Social media favourite Tommy T shares school tips

Teacher Tommy T started making social media videos in his spare time during the Covid lockdowns

A teacher with millions of online followers has been sharing his top tips to help pupils and their parents get ready for the switch to high school.

Tommy T, 36, who lives and works in Norwich and is originally from Bungay in Suffolk, has almost 2.5 million TikTok followers, 1.5 million YouTube subscribers and nearly 230,000 Instagram fans.

He works full-time teaching students with special educational needs, but in lockdown started making comical videos based on his observations of school humour and poignant moments.

"That transition from year six - most students in this area are in quite small primary schools... going into a big high school - that's a massive leap," he said.

Tommy T's videos are based on observations he makes in the classroom

"It can be quite daunting on what to bring - they'll bring their PE kit, catering utensils.

"The response I've had to videos recently to support them transitioning has been really lovely... from parents and teachers."

Tommy T, who does not disclose his full name or the place he works, said the content he created allowed him to explore his love of the performing arts.

The dad-of-two, who is married to school secretary Catherine, said his workplace had been supportive of his social media persona, while his credibility among his students had also been given a boost.

"It's great walking down a corridor and getting a high five or fist bump off teenagers - you don't see that a lot nowadays," said the social media creator.

Tommy T says he hopes his social media presence can help pupils to feel supported

However, his return back to the classroom, which paved the way for him producing funny video sketches and clips, was not easy.

It was a topic he touched on in a recent video to mark GCSE results day to try to help those students grappling with both their grades and potential futures.

Tommy T attended Bungay High School and said while he had "fantastic teachers who fully supported me", he had been disappointed with his own results.

He said: "I left my school with not the greatest of GCSEs - a C in English and a C in food tech - so I couldn't do too much with that.

"I wanted to put that out there to say my journey took a different road and a piece of paper doesn't define you, but I got there eventually.

"I wanted to make sure students across the UK could feel that they're not alone."

Tommy T's top tips for starting high school

• My number one piece of advice is to be yourself. Be the best person you were in year six and go into year seven the same

• Have a decent breakfast - it really will put you in good stead when starting high school

• Stay on top of the homework - it will get you into a good habit

• If you are struggling to make friends then join all the available clubs and societies. I joined the drama club and it was just an easy way to make friends and meet like-minded people. It will definitely enhance your experience of school