What do you think?
Rate this book
Top of the Dale #1
The School at the Top of the Dale
The first novel in a delightful new series from bestselling author Gervase Phinn
Newly qualified teacher Tom Dwyer has been given his first post in Risingdale, a sleepy little village at the very top of the Yorkshire Dales. Unsure if he'll ever fit into this close-knit community, Tom joins a motley staff at the village school. With pupils who know more about sheep than they do arithmetic, Tom has his work cut out for him.
Add to that an altercation with the beautiful but stand-offish Miss Janette Fairborn and an argument with the local squire's son, and Tom's first term proves a baptism of fire. But Tom soon finds himself growing fond of Risingdale, and with a class of lively and demanding pupils, an end-of-term show to put on, and a jewellery thief at large, he will find himself at the centre of drama, secrets revealed, and plenty of love, laughter and new friendships.
Full of colourful characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, The School at the Top of the Dale is a warm and humorous portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village.
Newly qualified teacher Tom Dwyer has been given his first post in Risingdale, a sleepy little village at the very top of the Yorkshire Dales. Unsure if he'll ever fit into this close-knit community, Tom joins a motley staff at the village school. With pupils who know more about sheep than they do arithmetic, Tom has his work cut out for him.
Add to that an altercation with the beautiful but stand-offish Miss Janette Fairborn and an argument with the local squire's son, and Tom's first term proves a baptism of fire. But Tom soon finds himself growing fond of Risingdale, and with a class of lively and demanding pupils, an end-of-term show to put on, and a jewellery thief at large, he will find himself at the centre of drama, secrets revealed, and plenty of love, laughter and new friendships.
Full of colourful characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, The School at the Top of the Dale is a warm and humorous portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village.
416 pages, ebook
First published February 22, 2018
71 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Gervase Phinn
100 books172 followersGervase Phinn (born 27 December 1946, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England) is an English author and educator. After a career as a teacher he became a schools inspector.
He is now a freelance lecturer, broadcaster and writer, a consultant for the Open University, Honorary Fellow of St. John's College, York, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of the University of Leicester, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of The University of Hull and the Fellow and Visiting Professor of Education at The University of Teesside.
In 2005 the highest academic award of Sheffield Hallam University, Doctor of the University (D.Univ.) was conferred upon him by the Chancellor, Professor Lord Robert Winston. In 2006 he became President of The School Library Association.
He has published five volumes of memoir, collections of poetry and a number of books about education. He has a particular interest in children's literature and literacy.
He is married with four grown-up children.
He is now a freelance lecturer, broadcaster and writer, a consultant for the Open University, Honorary Fellow of St. John's College, York, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of the University of Leicester, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of The University of Hull and the Fellow and Visiting Professor of Education at The University of Teesside.
In 2005 the highest academic award of Sheffield Hallam University, Doctor of the University (D.Univ.) was conferred upon him by the Chancellor, Professor Lord Robert Winston. In 2006 he became President of The School Library Association.
He has published five volumes of memoir, collections of poetry and a number of books about education. He has a particular interest in children's literature and literacy.
He is married with four grown-up children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 7, 2020
After enjoying the little village school series I was pleased to discover this new series of A top of the dale novel.
This time the story follows Tom Dwyer who was in the last of the series with Elisabeth Stirling (I love that character). I like how Elisabeth is still mentioned even in this different school.
Tom is given his own drama in the sleepy little village where all the locals know each others business. He's a great lead to follow and I like how it's from a males perspective in this series.
A fast read and an easy five star.
This time the story follows Tom Dwyer who was in the last of the series with Elisabeth Stirling (I love that character). I like how Elisabeth is still mentioned even in this different school.
Tom is given his own drama in the sleepy little village where all the locals know each others business. He's a great lead to follow and I like how it's from a males perspective in this series.
A fast read and an easy five star.
June 3, 2022
Read with my friend Elizabeth! Another wonderful book by Gervase Phinn! I’m loving this new series. We get to know Tom better. We met him in the first series. Heartwarming. Yorkshire. Beautiful.
