'A frank, funny and long overdue ode to teachers and teaching' Adam Kay

The malodorous horrors of Sports Day.
Bracing yourself for Parents' Evening.
Refereeing teenage relationship dramas.

This is not what you see in the adverts.

From the age of eight, Ryan Wilson dreamt of being a teacher. This is the inside story of his time at the chalkface, from fresh-faced trainee with grand ideals to exhausted assistant head battling ever-changing government demands. It is a tribute to the colleagues who befriended him and to the chaotic, brilliant, maddening students who inspired and enraged him. From Sean, the wannabe gangster with a soft heart, to David, the king of innuendo, and terrifyingly clever Amelia. And, above all, it's about the lessons they taught him: how to be patient and resilient, how to live authentically and how to value every day.

'Hilarious, inspiring and so terrifyingly true' Lucy Kellaway

'A delightfully frank and funny book - with a very serious message' Jacqueline Wilson

'A hilarious love letter to teaching - and to teenagers. It throws open the doors to the staff room and our ears to the gossip inside' Christie Watson

'I was captivated by Ryan Wilson's honesty and vulnerability and loved reading and exploring every minute of this familiar world' Andria Zafirakou

'Laugh out loud funny - every teacher who reads it will cringe with empathy' Laura McInerney