Schools in the TV spotlight

As the autumn term hits its stride two very different schools are the focus of fly-on-the-wall TV documentaries this week. 

The first is Thornhill Community Academy near Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, which features in Channel 4’s eight-part Educating Yorkshire.

The series, which begins at 9pm tonight (Thursday, September 5), captures every detail of life at the school, from inspirational lessons to life-changing events.

It also follows the work of headteacher Jonny Mitchell, who was born and brought up in Dewsbury, as he strives to drive up standards and build on successive years of improving exam results.

Asked why he decided to take part in the project, Mr Mitchell said: “I thought the school had an awful lot to shout about – and that it was on an upward trajectory. I thought we could present ourselves as a really positive role-model for others in education and outside.