority of filming for this latest installment did not take place in these iconic British locations. Instead, the production team embarked on an international venture, primarily shooting in Spain, with additional scenes captured in Hertfordshire, England.
Setting vs. Reality: The Creative Decision Behind the Locations
Director Dominic Leclerc, who helmed all three seasons of The Teacher, provided insight into the series' setting. "This series is set within an independent private school, where ideas of privilege and principle come into play," Leclerc explained. "It's set in Sheffield and the Peak District, an area that I know very well, and that idea of being on the cusp of a northern city, but in beautiful landscape, gave the series its own flavour."
Leclerc further elaborated on his directorial approach for season 3, noting the intergenerational storylines and the character of Helen Simpson, portrayed by Victoria Hamilton. "She's the Head of Drama, so I wanted to find a visual language that tapped into ideas of performance and interpretation," he said. Despite this strong connection to the Sheffield region, practical filming considerations led the team elsewhere.
The Spanish Connection: Vitoria and the Basque Country
The bulk of season 3 was filmed in Spain, specifically in the city of Vitoria and the surrounding Basque Country. Actor Steve Edge, who plays Terry Simpson, shared his experiences filming abroad. "We filmed in Vitoria, which is a very Spanish place with very few tourists, and it has a lovely little old town," Edge remarked. He humorously added, "Vitoria doesn't look very much like Sheffield!"
Rochenda Sandall, cast as Tessa Stewart, expressed her enthusiasm for the Spanish filming location. "He offered me the part and told me we'd be going to Spain – so I ran at the chance!" she said. Sandall described the two-month shoot in northern Spain as "amazing," highlighting the local culture and cuisine. "They serve Pinxtos in the bars and restaurants, which are little snacks on sticks, and they go down really well with actors!"
The school interiors were filmed in a repurposed building in Spain. "Most of my scenes are in the school, which was actually an old church that was recommissioned and converted into an art college," Sandall noted. "They created an open plan vision of a boarding school."
Hertfordshire's Role: The Exterior School Shots
While Spain provided the primary filming backdrop, key exterior scenes were shot in Hertfordshire, England. The exterior of the school was filmed at a hotel in this county, offering a more traditionally British aesthetic to complement the Spanish interiors. Steve Edge mentioned this dual-location approach, stating, "We picked up back in Hertfordshire later in the shoot, which looks more British."
Cast and Premiere Details
Season 3 features Victoria Hamilton in the lead role of Helen Simpson, following previous seasons led by Sheridan Smith and Kara Tointon. Hamilton is known for her roles in Unforgotten, Doctor Foster, and The Crown. The series continues to explore themes of education, privilege, and personal drama within a school setting.
The Teacher season 3 premiered on Channel 5 at 9pm on Monday, March 30, 2026. This season maintains the anthology format, with new characters and storylines while retaining the directorial vision of Dominic Leclerc.
In summary, while The Teacher season 3 is narratively anchored in Sheffield and the Peak District, its filming locations tell a different story. The production leveraged the unique landscapes of Spain's Basque Country and the architectural charm of a Hertfordshire hotel to bring this dramatic tale to life, showcasing the global nature of modern television production.
