Two women building a life and a school together in 1810 Edinburgh find their independence threatened following the arrival of a new pupil and a scandalous accusation.

Jane Pirie and Marianne Woods have set up a boarding school for girls on the edge of Edinburgh, hoping to build a life of their own. But the arrival of a new pupil from India — the illegitimate granddaughter of an influential aristocrat — stirs tensions around class, race and education and exposes fault lines within the school. When the two teachers are accused of having an affair, the allegation spreads quickly, endangering both their livelihood and their future.

Based on the true story behind The Children’s Hour, Sophie Heldman’s keenly observed historical drama brings a fascinating chapter of Scottish history to life. Clare Dunne and Flora Nicholson are excellent as Jane and Marianne, with Fiona Shaw adding star power to the supporting cast. Blending romance, intrigue and courtroom drama, The Education of Jane Cumming feels both firmly rooted in its period and strikingly relevant to the present.

“A classically well-made and affectingly performed period drama” – Variety

“A strong cast, a sweeping score just the right side of sentimental, meticulous historical detail, and a script that develops character through quotidian scenarios rather than exposition” – The Skinny

 “A story of race, class, sexuality and empire” – The Guardian

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Credits:

Actor

Clare Dunne, Fiona Shaw, Flora Nicholson

Director

Sophie Heldman

Running Time: 114 min

Year: 2026

Country: United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany

Languages: English

Subtitles: No subtitles

Recomended Age: 12A

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