April 18, 2018
Being in the teaching profession, I've read many books by Gervase Phinn and heard him speak several times. He is rightly labelled the James Herriott of Education. But, after downloading the book,I was a little concerned that some reviews on Amazon were poor.
Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised. There is naturally a Yorkshire school theme throughout all his books but you would expect that. I thought the newly qualified teaching embarking on his first permanent job in a village school a delightful theme. The characters are well written. There's humour written in through the down to earth Yorkshire expressions and a little sadness with regards to the problems and difficulties some children experience.
I'm looking forward to volume 2 of the series.
Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised. There is naturally a Yorkshire school theme throughout all his books but you would expect that. I thought the newly qualified teaching embarking on his first permanent job in a village school a delightful theme. The characters are well written. There's humour written in through the down to earth Yorkshire expressions and a little sadness with regards to the problems and difficulties some children experience.
I'm looking forward to volume 2 of the series.
January 11, 2019
Absolutely fantastic! I’ve loved every book I’ve read by Gervase Phinn and this was just cosy and comfy and perfect with plenty of humour. Loved all the characters so much and a lot of the scenes are so vividly depicted that they will stay with me forever.
March 26, 2018
Having recently read a Tom Clancy thriller followed by a Stephen King book, it was time to turn to this book for some light relief.
Refreshingly similar in format to all his other book, it was in most parts a predictable and a gentle read, with just a few amusing moments dotted here and there; but that was part of its charm and I loved it. Like the Yorkshire dales in which was set, it was like a breath of fresh air, and I look forward to the next book in this series.
Refreshingly similar in format to all his other book, it was in most parts a predictable and a gentle read, with just a few amusing moments dotted here and there; but that was part of its charm and I loved it. Like the Yorkshire dales in which was set, it was like a breath of fresh air, and I look forward to the next book in this series.
December 21, 2022
A spin off from the Barton in the Dale series. Every bit as delightful!!
November 7, 2018
Great characters leading a plot which holds few mysteries, but enormous satisfaction, set in the beautiful and challenging Yorkshire Dales, means a delightful read. Gervase Phinn is a prolific author who can please audiences with his books of reminisces about schools and teaching in Yorkshire in less sophisticated, pre high tech times. His four novels which have featured Elizabeth Stirling, “The Little Village School Series” have provided much enjoyment for readers, and now what looks like a series featuring a neighbouring school with a minor character from the existing series has begun strongly and most enjoyably. Romance, likable and unlikable characters, children with their honest views hilariously expressed all set in a landscape of farms and stunning countryside make for a read which I enjoyed hugely.
Tom Dwyer is a newly qualified teacher whose previous career as a professional footballer has made him keen on teaching sports, but also getting to know each child in his class. Risingdale is a small village in an area of great beauty, but also the hard realities of challenging weather and tough agricultural conditions. Tom is at first bewildered by the small school, the apparently laid back headteacher, and the small and eccentric staff. The people in the village are a mixed lot, with a pub with strong staff and disappointing food, and a rumour network which sometimes jumps to disturbing conclusions. The local landowners are certainly distinctive characters, with a kindly baronet married to a difficult wife and a feckless son. Tom’s progress in the village, as he is persuaded to stay, is anything but peaceful as he gets to know the people of the area and something of the local politics of teaching. Fans of the Little Village School books will recognise some of the characters at their varied best, with an interrogating postmistress and a useless educational official among others. The peril here is minor and usually very funny; the less likable often get their come uppance and others are left discomforted; a great deal of sympathy is expressed for those in difficult circumstances. Change happens, but essentially this is a community preserved in all its friendly, sometimes absurd and always gentle ways, fiction smoothing out hard realities.
Fans of novels about a vague time in the fairly recent past will enjoy this book, especially with many anecdotes about teaching and children in the British countryside. Phinn’s career in teaching and schools inspection means that his stories have the ring of truth even if familiar to readers of his books. He really enjoys describing the Nativity play “misadventures” of small children, even if they are perhaps not really significant in the plot. Compared with Jack Sheffield he is not so keen to define the exact year, costs of items and definite significant events, but I do not believe this is a problem in this confidently written, well handled book. Though not a great literary achievement, this is the sort of book that keeps the reader fascinated despite a lack of mystery and excitement; this is comfort and gentle reading for all. I recommend this as a largely cheerful and confident read which is just enjoyable and I could recommend it on every level.
