Educating Yorkshire’s Mr Burton talks show’s return and modern teaching: “I don’t think AI is ever going to be able to replace human teachers”

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Consider a time when Yorkshire’s breathtaking landscapes dominated British television screens? From Our Yorkshire Farm, The Yorkshire Vet, to various Yorkshire-themed shows – it seemed like an endless parade of wild moors, lush valleys, and rugged coastlines on the small screen. However, the most captivating series set in this expansive countryside was not about awe-inspiring views.

In 2013, the TV series “Educating Yorkshire” aired on Channel 4. It was set at Thornhill Community Academy, a large secondary school situated near Dewsbury, close to the M1 motorway. Instead of picturesque landscapes, what really captivated the public was the dynamic interplay between staff and students.

One particularly noteworthy encounter occurred when English teacher Matthew Burton assisted Musharaf Asghar, a Year 11 student who has struggled with a severe stutter since the age of five. For his English GCSE examination, he was required to deliver a speech, which presented a significant challenge for him.

In a clever move reminiscent of the film The King’s Speech, Burton – a dedicated and resourceful educator whom every child would be fortunate to have – suggested that “Mushy” listen to music while attempting to speak. This tactic proved effective. The audience was left breathless, possibly holding back tears, as they heard Asghar’s initial hesitant words.

For Asghar, there were significant changes as he pursued his studies in journalism at university and later became a motivational speaker. On the other hand, Burton experienced a challenging time: his wife Laura had a miscarriage at the beginning of the year, coinciding with the filming of the series. “It was a hard period,” he admits.

Nine months afterward, during a screening of the episode where Musharaf appeared, she was expecting their first child Liv again. After a parents’ evening at school, we watched the final episode in the school hall, with Laura standing beside me as she felt Liv moving in her womb. Shortly after Liv’s birth, I transitioned into a new role as both a mother and an educator, emerging as a different kind of leader. The surprising conclusion to what began as a challenging year in 2013 profoundly impacted my life.

The popular TV show “Now Educating Yorkshire” returns with Mr. Burton once again featured prominently. In this new season, he speaks to us from a poolside during a family vacation, taking a brief respite from his duties as headteacher at Thornhill for the past six years. This time around, we witness him leading by example, mingling with students and championing his exceptional team of educators. The consistent message he imparts is “Be Nice, Work Hard.

Being a headteacher remains an extraordinary career honor for me, even after over a decade, and I’m still just as filled with enthusiasm as I was in the initial series. Of course, there are challenging days and moments of frustration, but they are far outweighed by incredible, victorious days that call for celebration.

For the documentary, about 900 students and close to 100 staff members at the school were recorded from November 2024 through August 2025 without any interruptions to their lessons. Instead of film crews being present, 64 fixed cameras were set up throughout the school, accumulating over a thousand hours of footage. The eight episodes of this documentary will delve into common education challenges while also presenting a whirlwind of fresh issues.

Burton explains that life within schools in 2025 reflects broader societal trends, with issues such as increased incidents of knife violence, rising diagnoses of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and gender identity concerns, along with the lasting impact of lockdowns and the ever-increasing influence of smartphone culture all being part of the school experience.

Burton mentions that not everyone owned a mobile phone in those days, and they weren’t nearly as advanced as the ones available today at an affordable price,” says the statement. “On school grounds, mobiles are prohibited; however, one student informs Burton that she spends 14 hours daily on her screen.

In another setting, the teacher requests additional guidance from Burton, as she aims to improve her interactions with a student who self-identifies as a “furry,” someone who relates to an animal that possesses human traits, specifically a fox in this instance.

According to Burton, society has undergone significant transformation, with artificial intelligence (AI) being one such example that requires our attention. In one instance, a student is suspected of using AI to write an unusual essay, but when accused, the student vehemently denies it. Burton suggests that AI might compel us to reconsider traditional methods of teaching, as assigning conventional homework like writing essays at home may no longer be straightforward due to AI’s presence. In essence, AI will challenge us to think differently about education.

While AI can undeniably offer benefits for educators, such as providing resources and helping with workload management, Burton believes in the transformative potential of traditional teaching methods. He emphasizes that certain aspects of teaching, like empathy, kindness, and relationship building, are irreplaceable by artificial intelligence.

Essentially, the core challenge that the school faces today mirrors what Burton and Asghar highlighted twelve years ago: How can we support students in their time of need? Moreover, it seems we may be on the brink of another situation reminiscent of the ‘Musharaf moment’, alluding to a potential breakthrough or turning point.

Tremaine, a seventh grader, struggles with reading, having the skills of a typical five-year-old. During English classes, he often feels embarrassed, and may even leave class due to frustration. However, teachers are committed to supporting him. You might find him focusing on improving his reading comprehension. There’s a significant improvement in his ability to connect letters and words together for reading, which can have a profound impact on his life. This change is indicative of the transformative work happening in schools all over the country.

In 2013, Thornhill School gained considerable fame within England. During this period, Burton had the opportunity to lead drama classes alongside the locally acclaimed actor Jodie Whittaker, who graciously offered her time to assist the pupils. Burton describes this day as “extraordinarily surreal,” praising Jodie for her kindness and generosity towards their students. He fondly reminisces that these encounters were incredibly inspiring, and they opened up numerous beneficial opportunities for the school.

As a movie critic, I find myself pondering the potential consequences of our upcoming series. While the spotlight brings opportunities, it also invites risks. Could our students’ regional dialects or individual peculiarities inadvertently become internet sensations, or worse, become targets for online harassment?

However, rest assured that we haven’t leaped into this decision blindly. It wasn’t about seeking fame for the school. Instead, it was a thoughtful process, one that involved many voices and numerous safety measures to ensure our students are protected amidst the public eye. As Burton puts it, “We didn’t jump into things; this wasn’t just a quest for fame. The decision was made with careful consideration, involving multiple parties and thorough checks.

Ensuring safety and education is our top priority. To ensure this, Channel 4 and production company Twofour collaborate with independent psychologists who work with families and students to confirm their understanding and ability to provide informed consent for participation. While there are significant considerations regarding vulnerability, all participants have been educated about how to handle potential online issues.

12 years on, Burton continues to be a consistently optimistic mentor for the youth of Yorkshire. “Adolescents are extraordinary,” he shares. “They’re so compassionate, thoughtful, insightful, and truly motivating. Many news headlines about schools and teenagers might not always paint a positive picture, but we aim to highlight that schools remain vibrant environments where learning and growth thrive.

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2025-08-26 03:16