Please note that this title is currently out of stock but is available for pre-order. While we don’t have an exact publishing date yet, it is expected to be available within approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
£9.50
In her sharp and captivating satire, The Dale, Josie Lee Star delivers one of the year’s most brutally honest explorations of the teaching industry.
Inspired by the whistleblowers of yesteryear, this literary gem follows a diverse group of teachers at a fictional secondary school, revealing their petty grievances, complex romantic entanglements, poignant triumphs, and deep sorrows. As they prepare for a high-stakes Ofsted inspection, the ominous arrival of the unrelenting Mrs. Khokhar threatens to dismantle their fragile world, as she embarks on a mission to uphold The Dale’s coveted ‘outstanding’ status. Each character, flawed in their own right, unwittingly contributes to the systemic failures plaguing British education. Witty and incisive, Star’s novel serves as a compelling wake-up call about the urgent challenges facing the educational landscape in Britain.
From the author: The Dale is a culmination of eighteen years’ experience spent in the education sector. Each character is a reflection of the institution they are teaching in, and ultimately mirror the management style of the top. This top-down dictatorship style allows for little creativity or originality, and similarly it creates a toxic environment for anyone not willing to submit.
JOSIE LEE STAR dedicated nearly two decades to teaching English at an inner-city London comprehensive. She is a passionate traveller, a devoted mother, and an avid reader of philosophy.
| 5 star | 36% | |
| 4 star | 45% | |
| 3 star | 9% | |
| 2 star | 0% | |
| 1 star | 9% |
Peter Harrison –
What little narrative structure exists in this book is drowned in a sea of repetitive grievances, axe-grinding monologues, and scenes that seem designed purely to score points rather than build plot or tension. In the end, The Dale is not so much a novel as a venting session masquerading as literature.
Gillian Keefe –
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Witty, honest, and sharply observed— The Dale pulls back the curtain on the pressures of teaching in Britain today. Star’s cast of flawed but relatable teachers are impossible not to root for as chaos, ambition, and bureaucracy collide under Ofsted’s watchful glare. Both laugh-out-loud funny and thought-provoking, this is a must-read for anyone who’s ever survived a staff meeting—or wondered what really happens behind school doors.
Gemma Cowing –
A really enjoyable read—funny in places and pretty spot-on about what it’s like in schools. Not perfect, but honest and relatable.
R Cowan –
As a former teacher, The Dale felt almost uncomfortably familiar at times. I saw sparks of my own experiences in these pages, both the good and the bad. If you’ve ever worked in education, you’ll recognise the battles, laugh at the pettiness, and probably wince at a few painful truths. A thoughtful, relatable read that gets to the messy heart of teaching in Britain today.
Nic McAllister –
Some parts dragged, but the characters felt real and the school drama rang true. Worth a read, especially if you’ve worked in education.
Mary Radden –
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Brilliant, honest, and full of heart! The Dale is a standout novel that perfectly captures the chaos, humour, and real pressures of teaching today. The characters are wonderfully real—flawed yet deeply relatable—and the story pulls you in from the first page. Josie Lee Star nails both the frustrations and the small joys of school life, with writing that’s sharp, witty, and surprisingly moving. I couldn’t put it down. An absolute must-read for anyone who’s ever set foot in a school staffroom!
Palmer (verified owner) –
Thank you someone has finally said it how it is. The fact that those who can see themselves in it (as is the last review) show its truthfulness and directness. People are scared of this book, because it shows the real of them and the world of education. My advice, read it and see who so many are scared of its publishing.
Emma Tyler –
Josie Lee Star writes like she really knows what she’s talking about. The book was eye-opening about how schools work and how stressful and frustrating it can be for the teachers
Daniel Sullivan –
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this book really drew me in. The characters all had their own problems and stories, and the drama around the school inspection kept me curious the whole time.
Susan Jackson –
An engaging satire that doesn’t shy away from the darker side of schooling, ‘The Dale’ explores power, creativity, and resistance within a rigid system. It’s a thought-provoking read that resonates long after the last page
Rob Hayes –
Drawing from nearly two decades in teaching, Josie Lee Star crafts a vivid, biting portrayal of school life under pressure. ‘The Dale’ is insightful, heartfelt, and an essential read for educators and policy makers alike.