Tom Dwyer is a newly qualified teacher whose previous career as a professional footballer has made him keen on teaching sports, but also getting to know each child in his class. Risingdale is a small village in an area of great beauty, but also the hard realities of challenging weather and tough agricultural conditions. Tom is at first bewildered by the small school, the apparently laid back headteacher, and the small and eccentric staff. The people in the village are a mixed lot, with a pub with strong staff and disappointing food, and a rumour network which sometimes jumps to disturbing conclusions. The local landowners are certainly distinctive characters, with a kindly baronet married to a difficult wife and a feckless son. Tom’s progress in the village, as he is persuaded to stay, is anything but peaceful as he gets to know the people of the area and something of the local politics of teaching. Fans of the Little Village School books will recognise some of the characters at their varied best, with an interrogating postmistress and a useless educational official among others. The peril here is minor and usually very funny; the less likable often get their come uppance and others are left discomforted; a great deal of sympathy is expressed for those in difficult circumstances. Change happens, but essentially this is a community preserved in all its friendly, sometimes absurd and always gentle ways, fiction smoothing out hard realities.
Fans of novels about a vague time in the fairly recent past will enjoy this book, especially with many anecdotes about teaching and children in the British countryside. Phinn’s career in teaching and schools inspection means that his stories have the ring of truth even if familiar to readers of his books. He really enjoys describing the Nativity play “misadventures” of small children, even if they are perhaps not really significant in the plot. Compared with Jack Sheffield he is not so keen to define the exact year, costs of items and definite significant events, but I do not believe this is a problem in this confidently written, well handled book. Though not a great literary achievement, this is the sort of book that keeps the reader fascinated despite a lack of mystery and excitement; this is comfort and gentle reading for all. I recommend this as a largely cheerful and confident read which is just enjoyable and I could recommend it on every level.
June 12, 2021
4.5 ⭐
I am so pleased we have crossed paths, Gervase Phinn!
This was the very definition of heart-warming and comforting: the close-knit community of Risingdale, the homely and idyllic Yorkshire landscape, as well as the quirky yet good-natured characters, all contribute to that sweet sense of familiarity, encouraging the reader to seamlessly slip into the lifestyle of the different characters residing in this small rural village situated in the middle of nowhere.
Love and care for the beauty of the land and teaching as a vocation oozes from the pages. As a teacher himself, Phinn brilliantly captures the absolute wonders and idiosyncrasies of being a child and the daily ins and outs of school life.
The narrative is jam-packed with small details that beautifully populate it and bring it to life; it smoothly shifts between characters and stories, and deliberately hints at some developments only to actually disclose them later on in the narration, when other elements come into play and render the story even more articulate. Between the gossiping, misunderstandings and the protagonist's (unfortunate) tendency for getting into scrapes or being dragged into them, there is no place for quiet and boredom with the Risingdale folk; it is much like making a whole bunch of new friends.
The characters are truly and clearly a distinctive feature with Phinn, all so well defined as to possess the paradoxical semblance of caricatures at times, all with their own interesting stories, and all incredibly memorable and funny (or appalling)!
Until we meet again, people of Risingdale!
I am so pleased we have crossed paths, Gervase Phinn!
This was the very definition of heart-warming and comforting: the close-knit community of Risingdale, the homely and idyllic Yorkshire landscape, as well as the quirky yet good-natured characters, all contribute to that sweet sense of familiarity, encouraging the reader to seamlessly slip into the lifestyle of the different characters residing in this small rural village situated in the middle of nowhere.
Love and care for the beauty of the land and teaching as a vocation oozes from the pages. As a teacher himself, Phinn brilliantly captures the absolute wonders and idiosyncrasies of being a child and the daily ins and outs of school life.
