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Back to School
The year is 1969 and Jack Sheffield is a young teacher in need of a job. In a room full of twenty-nine other newly qualified teachers, he's overjoyed when he's appointed to Heather View Primary. Jack is excited to start his first year there and to begin shaping young minds in a beautiful new location on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.But Heather View isn't as idyllic as it first sounds. In fact, it looks more like a prison than a primary school. With less than adequate funding and a head teacher who doesn't seem to care, it's no easy task to give the kids the education they deserve. But Jack's determined to do just that.Full of warmth and good humour, Back to School is like taking a nostalgic walk through the past to a simpler time..._____________________What readers are ***** 'I felt I was transported back in time. This was a joy to read.'***** 'By chapter 3 I loved this book so much that I ordered two other titles by this author!'***** 'So uplifting and joyous.' _____________________Praise for 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
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2020
9 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Jack Sheffield
42 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 12, 2020
In this well timed book, this popular author goes back to his own career as the basis for a very readable novel of school life in all its humour, frustrations and excitement. Set in 1969 -70, this book vividly brings to life the experience of teaching on a challenging estate in North Yorkshire. This is not the rolling dales or picturesque countryside; rather it is a community where tarmac rather than trees defines the landscape. Jack describes in his own words the enthusiasm he brings to teaching and the colleagues who he enjoys working with who are each described as true individuals. Despite the difficult background of the children, the biggest challenge to Jack’s teaching is the headteacher, whose attitudes are aggressively out of step with contemporary practice. With his usual eye for detail and love of an excellent anecdote, this is a lively and beautifully written book is alive with a sense of place and time. I was so very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this most enjoyable book.
The book opens with a large interview for teachers to be dispatched throughout Yorkshire. Thus it is only when Jack and Penny, a young teacher he met at the interview day, arrive at Heather View Primary school before term starts that they appreciate that the name does not really describe the austere building before them. Obviously underfunded, it soon becomes clear that the building and certain classrooms are ill equipped and that the caretaker is slapdash at best. In the absence of the headteacher, the two young teachers are greeted by Barbara the deputy head, who is welcoming and forthcoming concerning the local shops and area. On the first day of term Jack is met by the headteacher who describes himself as “Little”, and loses no time in informing Jack “Just so you’re clear, in this school there’s a right way and a wrong way….You need to understand right from the off that these people only understand discipline”. He shows Jack the cane he uses on the juniors, while he points out that he uses a slipper on the infants. A heavy smoker with little or no interest in the welfare of the children, his attitude to Jack is aggressive and appalling.
Happily the children, though frequently coming from difficult backgrounds, with the majority qualifying for free school meals, respond well to Jack’s enlightened teaching practices. The other staff include the obsessive Travis who is enthusiastic and fascinated by trains, and the determined Connie with a past and strong views. The school secretary Edith is a charming woman who discovers a problem, while Audrey seeks true love. With playing for the local rugby team, sorting out his accommodation and making friends, Jack is enjoying his first year at the school, but is a little mystified by Penny.
This is a very enjoyable book which shows some of the joys and challenges of teaching in a small under resourced school. Much of the humour emerges from the children and their families, as well as the other staff and their enthusiasms. Sheffield is as always careful to include the prices paid for items to give a definite sense of time, as well as recording attitudes to current events. This is such an enjoyable book which I had difficulty putting down once begun, and I recommend it for those who enjoy nostalgia, humour, and insight into school life with a hint of romance.
The book opens with a large interview for teachers to be dispatched throughout Yorkshire. Thus it is only when Jack and Penny, a young teacher he met at the interview day, arrive at Heather View Primary school before term starts that they appreciate that the name does not really describe the austere building before them. Obviously underfunded, it soon becomes clear that the building and certain classrooms are ill equipped and that the caretaker is slapdash at best. In the absence of the headteacher, the two young teachers are greeted by Barbara the deputy head, who is welcoming and forthcoming concerning the local shops and area. On the first day of term Jack is met by the headteacher who describes himself as “Little”, and loses no time in informing Jack “Just so you’re clear, in this school there’s a right way and a wrong way….You need to understand right from the off that these people only understand discipline”. He shows Jack the cane he uses on the juniors, while he points out that he uses a slipper on the infants. A heavy smoker with little or no interest in the welfare of the children, his attitude to Jack is aggressive and appalling.
