Educating Yorkshire producer delivers big production update and major change for next season

Educating Yorkshire is set to return to our screens next year, with production officially beginning this autumn on a new season.

Soon, they'll be back for more, with long-time fan favourite Mr Burton returning as headteacher.

However, this season is a little different, with production set to begin in September. It means that the series will follow the students from the very beginning of their school year – including the new Year 7s as they experience their first days in secondary school - something that the show has never done before.

Speaking exclusively to Radio Times at the 2026 Edinburgh TV Festival, David Brindley, Chief Creative Officer of production company TwoFour, explained: “We start in September when the students come back to school. I don't think we've actually done that before. We usually start in the second half term, but we’re in school right from the very start of term this time.

“So 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 big school.

"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."

Mr Burton and Mrs Ali in Educating Yorkshire

Brindley added: "We can't pre-plan anything. It's purely observational. I can't tell you what's going to be the standout moment. Mr Burton will be there right at the front, leading the charge, and he's fast becoming the nation's favourite head teacher, I think. So whatever happens over the next year at Thornhill, we'll be there to capture it."

As for how long the show could continue?

“As long as people will watch it, and as long as it gets commissioned, we would love to keep making it,” Brindley explained.

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.

“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. 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.”

Despite the Educating… series taking us across the country, with past seasons focusing on including Essex, Cardiff, and Greater Manchester, Brindley also confirmed we’ll be staying in Yorkshire for the foreseeable future...

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Original source Educating Yorkshire producer delivers big production update and major change for next season

Back to home