Page 3 Profile: Jonny Mitchell, Headmaster

(Gary Calton/Channel 4)

Isn’t he the headteacher off the telly?

He is, the no-nonsense headmaster of Thornhill Community Academy, an unlikely star of fly-on-the-wall documentary Educating Yorkshire. He’s allowed Channel 4’s cameras into his school to take a peek at the highs and lows of life at the Dewsbury-based academy. With an eclectic set of interests, from 1980s pop to cryptic crosswords, he’s a joy to watch. Oh, and quite a hit with the ladies?

You mean he’s a heart-throb?

Got it in one. The second episode only aired last week and he’s already had dozens of marriage proposals, he says. Some of whom call him a TILF (work it out). Heat magazine even asked him up to see if he’d be their pin-up. “I’m sure the people saying it are all 55 and greying and haven’t got their own teeth,” the 41-year-old told The Sunday Telegraph. “I’m a portly, almost middle-aged, balding geek. It’s got to have something to do with my authority.”

Is he available then?

He’s off-limits, happily married with three kids, so hands off. Though not everyone has been so complimentary. Some viewers took issue with how he disciplined Jac-Henry, a studious boy who lashed out at cool kid Georgia’s relentless teasing.

When can I see him in action?

You can catch his tough, hands-on approach and quirky sense of humour on Channel 4 at 9pm on Thursdays.