from Oxford. Iris Sadler (20 episodes) as Gladys (Series 1–3), the tea lady in the school cafeteria, most often referred to as "Gladys the tea lady". She is a vivacious, friendly woman in her seventies. In Series 3, it is revealed that she is a widow. She has a friendly relationship with both Sidney and Mr Brown. She often cajoles Mr Brown and tattles on Miss Courtney. Tommy Godfrey (20 episodes) as Sidney (Series 1–3), the school caretaker, a rough, roguish Cockney in his sixties who speaks in rhyming slang. Only Miss Courtney calls him by his full name; everyone else calls him Sid. He dislikes his long-term partner and wears a black tie on their anniversary. Despite not being married, he routinely refers to her as his wife. He is hard of hearing, which often creates misunderstandings. He is very fond of alcohol and tricks the students into buying drinks for him and giving him money. He also steals supplies from the school and sells them. He is friendly with both Mr Brown and Gladys. Gabor Vernon (8 episodes) as Zoltan Szabo (Series 2), a Hungarian man from Budapest. He speaks almost no English, constantly saying "Bocsánat?" (Hungarian for "Excuse me?") and relying on his phrase book to help him communicate. Juan and Giovanni teach him many slang expressions, but he remains the worst speaker in the class. He has an English girlfriend in "All Present If Not Correct", but she beats him up after he gives her an insulting letter that Mr Brown had intended to deliver to Miss Courtney. He is fond of music and magic tricks, implying that he works as an entertainer, and returns to Hungary after Series 2 ends. Series 4 only Sue Bond (13 episodes) as Rita, the new tea lady replacing Gladys. Marie-Elise Grepne (13 episodes) as Michelle Dumas, a student from France. Jenny Lee-Wright (13 episodes) as Maria Papandrious, a student from Greece and the sister of Maximillian Papandrious. Harry Littlewood (13 episodes) as Henshawe, the new caretaker of the school replacing Sid. Raj Patel (13 episodes) as Farrukh Azzam, a student from Pakistan. Vincent Wong (13 episodes) as Fu Wong Chang, a student from China. Production Development The series was commissioned by Michael Grade, Director of Programmes at London Weekend Television. The majority of recordings for the first three series took place on Tuesday evenings in Studio Two at the