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Teacher #9
Star Teacher
It’s 1985, and as Jack returns for another year as headteacher at Ragley village school, some changes are in store. It’s the year of Halley’s Comet, Band Aid, Trivial Pursuit, Dynasty shoulder pads, Roland Rat and Microsoft Windows. And at Ragley-on-the-Forest, Heathcliffe Earnshaw decides to enter the village scarecrow competition, Ruby the caretaker finds romance, and retirement looms for Vera the secretary. Meanwhile, Jack has to battle with some rising stars of the teaching profession to save his job and his school . . . Readers love Jack
'Wry observation and heartwarming humour in equal measure' Alan Titchmarsh
'Overflowing with amusing anecdotes' Daily Express
'Amusing adventures at the North Yorkshire village school' Choice
'Jack Sheffield's in a class of his own' York Press
'Wry observation and heartwarming humour in equal measure' Alan Titchmarsh
'Overflowing with amusing anecdotes' Daily Express
'Amusing adventures at the North Yorkshire village school' Choice
'Jack Sheffield's in a class of his own' York Press
- GenresFiction
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 10, 2015
17 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Jack Sheffield
29 books77 followersJack Sheffield (born Jack Linley, 1945) is a British author who wrote a series of books of fiction about the headmaster of a village school in a fictional Yorkshire village. The stories are set from the late 1970s to the early 1980s and attempt to portray life in Yorkshire as it was at that time.
He was trained as a teacher at St John's College, York and later became head teacher of two schools in North Yorkshire and then senior lecturer in primary education at Bretton Hall.
He took up writing after retirement, and his first novel "Teacher, Teacher!" sold 100,000 copies
He was trained as a teacher at St John's College, York and later became head teacher of two schools in North Yorkshire and then senior lecturer in primary education at Bretton Hall.
He took up writing after retirement, and his first novel "Teacher, Teacher!" sold 100,000 copies
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 31, 2021
The ninth book in the series. I have one more on my bookshelf that I will read, and that's it. The story just ambles along with no highlights or surprises. The jokes are quite stale, and most of them are quotes I have already seen on the Internet. Some are actually quite funny, but not in the way the author puts them down here. Another issue I have is the names of the children. Did they really all have such ridiculous first and last names there in the 80s? And somehow I don't find them very likeable, as with most of the characters. The children often seem to have snotty noses or are constantly picking those noses. But what really annoyed me in this book was the cliffhanger. I know Jack Sheffield likes to end his books that way, but usually it refers to something that comes up towards the end of the story. In this book there is the big issue of whether he will be reappointed as head teacher which dominates the whole storyline. It starts from early on in the book. So this should have been resolved before adding a new cliffhanger. The ending here was very very frustrating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2024
This was my first book of the teacher series and I must say I enjoyed it quite a lot!
I bought it on impulse, mainly because of its outstanding cover and because the author bears the name of the city I lived in for a while. It did not disappoint. Reading it felt like intruding in the author's most private memories. It carries suspense, amusement and a truthful insight of what life in the UK was like in the mid 80's in a small, insignificant village that for those living in it happened to be the centre of their universe.
There are many descriptions detailing other people's lives, apart from the main characters, as well as the intent of rendering in spelling the way that the not-so-educated communicate which made the reading a bit challenging from time to time.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, I loved how the author depicts the school life and his personal life intertwined and I'm looking forward to reading the next book of the series.
I bought it on impulse, mainly because of its outstanding cover and because the author bears the name of the city I lived in for a while. It did not disappoint. Reading it felt like intruding in the author's most private memories. It carries suspense, amusement and a truthful insight of what life in the UK was like in the mid 80's in a small, insignificant village that for those living in it happened to be the centre of their universe.
There are many descriptions detailing other people's lives, apart from the main characters, as well as the intent of rendering in spelling the way that the not-so-educated communicate which made the reading a bit challenging from time to time.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, I loved how the author depicts the school life and his personal life intertwined and I'm looking forward to reading the next book of the series.
June 3, 2017
Listened to audio. Part of a fun, light-hearted series about a head teacher in Yorkshire. It is a bit repetitive but still enjoyable, and I love the colour of the 1980s details, which I remember well - toys such as Transformers, royal weddings, songs, and news items. Unfortunately this book ends with an ambiguous line so you don't quite know what has happened. I suppose this is to get you to buy the next book but it is annoying.
March 4, 2023
After 9 books in the series I feel invested in the lives of both the children, teachers and villagers of Ragley-in-the-Forest. Another year, 1975/86, and another academic cycle. It’s the nostalgic cultural and musical references that I enjoy most.
March 21, 2018
Love these books, written with passion and humour. Takes me back to when I was child!!
January 6, 2020
Star Teacher, the 9th book in the series set in 1985 and bringing more changes into the life of Radley’s headmaster. As always warm, nostalgic and charming.
