Educating Wales? Documentary series to return set in Cardiff

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/dec/09/educating-essex-yorkshire-series-wales-cardiff

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After Essex, Yorkshire and London’s East End, the latest in Channel 4’s Educating … documentary series will be set in Cardiff.

The nine-part series will be set in Willows High School in the south-east of the Welsh capital, which has been revived under its headteacher Joy Ballard after it was rated “unsatisfactory” by inspectors.

Educating Yorkshire, which featured English teacher Matthew Burton helping pupil Musharaf Asghar overcome his stammer using a technique from The King’s Speech, was one of Channel 4’s biggest hits of 2013 but this year’s Educating the East End failed to repeat its success.

Joy Ballard said: “We were delighted when we were asked to take part in the fourth series.  

“Willows has been on an incredible journey over the past three years and has been transformed from one of the worst performing schools in the country to a school that we are very proud of.

“We believe that the relationships between our staff and pupils are extraordinary and want the series to show how so many of our pupils are beginning to fulfil their life potential.”

The series will be made by independent producer Twofour, responsible for all three of the previous series which began with Educating Essex in 2011.

Channel 4 commissioning editor, David Brindley, said the series “promises to unearth more inspirational, humorous and moving stories from the corridors of this characterful Cardiff school”.

Channel 4 said the title of the series, which will air in the autumn next year, will be confirmed at a later date.

Twofour’s executive producer, David Clews, said: “You can really feel the charm and character of the place as soon as you walk through the gates and start talking to the students.”

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