The narrative is jam-packed with small details that beautifully populate it and bring it to life; it smoothly shifts between characters and stories, and deliberately hints at some developments only to actually disclose them later on in the narration, when other elements come into play and render the story even more articulate. Between the gossiping, misunderstandings and the protagonist's (unfortunate) tendency for getting into scrapes or being dragged into them, there is no place for quiet and boredom with the Risingdale folk; it is much like making a whole bunch of new friends.
The characters are truly and clearly a distinctive feature with Phinn, all so well defined as to possess the paradoxical semblance of caricatures at times, all with their own interesting stories, and all incredibly memorable and funny (or appalling)!
Until we meet again, people of Risingdale!
April 12, 2019
I got this from my nanna after I went to visit her and my grandad and had nothing to do (the joys of living in the countryside haha) and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's such a pleasant read and very easy to get into and the characters are all charming, minus the odd few. I'd definitely read another of Gervase's books.
September 21, 2018
Although a new series, the characters and themes are comfortably familiar and the book delivers exactly what as a reader I have come to expect from Gervase Phinn. A very enjoyable read, littered with funny and poignant anecdotes from Dales-folk young and old.
March 20, 2018
I love all of Gervase Phinn's books, and this was no exception.
April 4, 2020
Dull, repetitive, patronising and above all extremely cliches and predictable. Couldn’t finish.
June 3, 2022
Heartwarming story I read with my friend Shiloah.
May 30, 2018
A gentle, humorous novel from an author best known for his enterainimg anecdotes of children’s thoughts and words, based on his role as an HM school inspector in the Yorkshire Dales. At the heart of the novel is Tom Dwyer, a newly qualified young teacher who takes up a post in the backwater, sleepy village of Risingdale in the Yorkshire Dales. His first impressions of the school were not good - run down building, a lack of resources and an headmaster, Mr, Gaunt who adopted a “a laissez-faire”, laid back, attitude. But Tom comes to appreciate the support of his motley teaching colleagues, with a growing respect for the perceptive and kindly Mr Gaunt, whilst his lively group of pupils, who know far more about farming than he does, present different challenges.
Outside school, Tom has encounters with the local farmers and villagers and quickly makes his mark on the community. Tom is a lovely, likeable man who is almost too perfect as the hero of the novel. The ending is not too pat and leaves the way open for a sequel. The many other characters are well drawn, and one cannot help but be charmed by this “so nice” book.
Outside school, Tom has encounters with the local farmers and villagers and quickly makes his mark on the community. Tom is a lovely, likeable man who is almost too perfect as the hero of the novel. The ending is not too pat and leaves the way open for a sequel. The many other characters are well drawn, and one cannot help but be charmed by this “so nice” book.
October 28, 2018
An idealistic and idiosyncratic look at life as a village school teacher. I enjoyed the story as a light read and as a retired teacher I remember those halcyon days of teaching without a national curriculum and SATs. I think younger teachers would find the story a fairy tale! It doesn't quite match Gervase Phinn's autobiographical novels in terms of humour but still worth a read. However it contains the same formulaic style of writing.
April 7, 2019
What a delightful book. We follow Tom Dwyer as he becomes the new teacher at Risingdale school. He encounters alot of colouful local characters along the way. This story is not romantic in the least although maybe there are adventures to come in that direction. I look forward to reading the next saga in this series of books.
May 9, 2019
Absolutely love this author. Just read this title, all others read previously.
As usual, this was full of wonderful characters, love, consideration, humour, pathos,
and totally real and hilarious children.
I look forward to Tom's story unfolding further.
Thank you Mr. Phinn!
As usual, this was full of wonderful characters, love, consideration, humour, pathos,
and totally real and hilarious children.
I look forward to Tom's story unfolding further.
Thank you Mr. Phinn!
Want to read
February 22, 2020Delightful full of characters and humour. The second novel in this series is entitled `Tales Out Of School` Published by Hodder in Spring 2020 (Two years after `The School at the Top of the Dale`) I cant wait !!!
June 17, 2018
First in a new series, a familiar, light and gentle read from the school inspector writer.