February 16, 2022
As entertaining as all the previous ones
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April 22, 2022wonderful reading
June 27, 2022
A good safe read. I really enjoy this series but this book was less entertaining than ones previously read. The cliffhanger ending was very frustrating!
June 30, 2023
Love following the characters and Jack Sheffield s family in this book again.
November 22, 2015
The start felt a little slow and it took a while to get going, though the book gathered pace as it moved further along. There are some nice touches and the endless assortment of quirky characters and lovably innocent children added some warmth and a keen sense of nostalgia.
That said, some of the writing felt a little stilted and repetitive and there were times when I felt it needed to move with a little more punch - yes, it depicts a kind of sleepy little hollow in Yorkshire in 1985, but that doesn't have to mean that action almost grinds to a halt at times, which, for me, it did.
The use of dialect and a clearly identifiable accent was good, but could be hard to overcome at times and the reader has to work a little harder to follow on occasion. In addition to this, it takes time to get to know the characters and who they are - there were times I was decidedly lost... I have not read any others in the series, so this could be a distinct consequence of that.
There are some lovely heartfelt moments and the children provide an honest and humorous backdrop to all events. I like most of the characters and felt their quaintness added another dimension to them in parts, though I feel that some characters could have been given more depth at times.
The ending was a little disappointing - I get that is leading on to another book and Jack's next adventure, but there were too many loose ends left hanging and that left me a tad dissatisfied in all honesty as I reached the final page.
For lovers of the nostalgic past and those who like to lose themselves in a little tale of quaint Yorkshire village life, you will find all you require here.
That said, some of the writing felt a little stilted and repetitive and there were times when I felt it needed to move with a little more punch - yes, it depicts a kind of sleepy little hollow in Yorkshire in 1985, but that doesn't have to mean that action almost grinds to a halt at times, which, for me, it did.
The use of dialect and a clearly identifiable accent was good, but could be hard to overcome at times and the reader has to work a little harder to follow on occasion. In addition to this, it takes time to get to know the characters and who they are - there were times I was decidedly lost... I have not read any others in the series, so this could be a distinct consequence of that.
There are some lovely heartfelt moments and the children provide an honest and humorous backdrop to all events. I like most of the characters and felt their quaintness added another dimension to them in parts, though I feel that some characters could have been given more depth at times.
The ending was a little disappointing - I get that is leading on to another book and Jack's next adventure, but there were too many loose ends left hanging and that left me a tad dissatisfied in all honesty as I reached the final page.
For lovers of the nostalgic past and those who like to lose themselves in a little tale of quaint Yorkshire village life, you will find all you require here.
October 8, 2015
I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Jack Sheffield, headteacher of Ragley-on-the-Forest village school in Yorkshire, faces the amalgamation of Ragley and Morton schools and the possibility that he may not return as head.
I haven't read a Jack Sheffield book since the fourth in the series, and I wasn't particularly surprised to note that not much has changed in good old Ragley since my last visit some six plus years ago. This series, and this book particularly, are the perfect choice when you're looking for some pure escapism and you want to be assured that nothing unexpected will occur to ruin your equilibrium.
While I've only read books one, two and four in this series previously (and enjoyed them) I do find it mildly tedious that practically nothing happens for the majority of the book, and then the author leaves things on a cliffhanger in the last sentence of the book. I will admit to finding this instalment less engaging than the earlier books, which was a shame, and Ruby's word mix-ups started to really irritate me this time around.
I think for me, book nine hit the maximum level of formulaic writing, and while this book is still a good choice for a relaxing read, it fell down in the engagement stakes.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Jack Sheffield, headteacher of Ragley-on-the-Forest village school in Yorkshire, faces the amalgamation of Ragley and Morton schools and the possibility that he may not return as head.
I haven't read a Jack Sheffield book since the fourth in the series, and I wasn't particularly surprised to note that not much has changed in good old Ragley since my last visit some six plus years ago. This series, and this book particularly, are the perfect choice when you're looking for some pure escapism and you want to be assured that nothing unexpected will occur to ruin your equilibrium.
While I've only read books one, two and four in this series previously (and enjoyed them) I do find it mildly tedious that practically nothing happens for the majority of the book, and then the author leaves things on a cliffhanger in the last sentence of the book. I will admit to finding this instalment less engaging than the earlier books, which was a shame, and Ruby's word mix-ups started to really irritate me this time around.
I think for me, book nine hit the maximum level of formulaic writing, and while this book is still a good choice for a relaxing read, it fell down in the engagement stakes.
August 15, 2016
his is book 9 in the teacher series and have read each one since I was asked to review his first book by Tesco Book Club.
These books are Gervase Phinn meets James Herriot -light hearted and although the story continues the reader can pick up the books at anytime.
Great sense of humour which is likened to the books of Gervase Phinn a Yorkshire School Inspector. Love the nostalgia element of a by gone age - even although this is set just 30 years ago but how things have changed.
Glad to see Laura Beths sister was mentioned just once in the book - I found the relationship between Laura and Jack to be a little strange and never added to the stories.
