Educating Yorkshire makes big change as show ‘first’ confirmed for new series

Educating Yorkshire is returning to Thornhill Academy with a major change for the new series

Educating Yorkshire is returning to television screens, with production for the next series scheduled to commence soon.

The beloved Yorkshire documentary is making a comeback next year, bringing with it a notable shift in approach for the forthcoming series. For the first time, filming crews will be present from day one of the new academic year, departing from the usual practice of arriving later during the autumn term.

This means audiences may witness an entirely fresh cohort of students as they navigate the intimidating transition from primary education into Year 7. The alteration was revealed by David Brindley, CEO of production company Twofour, during an interview with Radio Times at the 2026 Edinburgh TV Festival.

He confirmed that cameras will start rolling in September when students return following the summer break, reports Yorkshire Live.

“We start in September when the students come back to school. I don’t think we’ve actually done that before,” he stated. “We usually start in the second half term, but we’re in school right from the very start of term this time.”

He remarked: “We’re really excited to see what the new year holds, really following the new Year 7s because it’s such a moment as a new Year 7 to enter a big school.”

The production chief acknowledged the team remains uncertain about which narratives will unfold, emphasising the unpredictable character of the documentary series. “Hopefully we’ll get some amazing stories through those students, but the joy of Educating… is we don’t know what’s going to happen,” he said.

That observational methodology is something Brindley considers fundamental to the programme’s popularity. He continued: “We can’t pre-plan anything. It’s purely observational. I can’t tell you what’s going to be the standout moment.”

One recognisable figure will also be making a return to Thornhill Academy. Mr Burton, who has emerged as one of the programme’s most prominent personalities, will resume his role as headteacher when production commences.

Brindley commended the school leader, describing him as “fast becoming the nation’s favourite head teacher”. He continued: “So whatever happens over the next year at Thornhill, we’ll be there to capture it.”

The forthcoming series will maintain the programme’s established pattern of chronicling the triumphs and tribulations of educational life, encompassing academic demands and friendships alongside the obstacles encountered by staff and students alike.

Earlier editions of the Educating… franchise have transported audiences into educational establishments throughout Britain, featuring series filmed in Essex, Cardiff and Greater Manchester.

Nevertheless, Yorkshire audiences needn’t fret about Thornhill vanishing from the franchise imminently. Brindley confirmed the production crew remains committed to staying at the institution for the foreseeable period.

When questioned about the programme’s potential longevity, he indicated the team would gladly continue producing it provided viewer interest persists and commissioning continues. He maintains there remains considerable material to examine, especially as the realities facing young people and educators continue to evolve.

“There just isn’t another series out there that reflects what it’s like to live as a teenager and as a teacher in modern Britain,” Brindley said. “And so I think there are endlessly fascinating stories to be told, and it could constantly be reflecting a changing world… long may it continue.”

With production commencing at the beginning of the academic year, the forthcoming series pledges to offer audiences a glimpse into Thornhill Academy from the instant students arrive for another term. For the first time, this will encompass tracking the latest Year 7 intake as they embark upon their initial journey into secondary education.