August 13, 2023
This was such a heartwarming and wholesome story! It took me a chapter or two to get into it, but once I got the lay of the land, I always looked forward to returning to it and to our main character, Tom Dwyer as he ingratiated himself into a new school.
It certainly presents as somewhat of a challenge to Tom, who not only has to introduce himself fo a new school and a whole new sea of young faces but also to the quiet and quaint Yorkshire town. He’ll certainly have his work cut out to win the occupants of the Dale here.
You quickly warm to this eclectic and lovable cast of characters, from the teachers to the children of the school. It was well written and in a way that always kept you entertained and coming back for more. It was just such a satisfying book and I never got bored.
I alternated between the physical copy and then switched fo the audiobook because I have to admit, listening to the Yorkshire accents was a lot more fun than reading them! So in this instance, that format won out for me. The narrator was really fab and had such a comforting and settling voice, it made it even easier to read.
I’m glad there’s others in this series and it’s one I’ll definitely return back to!
It certainly presents as somewhat of a challenge to Tom, who not only has to introduce himself fo a new school and a whole new sea of young faces but also to the quiet and quaint Yorkshire town. He’ll certainly have his work cut out to win the occupants of the Dale here.
You quickly warm to this eclectic and lovable cast of characters, from the teachers to the children of the school. It was well written and in a way that always kept you entertained and coming back for more. It was just such a satisfying book and I never got bored.
I alternated between the physical copy and then switched fo the audiobook because I have to admit, listening to the Yorkshire accents was a lot more fun than reading them! So in this instance, that format won out for me. The narrator was really fab and had such a comforting and settling voice, it made it even easier to read.
I’m glad there’s others in this series and it’s one I’ll definitely return back to!
January 23, 2020
I haven't read one of Mr Phinn's books for some time and had forgotten how entertaining and funny they were. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, a lighthearted look at life in a remote part of Yorkshire where the pupils are from a farming background. I laughed out loud in several places and the characters are painted so well which brings them to life. I look forward to the next book in the series which is due in March.
May 29, 2020
This is nice easy read - very much in the style of Mr Phinn's earlier books. Tom Dwyer who appeared in the Little Village School series is now a teacher in the school at the top of the dale. Some of the other Characters from the previous series make cameos as well as a cast of new characters. No real surprises and most of the scenarios were easily predictable. But told with humour this gentle novel provided welcome relief from a stressful world, As someone who works in education as a Teaching Assistant I thought the School at the top of the Dale sounded idyllic.
October 10, 2021
Reread in 2021 - I had no memory of this whatsoever so I reread it. It's so charming. Tom is a great main character and a great teacher, it's lovely to follow him on his adventures settling in Yorkshire. I grew very fond of all the characters and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series for sure!
Original review in 2019 - Absolutely fantastic! I’ve loved every book I’ve read by Gervase Phinn and this was just cosy and comfy and perfect with plenty of humour. Loved all the characters so much and a lot of the scenes are so vividly depicted that they will stay with me forever.
Original review in 2019 - Absolutely fantastic! I’ve loved every book I’ve read by Gervase Phinn and this was just cosy and comfy and perfect with plenty of humour. Loved all the characters so much and a lot of the scenes are so vividly depicted that they will stay with me forever.
March 22, 2020
I’ve really enjoyed losing myself in the Dales a nice change from romance although there was a little towards the end
April 14, 2022
I did finish this but didn’t enjoy it much. The characters were clichéd and it was sadly lacking in any real story.
January 7, 2021
The School At The Top Of The Dale by Gervase Phinn is a wonderful contemporary tale that will enthral and enchant from the start. It is the first book in the Top Of The Dale series.
Once more Gervase Phinn has created a warm cast of characters who make up Dales life. The classroom is both within a building and outside in the wider community showing that it really is life-long learning.
The children are preoccupied with animals – being particularly knowledgeable about sheep!
Village life is made up of an eclectic mix who take up residence in the reader’s heart. There is a misunderstood lad who just broke my heart as he did not know how to process his loss. The leading young man is new to teaching and his enthusiasm is infectious.
The school is at the heart of village life. It is the place of employment for a few and the place of learning for all.
