Grantly Budgen
Played by
Phillip Martin Brown
The head of English and nearing retirement age, Grantly has had many years to perfect his cynical disenchantment with the teaching profession. He’s slightly scruffy, tired and lacks conviction about anything, especially since he failed to write the novel he’s always believed he had in him. He’s sarcastic but is often witty with it and his asides in the staff room often prompt a giggle from his colleagues, many of whom have a soft spot for him, particularly Steph. His only true love in life is his wife, Fleur, who he adores. He has old-fashioned values and believes marriage should be forever – and after a little blip in the marriage in Series 4, Grantly and Fleur realised they couldn’t be without each other. Partial to a drink and a flutter on the horses, Grantly wants an easy life and thinks school is a much nicer place when they kids aren’t there.
Grantly’s not a fan of Rachel’s new emotional health drive and thinks her touchy feely approach just gives kids free reign to run wild. He’s the first to grumble at the various drives this term and much to Rachel’s dismay he’s not beyond a little sabotage!
Read our exclusive interviews with Phillip...
Series 3 Interview
Series 2 Interview
Series 1 Interview