A cliff hanger at the end, but not so as we know the next book Happiest Days (due for publication Jan 2017) is Jack's 10th year as headmaster. So no surprises.
Jolly and light hearted.
These books are Gervase Phinn meets James Herriot -light hearted and although the story continues the reader can pick up the books at anytime.
Great sense of humour which is likened to the books of Gervase Phinn a Yorkshire School Inspector. Love the nostalgia element of a by gone age - even although this is set just 30 years ago but how things have changed.
Glad to see Laura Beths sister was mentioned just once in the book - I found the relationship between Laura and Jack to be a little strange and never added to the stories.
A cliff hanger at the end, but not so as we know the next book Happiest Days (due for publication Jan 2017) is Jack's 10th year as headmaster. So no surprises.
Jolly and light hearted.
March 11, 2016
This is book number nine in the series and I'm used to all the characters and the way Jack Sheffield jumps in and out of characters minds, even though the novel is written in the first person.
If you are new to the series I'd recommend starting with book number one and working through them as this ninth book relies a little on you knowing the characters. As usual an unresolved ending has been given; he does this in all his books.
As much as I like these book I don't like cliff hangers as such and would have preferred a resolved ending. I'm not going to be eagerly awaiting the next book, I'll just get on with my life and when I notice book number ten comes out, I'll probably buy it.
Something tells me book number ten will be the last, but I'm only guessing.
If you are new to the series I'd recommend starting with book number one and working through them as this ninth book relies a little on you knowing the characters. As usual an unresolved ending has been given; he does this in all his books.
As much as I like these book I don't like cliff hangers as such and would have preferred a resolved ending. I'm not going to be eagerly awaiting the next book, I'll just get on with my life and when I notice book number ten comes out, I'll probably buy it.
Something tells me book number ten will be the last, but I'm only guessing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 10, 2015A lovely collection of anecdotes about life in Ragley village school Yorkshire in the 80's.
The story centres around the author's quest to become headteacher at the school.
Of course the school children take centre stage. The vignettes of the children in class are funny and heartwarming.
The answers they give to the questions during class are priceless!
A wonderful book.
This digital book was given to me by the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
The story centres around the author's quest to become headteacher at the school.
Of course the school children take centre stage. The vignettes of the children in class are funny and heartwarming.
The answers they give to the questions during class are priceless!
A wonderful book.
This digital book was given to me by the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
January 18, 2016
Another easy read but what a cliff hanger! I hope he writes another install end. Great character development and you learn to care about all of he characters and their lives in Ragley Village. The nostalgic look back events of 1985/86 also make you nod knowingly and then you realise how long ago this was. A whimsical tale of village school life during the 80s, told with skill and attention to small details.
March 13, 2016
Jack Sheffield has done it again. Book number 9 did not disappoint. It was great to catch up with Jack,Vera,Ruby and the others at Ragley-on-the-Forrest school.
With the future of the school in doubt it is an uncertain year for the villagers.
Love is in air for Ruby and the traditional New Year performance takes a classical turn.
The story finishes on a cliff hanger, we will have to wait for number 10 to see if Jack is to be head of the new school.
10 out 10,again Jack.
With the future of the school in doubt it is an uncertain year for the villagers.
Love is in air for Ruby and the traditional New Year performance takes a classical turn.
The story finishes on a cliff hanger, we will have to wait for number 10 to see if Jack is to be head of the new school.
10 out 10,again Jack.
April 29, 2016
Star Teacher or not
Jack is starting a new year as Head of Radley school. However a forthcoming .Berger with another primary school and his wife's appointment as a head teacher make the future uncertain. Light and happy writing with the usual childhood howlers and the malapropisms of the school caretaker make this an enjoyable read.
Jack is starting a new year as Head of Radley school. However a forthcoming .Berger with another primary school and his wife's appointment as a head teacher make the future uncertain. Light and happy writing with the usual childhood howlers and the malapropisms of the school caretaker make this an enjoyable read.
September 22, 2015
I love these books...am hoping this isn't the last.
May 29, 2016
I love all of his books. This lived up to expectations. Brilliant humour but an underlying important thread of story that made me want to get to the end...
February 14, 2016
some of the references felt a bit shoehorned in. Does not have a satisfactory ending and I did not feel as attached to the characters as I should have- definitely read the books in order!
April 2, 2017
Revisiting old friends in the series. Story told with warmth and humour the characters of ragley village are drawn so well and for those of us of a certain age it is lovely to remember what appeared to be a simpler perhaps more caring time
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November 29, 2018Hated this book. According to the author, everyone who is working class, (i.e. not a teacher or in the clergy), doesn’t know any words of over 2 syllables. Irritatingly patronising. Also hated the blatant english jingoism. I bought this at a charity bookshelf on costa coffee for a donation. It wasn’t worth it. If you want to read a good book about Yorkshire, get Emmet.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews