Based on writer Delia-René-Donaldson’s real experiences

Channel 4 has ordered a new sitcom base on writer Delia-René-Donaldson’s real experiences working in pastoral care at a inner-city London academy.

The broadcaster has ordered a six episodes of Schooled, about a Kayleigh Clarke, a newly appointed pastoral Head of Year 10 with zero teaching experience and little patience for teenagers.

Over the series, she faces off against everything from Ofsted inspections and AI-generated scandals to riotous parents’ evenings. 

Channel 4 adds: ‘Despite the lack of resources, overworked staff and relentless students, Kayleigh is determined to turn her lack of credentials into a strength as she forms unexpected bonds and discovers that sometimes empathy (and maybe a bit of bribery) is the best tool for survival.’

Donaldson said: ‘I created Schooled to celebrate the joy, chaos, and beauty of being a head of year — with Caribbean essence, a sharp sense of humour, and a lot of heart.  It’s bold, funny, and unapologetically us!  We’ve cooked up something special — and now it’s time to serve it hot!’

The show came from ring-fenced fund set up to support small and medium sized ethnically diverse-led production companies to produce new projects and will be made by Broedmachine andGroup M Motion Entertainment.

Afolabi Kuti, executive producer at Broedmachine, says: ‘Delia’s voice was always destined to cut through the noise. She’s created a show that’s wholly reflective of her - fresh, authentic, hilarious and full of heart. 

‘Getting a green light in this climate is a small miracle and we’re beyond grateful to the brilliant team at Channel 4 who have been so incredibly supportive of us and our show. We’re excited that Schooled will shine an authentic light on the everyday heroes in education, and we can’t wait for people to see it.’

Charlie Perkins, head of comedy at Channel 4 said Schooled’s subject matter was  ‘timely, yet universal; age-old in comedy yet updated through Delia’s unique voice’.

The show was written by a sizeable writers’ room – below – with the League Of Gentleman’s Jeremy Dyson acting as script editor.

 Perkins added ‘It’s been amazing to see how many brilliant names have come through the writers’ room alone, to make this show feel contemporary and exciting,’

Donaldson started by making online content, including the blog Vex In The City and a YouTube series called Venus vs Mars", which transferred to Sky Living TV. She has also written and directed for the stage.

Casting and broadcast dates for Schooled are yet to be announced. 

Published: 15 May 2025