Happily the children, though frequently coming from difficult backgrounds, with the majority qualifying for free school meals, respond well to Jack’s enlightened teaching practices. The other staff include the obsessive Travis who is enthusiastic and fascinated by trains, and the determined Connie with a past and strong views. The school secretary Edith is a charming woman who discovers a problem, while Audrey seeks true love. With playing for the local rugby team, sorting out his accommodation and making friends, Jack is enjoying his first year at the school, but is a little mystified by Penny.
This is a very enjoyable book which shows some of the joys and challenges of teaching in a small under resourced school. Much of the humour emerges from the children and their families, as well as the other staff and their enthusiasms. Sheffield is as always careful to include the prices paid for items to give a definite sense of time, as well as recording attitudes to current events. This is such an enjoyable book which I had difficulty putting down once begun, and I recommend it for those who enjoy nostalgia, humour, and insight into school life with a hint of romance.
August 4, 2020
A thoroughly enjoyable read!
This is a work of fiction, but it's very obviously based on some of the many characters that have passed through Mr Sheffield's class over the years! The book is set in 1969/1970 and captures the social changes & everyday challenges of those times through the daily lives and interactions of the close knit staff at the pleasantly named but less pleasant in reality, Heather View Primary School in Yorkshire. Anyone who was at school, or worked in a school at this time will recognise so much. The writing is excellent & the descriptions of the ordinary are so vivid that you would swear that Mr Sheffield knew your street/corner shop/ local pub etc.
Early in the book, when discussing the tree in the playground, he says "I recall this incident having a considerable effect on me. It was the beginning of the time when I learned how to teach children from some of the most challenging home backgrounds. Those who arrived at school hungry, unloved and occasionally frightened needed empathy, not anger"
There is a perfect smattering of humour, mixed with affection for his young pupils who hadn't had the best starts in life. The stories about the children are balanced by the strengthening bond that is developing between the 6 teachers & the school secretary - though the less said about the headmaster & the caretaker the better! From Railway enthusiast Travis to rebellious Connie, the small cast of characters are so well described that you really feel that you know them.
Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book free from the publisher via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the publisher & author for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
This is a work of fiction, but it's very obviously based on some of the many characters that have passed through Mr Sheffield's class over the years! The book is set in 1969/1970 and captures the social changes & everyday challenges of those times through the daily lives and interactions of the close knit staff at the pleasantly named but less pleasant in reality, Heather View Primary School in Yorkshire. Anyone who was at school, or worked in a school at this time will recognise so much. The writing is excellent & the descriptions of the ordinary are so vivid that you would swear that Mr Sheffield knew your street/corner shop/ local pub etc.
Early in the book, when discussing the tree in the playground, he says "I recall this incident having a considerable effect on me. It was the beginning of the time when I learned how to teach children from some of the most challenging home backgrounds. Those who arrived at school hungry, unloved and occasionally frightened needed empathy, not anger"
There is a perfect smattering of humour, mixed with affection for his young pupils who hadn't had the best starts in life. The stories about the children are balanced by the strengthening bond that is developing between the 6 teachers & the school secretary - though the less said about the headmaster & the caretaker the better! From Railway enthusiast Travis to rebellious Connie, the small cast of characters are so well described that you really feel that you know them.
Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book free from the publisher via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the publisher & author for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
December 20, 2021
3.5 stars.
Some books are cosy, gentle reads. They feature likeable characters, an interesting location, a few problems that are not insurmountable, and they are great to read in troubled times.
This is the first book by Jack Sheffield that I've read in his Teacher series. Although it is number 13 in the series, it takes place near the start of Jack's career. He arrives at a Yorkshire school in 1969, full of enthusiasm for exploring new ways of teaching. He finds supportive colleagues, but a jaded, unsupportive headteacher.
Nonetheless, the story progresses through Jack's year of teaching; the children, the parents, the other teachers. So much of 1969 is there - the moon landing; the Isle of Wight music festivals; songs on the radio; fashions, the attitudes of the time. This book is a lovely way to immerse yourself into another time and place.
Some books are cosy, gentle reads. They feature likeable characters, an interesting location, a few problems that are not insurmountable, and they are great to read in troubled times.
