Meet the Cast of “The Teacher” Season 3 Thriller

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 30, 2026 9:51 PM ET

Meet the Cast of “The Teacher” Season 3 Thriller

Content warning: this piece discusses suicide. Reader discretion is advised. If you need support, contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or [email protected].

Season 3 of The Teacher centres on a bitter clash between an experienced educator and a powerful pupil. The storyline escalates after a vulnerable student dies, turning the drama into a tense thriller.

Cast at a glance

Victoria Hamilton as Helen Simpson — a drama teacher with over 30 years’ experience.
Alice Grant as Cressida Bancroft — an influential, outspoken student.
Steve Edge as Terry Simpson — Helen’s husband, recovering from a breakdown.
Rochenda Sandall as Tessa Stewart — a modern, no-judgement colleague.
Olly Rhodes as Sam Simpson — Helen and Terry’s son, bullied online.
Ellis Jupiter as Dee Rainford-Thomas — a vulnerable non-binary pupil who later dies.
Shak Benjamin as Leo Dalton — Dee’s best friend.
Peter Ash as Sebastian Blake — a candidate to reform the curriculum.
Navin Chowdry as Simon Cookson — the headmaster organising student support.
Malek Alkoni as Miles Crawford — one of Helen’s students.
Natalie Gavin as DS O’Brien — the detective leading the investigation.

Key characters and actors

Victoria Hamilton — Helen Simpson

Helen is the head of drama at a boarding school. She has taught for more than three decades.

Victoria Hamilton described the scripts as a timely look at the generation gap. She said the story feels personal as a mother of teenagers.

Alice Grant — Cressida Bancroft

Cressida is an alpha student who accuses Helen of being “woke” for attention. Her clash with Helen drives the plot.

Alice Grant recently appeared in Mary & George.

Steve Edge — Terry Simpson

Terry is Helen’s estranged husband. He is recovering from a recent mental breakdown.

Edge’s credits include The Madame Blanc Mysteries and Benidorm.

Rochenda Sandall — Tessa Stewart

Tessa offers students an open, non-judgemental ear. She tries to understand young people’s politics.

Sandall has appeared in Line of Duty, The Rig and Criminal: UK.

Olly Rhodes — Sam Simpson

Sam lives on campus and recently transferred to Cheetham Hall. He has faced online bullying.

Rhodes has featured in Hollyoaks and Waterloo Road.

Ellis Jupiter — Dee Rainford-Thomas

Dee is non-binary and vulnerable. After a confrontation, Dee is detained and later dies by suicide.

This is Ellis Jupiter’s first major television role.

Shak Benjamin — Leo Dalton

Leo is Dee’s closest friend. He and Sam grow closer after Dee’s death.

Benjamin has appeared in Sex Education.

Supporting cast

Navin Chowdry plays headmaster Simon Cookson. He organises staff meetings to support pupils.

Peter Ash portrays Sebastian Blake, who aims to shake up the curriculum away from Shakespeare. Malek Alkoni plays student Miles Crawford. Natalie Gavin appears as DS O’Brien, leading the investigation.