Becky Barnicoat's latest cartoon, published in The Guardian on July 18, 2026, highlights a familiar irony for educators: the end of the school term does not signal a break but rather the beginning of intensive work. The cartoon depicts a teacher surrounded by stacks of papers and a laptop, with the caption: 'The end of term is when the real work begins.'
Behind the humour: teacher workload realities
The cartoon resonates with teachers who face a surge in marking, report writing, and lesson planning as the academic year winds down. According to a 2025 survey by the UK's National Education Union, 78% of teachers reported working more than 50 hours per week during term time, with workload cited as the top reason for considering leaving the profession.
Barnicoat's work often uses sharp wit to comment on everyday life, and this piece is no exception. It underscores the disconnect between public perception of school holidays and the reality of teacher demands.
Impact and reaction
Social media reactions have been swift, with many teachers sharing the cartoon and adding their own anecdotes. One primary school teacher commented: 'This is my life every July. Marking, data entry, and next year's planning – all while everyone thinks I'm on holiday.'
The cartoon also points to broader issues in education policy, where teacher retention remains a challenge. The Department for Education reported in 2026 that 40% of new teachers leave within five years, often citing unsustainable workload.
