Educating Yorkshire headteacher addresses 'big change' as series returns after more than a decade

Educating Yorkshire is making a return to TV screens with a second instalment, but the new series will involve a huge change, reveals headteacher Matthew Burton.

The much-loved show, which many will remember thanks to Mr Burton famously helping student Musharaf Asghar with his stammer, first aired back in 2013 and focuses on Thornhill Community Academy, located in the town of Dewsbury.

Educating Yorkshire sees Thornhill's 900 pupils take centre stage, as they share their perspectives on school life and the challenges they face in education while growing up.

Plenty has changed in the world since 2013, and Mr Burton has revealed that this is reflected in the second series of Educating Yorkshire, especially in regard to technology.

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He told The Guardian: “One of the biggest changes has been how much technology has advanced. Children are going round with mobile phones in their pockets which are incredibly powerful computers that can effectively do pretty much anything you want them to.”

In one episode, pupils can be seen discussing screen time, with it being revealed that some are using their mobile phone for over 15 hours per day, despite the devices being banned at Thornhill.

Mr Burton, 42, who was an English teacher during the first series of Educating Yorkshire, revealed that mobile phones are "confiscated" if they are "seen, heard or used" during school hours.

The series also explores how other modern day issues such as vaping and the use of AI are proving challenging for teachers.

The impact of the Covid pandemic - which saw many children educated at home or their learning disrupted - is still being felt, and the number of pupils needing extra support at school continues to grow.

“One of the things that always impresses me about students is how aware of their emotions they are and how emotionally literate they are and vulnerable when they need that support,” said Mr Burton, who is now a father to three children.

He went on to say that young people are now "open" about needing or wanting "support", marking a huge shift.

Thornhill's headteacher makes no secret of his passion for teaching, declaring it to be a "fantastic profession" which allows you to work with "remarkable and amazing young people". He acknowledged there can be "challenges" in schools, but there are "absolutely fantastic things" happening at the same time.

Educating Yorkshire airs on Channel 4 at 9pm on Sunday, 31 August.