Gervase Phinn writes with a depth of understanding and a great deal of wit. Having worked in schools over the years, the situations and conversations resonated with me. I was literally laughing out loud at the nativity scene.
I adore all Gervase Phinn’s novels. They are good, wholesome stories that are easy to relate too.
Incidentally several years ago I was fortunate to watch Gervase Phinn on stage. What a brilliant night that was. Gervase Phinn is every bit as charming, knowledgeable and funny as his books. I can highly recommend going to see him live.
Once more Gervase Phinn has created a warm cast of characters who make up Dales life. The classroom is both within a building and outside in the wider community showing that it really is life-long learning.
The children are preoccupied with animals – being particularly knowledgeable about sheep!
Village life is made up of an eclectic mix who take up residence in the reader’s heart. There is a misunderstood lad who just broke my heart as he did not know how to process his loss. The leading young man is new to teaching and his enthusiasm is infectious.
The school is at the heart of village life. It is the place of employment for a few and the place of learning for all.
Gervase Phinn writes with a depth of understanding and a great deal of wit. Having worked in schools over the years, the situations and conversations resonated with me. I was literally laughing out loud at the nativity scene.
I adore all Gervase Phinn’s novels. They are good, wholesome stories that are easy to relate too.
Incidentally several years ago I was fortunate to watch Gervase Phinn on stage. What a brilliant night that was. Gervase Phinn is every bit as charming, knowledgeable and funny as his books. I can highly recommend going to see him live.
December 27, 2021
This delightful book was an easy read for me over the holidays! Newly qualified teacher Tom Dwyer has just got his first teaching post in a small village in the Yorkshire Dales.
Tom at first doesn’t know if he will be able to settle in the village, the school is very run down and old fashioned. Life in a village is unique, having grown up in a village myself I know the advantages and the drawbacks .
Working in a school I could really relate to lots of the story. The nativity play and the inspectors visit was so well written.
This easy read will gave me lots of laughs, memorial characters and a lovely trip down memory lane to my country childhood.
Tom at first doesn’t know if he will be able to settle in the village, the school is very run down and old fashioned. Life in a village is unique, having grown up in a village myself I know the advantages and the drawbacks .
Working in a school I could really relate to lots of the story. The nativity play and the inspectors visit was so well written.
This easy read will gave me lots of laughs, memorial characters and a lovely trip down memory lane to my country childhood.
August 14, 2025
I adore his stories based on real life, especially his rendition of the children's dialogues but he tends to give away too much information too early on, nothing is left hidden for us to discover. The love stories are always really easy to spot early on and if we don't get it straight away he adds a layer of explanations, this is the big flaw in an otherwise very nice series. This is also what happens in his series on the headmistress : the plot is first rate in the first novel, however in the second book of the series he ruins it by reexplaining what has happened earlier on, as if we were kids.
April 3, 2021
It’s a very readable book with some entertaining scenes. There’s a feel good factor to it. I’m not sure when the book is set; I presume preOfsted, preSATS, pretargets.
My early childhood was in a small Yorkshire school in the Pennines and some of the book triggered memories.
The only let down for me was the main character. He is too much like a Mr/Miss Perfect. I find him bland. He is almost like a teacher out of an Inspector’s handbook. His colleagues are much more human.
My early childhood was in a small Yorkshire school in the Pennines and some of the book triggered memories.
The only let down for me was the main character. He is too much like a Mr/Miss Perfect. I find him bland. He is almost like a teacher out of an Inspector’s handbook. His colleagues are much more human.
July 5, 2020
4.5 stars
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, possibly because I am going to be an NQT in September myself, making it a whole lot more relatable. I felt the character descriptions were brilliant and really let me connect with the story. The only reason this is 4.5 stars is because at times it was a little overly descriptive, however this only happened a couple of times.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, possibly because I am going to be an NQT in September myself, making it a whole lot more relatable. I felt the character descriptions were brilliant and really let me connect with the story. The only reason this is 4.5 stars is because at times it was a little overly descriptive, however this only happened a couple of times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews