Ackley Bridge, Channel 4’s culture clash school drama, will be back for a second series, and this time fans will be able to enjoy more episodes.

Following the success of the first run of six episodes in total this year (though the series is still airing), the show will return in 2018 with 12 installments.

Beth Willis, head of Channel 4 drama, said: “Roll on the next term at Ackley Bridge. Channel 4 is so thrilled to be working again with the brilliant producing and writing team at The Forge and the super talented cast on this funny, thoughtful, incredibly special show. I’m bagging a seat at the front of the class.”

The series follows teenagers and their teachers in a Yorkshire town as the area’s first integrated school took shape. Children from white and Asian backgrounds were thrown together in a multicultural experiment, with some interesting results, and best friends Missy and Nas found their friendship tested like never before.

“We’re over the moon that Ackley Bridge has connected so well with the audience, and our writing team is brimming with stories for 12 more punchy, funny, surprising episodes,” added executive producer George Ormond.

According to the channel, Ackley Bridge has been a hit with young viewers, holding Channel 4’s highest rating commission for 10-15 year olds in 2017 and an 18.5 per cent share of 16-34 year olds.