This is the first book by Jack Sheffield that I've read in his Teacher series. Although it is number 13 in the series, it takes place near the start of Jack's career. He arrives at a Yorkshire school in 1969, full of enthusiasm for exploring new ways of teaching. He finds supportive colleagues, but a jaded, unsupportive headteacher.
Nonetheless, the story progresses through Jack's year of teaching; the children, the parents, the other teachers. So much of 1969 is there - the moon landing; the Isle of Wight music festivals; songs on the radio; fashions, the attitudes of the time. This book is a lovely way to immerse yourself into another time and place.
September 10, 2023
As always, top marks from me for this extremely enjoyable addition to the “Teacher” series. I love the gentle pace and the nostalgic touches - the hit records of the era, when I was 16/17, and mention of the foods of the time, Ovaltine, Cadbury’s Smash and the comics, magazines and TV programmes we all enjoyed. It seems a lifetime ago and I enjoyed the chance to be immersed in 1969/70 again, albeit for a brief time. I am already looking forward to the next instalment!
October 31, 2020
Another nostalgic look back by Jack Sheffield, this time to 1969/70 and the beginnings of his teaching career. A whimsical, easy to read, feel good book, which is fantastic to escape to in the current climate. Jack creates believable characters, one suspects based on those he knew at the time. A lovely story of growth, love, loss, frustration and honesty.
October 3, 2021
This is the story of a school before the National Curriculum ; SATs; targets and Ofsted. It is a time when classrooms had nature tables and teachers taught to the children’s interests. A time when children had sweet cigarettes and school dinners consisted of Spam fritters and chips. A beautiful tale 😀.
May 22, 2022
A nice easy read, the story of Jack Sheffield's year spent at one school in Yorkshire earliy in his teaching career. Some funny moments amongst the more serious experiences with bad and good teaching staff, parents and trying to improve the prospects of his year 6 class.
September 14, 2020
I’ve read all the books in this series-really enjoyed them all. I hope there will be more!
September 25, 2020
Like a warm, cosy blanket.
June 10, 2021
Brilliant
I have read every single book about Jack Sheffield in this series starting with Teacher Teacher, they are all a brilliant read. I can’t wait for the next one!
I have read every single book about Jack Sheffield in this series starting with Teacher Teacher, they are all a brilliant read. I can’t wait for the next one!
Read
April 22, 2022more good reading in this saga
March 17, 2021
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December 31, 2022
Synopsis
It’s 1969 at Heather Field View Primary School, Yorkshire. In a room full of twenty-nine other newly qualified teachers, Jack is overjoyed when he’s appointed. He is excited to start his first year there with the potential to shape young minds in a beautiful new location on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Heather View isn’t as idyllic as it first sounds. In fact, it looks more like a prison than a primary school. With less than adequate funding and a head teacher who doesn’t seem to care, it’s no easy task to give the kids the education they deserve.
Thoughts
As first time readers of the Jack Sheffield’s books, it was assuring to find his book genuine, humorous and entertaining stand alone novel. There were contless occasions where sheffield had us giggling (character’s like Mad Nicky). For a new teacher, he came across quite head strong, leading and domineering but showed all signs of being a potential head teacher. The more we read into the character we found him to be polite, charming and inspiring. He was willing to teach his children lessons they deserved to learn for the sake of their future but you noticed his level of empathy towards children made you trust him as a person and teacher. Throughout the novel, you grasp a fascination in his teachings. Sheffield takes you back down memory lane to classic lessons, events and anecdotes from the early 70s. There were events like the Isle of Wright Festival and Neil Armstrong’s Landing on the Moon. It was fascinating to learn a driving lesson cost “one pound and thirteen shillings” compared to thirty pounds. The modern kids ought to learn a thing or two!
The dialogue for this was very clever and realistic. It was hard to read sometimes because of the punctuation which we applause due to the time it must have taken to edit in. It captured the real essence of the Nothern accent in an authentic manner. The themes of the book covers a wide range of discussions. For instance, Penny’s boyfriend is a doctor which humorously annoys Jack. Sheffield also lives in a fortunate area compared to his students. It highlighted the contrast of wealth between characters and the hardship of areas bringing out their values (the football pitch). Secondly, it brings up the controversy on what is considered a correct education standard and what is important for teachers to teach their children. Today, there are more structures and guidelines to lessons whereas Jack might of had more flexibility back then but it nice in the way he taught them in a humble way rather than to the strict ways that are expressed in the book.
The overall book was humbling. There were some funny lines from the characters that kept it light hearted. Audrey was one of the examples. There was an article in the Daily Mail about Phillip declaring the state’s finances in American News. Audrey replied with the sweetest but naive reply that the Buckingham Palace must have a huge up-keep. We could imagine this would have irritated Jack slightly but we think he enjoyed the buzz of his new teaching family and their debate. We couldn’t help but laugh when Audrey replied this because it was exactly something we would respond with! There are no regrets in the way the book ended. There was no “fault” with the plot and it was a pleasure to read.
Thank you Anne @ Random Things Tours and Transworld Publishers for this ARC for an honest review! You can follow Jack Sheffield on Twitter by searching his tag @teacherseries.
It’s 1969 at Heather Field View Primary School, Yorkshire. In a room full of twenty-nine other newly qualified teachers, Jack is overjoyed when he’s appointed. He is excited to start his first year there with the potential to shape young minds in a beautiful new location on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Heather View isn’t as idyllic as it first sounds. In fact, it looks more like a prison than a primary school. With less than adequate funding and a head teacher who doesn’t seem to care, it’s no easy task to give the kids the education they deserve.
Thoughts
As first time readers of the Jack Sheffield’s books, it was assuring to find his book genuine, humorous and entertaining stand alone novel. There were contless occasions where sheffield had us giggling (character’s like Mad Nicky). For a new teacher, he came across quite head strong, leading and domineering but showed all signs of being a potential head teacher. The more we read into the character we found him to be polite, charming and inspiring. He was willing to teach his children lessons they deserved to learn for the sake of their future but you noticed his level of empathy towards children made you trust him as a person and teacher. Throughout the novel, you grasp a fascination in his teachings. Sheffield takes you back down memory lane to classic lessons, events and anecdotes from the early 70s. There were events like the Isle of Wright Festival and Neil Armstrong’s Landing on the Moon. It was fascinating to learn a driving lesson cost “one pound and thirteen shillings” compared to thirty pounds. The modern kids ought to learn a thing or two!
The dialogue for this was very clever and realistic. It was hard to read sometimes because of the punctuation which we applause due to the time it must have taken to edit in. It captured the real essence of the Nothern accent in an authentic manner. The themes of the book covers a wide range of discussions. For instance, Penny’s boyfriend is a doctor which humorously annoys Jack. Sheffield also lives in a fortunate area compared to his students. It highlighted the contrast of wealth between characters and the hardship of areas bringing out their values (the football pitch). Secondly, it brings up the controversy on what is considered a correct education standard and what is important for teachers to teach their children. Today, there are more structures and guidelines to lessons whereas Jack might of had more flexibility back then but it nice in the way he taught them in a humble way rather than to the strict ways that are expressed in the book.
The overall book was humbling. There were some funny lines from the characters that kept it light hearted. Audrey was one of the examples. There was an article in the Daily Mail about Phillip declaring the state’s finances in American News. Audrey replied with the sweetest but naive reply that the Buckingham Palace must have a huge up-keep. We could imagine this would have irritated Jack slightly but we think he enjoyed the buzz of his new teaching family and their debate. We couldn’t help but laugh when Audrey replied this because it was exactly something we would respond with! There are no regrets in the way the book ended. There was no “fault” with the plot and it was a pleasure to read.
Thank you Anne @ Random Things Tours and Transworld Publishers for this ARC for an honest review! You can follow Jack Sheffield on Twitter by searching his tag @teacherseries.
September 6, 2020
Having read the previous series of Jacks books, I was somewhat confused when this clearly was a prequel. This is why I dropped one star. The story was, however very good . I did question the fact that the author narrated his own work as I do believe that professional voice actors very often do a better job, just a minor detail. Laugh out loud humour with innocent childrens' observations of logic. It is set in the late 1960's /early 1970's the years that I attended school and many of the systems i remember as well as the history and the toys and comics. Would recommend this book
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews