(Un)educated: My Life as a Teacher, and Why You Should Never Become One

by Francis Foster

The class weren't laughing with me, they were laughing at me and there is no lonelier place for a comedian or teacher to be in. The lesson was over and everyone knew it. I looked down and realised that my flies were undone.

Welcome to teaching.

Welcome to the reality of what it's really like to be a teacher - the pure, unvarnished truth of what it means to stand in front of a group of thirty kids and try and get them to do some work. It's not the inspirational vision you see in government ads; rather it's breaking up fights between warring East End grandmas, figuring out which student defecated in the sink, and dealing with prepubescent sociopaths intent on annihilating lessons week after week.

In brutal, hilarious and gory detail, comedian Francis Foster lifts the lid on the indignities, humiliations, rare triumphs and devastating blows he experienced as a teacher in some of the most notorious schools around the country. But so much more than a teacher's memoir, (Un)educated shines a light on the problems in the UK education system in uncompromising fashion, exposing how the most vulnerable children in society are being failed. And if you're not listening? Well, turns out it's not only your own time you're wasting.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor

Audible Audio

Published May 28, 2026

Reviews

[Leticia Souza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big fan of Francis work in Triggernometry, this book follows the same easy and authentic narrative that he brings to the podcast.
A very sad and tough reality of someone that is trying to do his best and follow a mission-driven career, but unfortunately with the challenges of public system, gets stuck into the never ending suffering that the current UK education system brings to its staff.
My main take away is that the education system is a reflection of the overall problems we see in the UK and across Europe: lack of discipline and control hidden as the 'freedom' for the previously 'oppressed'.
I would have never read a book on education if it wasn't made by Francis. I hope he will eventually get back to education in some capacity. His heart is in the right place and he understands deeply the problems and potential solutions for it.

[Gannon Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know Francis from JRE and wow that was not what I was expecting. This book was very emotional. I thought it was just going to be stories about how adolescents suck, but that was a roller coaster. Bravo

[Glenda Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could really relate to this book. I was a teacher for 20 years although not in tough schools the authors memories of his PGCE course was very much like my own. Excellent book thoroughly recommend .

[Kelly Fraser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful and funny

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and bittersweet insight into the lives of teachers in the UK. This is why I hate when people tell me to become a teacher. They are underpaid and overworked.

[Mollie Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

[Mel Ives · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious!!