The Inspiring Journey of Jacob Mitchell, a.k.a. MC Grammar
At first glance, it may seem ironic that Jacob Mitchell, who left school at 16 with just one GCSE, is now a prominent figure teaching children across the nation how to read and learn. However, it is precisely because Mitchell felt like a “failure” during his secondary school years that he has developed such a passionate commitment to inspiring children who feel “left behind.” Known widely as MC Grammar, he has become the UK’s most wholesome rapper, transforming various subjects—from grammar rules to historical figures like the Vikings and Tudors—into engaging musical content. For the countless children who watch his videos on platforms like YouTube, Sky Kids, and social media, he is making learning both memorable and enjoyable. “I’ve been a kid that was lost; I didn’t feel I had a voice,” he reflects. “I really care about these kids.”
Mitchell’s innovative approach includes creating musical times tables set to different beats, offering hope to parents like me that our children, particularly those who learn best through listening and music, will find joy in memorizing mathematical patterns. As he aptly puts it, “If kids can jump up and down to Taylor Swift and know every single lyric but struggle to remember seven times seven, why not set it to a Taylor Swift song? Then they might just remember!”
A Memorable Performance
I had the opportunity to meet Mitchell at the O2 Arena in East London, where he was set to perform for thousands of primary school children as part of the Young Voices initiative. “When you see 8,000 kids shouting ‘readers are leaders’ at the top of their lungs, it’s electric,” he shares, clearly energized by the experience.
As part of his mission to encourage reading among children, Mitchell’s first novel, The Adventures of Rap Kid, was released this week. My eldest children, aged seven and five, are captivated by it. I was particularly struck by its contemporary vibe—an eye-opening experience that highlighted my own generational disconnect, especially when I found myself checking the glossary for slang terms to keep up! I appreciated the humor it contained, and I was moved by Mitchell’s thoughtful portrayal of divorce from a child’s perspective, where the protagonist perceives his “fun mum” has transformed into a “glum mum,” focusing more on his mother’s emotional journey than his father’s departure. It’s no wonder he recounts, “I come from a single-parent family.”
While he aims to connect with all children through Rap Kid, he admits, “maybe there’s a focus on those who don’t usually connect, those who haven’t found themselves reflected in a book, or who feel that a book hasn’t been written for them.”
From Struggles to Success
Mitchell’s journey is an impressive one for the 40-year-old North Londoner. At 16, he spent his early career writing raps in his head while working for his father’s party business and at B&Q. “I hated my final school years. Then I discovered books—not just for critical thinking, but for self-identity and connection. I realized how empowering they could be,” he recalls.
Eventually, he re-sat his GCSEs, completed A-Levels, and even wrote raps to help him memorize facts for his exams. Following in his mother’s footsteps, who taught for over 40 years, he pursued a PGCE. “She encouraged me to enter the PGCE,” he explains. “My dad always reminds me: ‘You grow from what you go through.'” His early setbacks led to remarkable teaching achievements. Under the guidance of a progressive headteacher at Church Hill School in North London, who encouraged him to innovate as long as the children learned, Mitchell focused on engagement. To teach newspaper writing, he took students to football games; for crime reports, he staged a mock crime scene in his classroom with ketchup and lipstick evidence.
He also launched a YouTube channel for his students, explaining, “The inception of MC Grammar was to help kids pass a grammar test.” His creative methods resonated so profoundly that Church Hill School was ranked among the top 50 primaries in the country.
After five years of teaching, Mitchell transitioned to a consultancy role in his local borough and, after seven years, was supporting 81 schools with English instruction. His wife’s social media post of his Gruffalo rap in 2019 went viral, leading to numerous television opportunities.
Challenges and Triumphs
Despite occasional criticism regarding the use of rap music, Mitchell remains undeterred. “Some argue that rap isn’t positive due to its profanity and negative connotations. But I’m rapping to ignite excitement about reading,” he explains. Conversely, he has received heartfelt messages from parents of non-verbal children, sharing that their child spoke their first words after watching him.
Mitchell’s resilience in overcoming personal challenges is a value he hopes to instill in his four children. “It’s crucial to teach kids about resilience and remind them that their worth isn’t defined by a grade,” he emphasizes. In his home, reading is integrated into daily life. “Books are not just for bedtime,” he insists. “Get caught reading as a parent.”
Reading is a constant presence in the lives of his children—Ellie, nine, Chloe, seven, Tia, three, and Nico, two. Sometimes, he mutes the television and encourages his children to read the subtitles.
His children also enjoy video games. “We have tablets on Sundays; that’s our agreement after their football matches. I used to play Game Boy. It’s about moderation. Technology can provide opportunities for children, like online library access for the million kids in the UK who may not have a book,” he explains. However, he expresses concern regarding phones and social media. “Kids need to enjoy their childhood for longer. When they get a phone, it can accelerate things. So it’s essential to be mindful.”
Future Aspirations
Mitchell is determined to further spread the enthusiasm for reading. He dreams of engaging nationally in the development of the English curriculum and expanding the subjects he addresses. “I want to create a song about kindness, a song about acceptance. I have a significant influence over children, and it would be a missed opportunity not to use that responsibly,” he states.
Musically, he hopes to collaborate with more celebrities—he even entertains the idea of working with rappers known for age-inappropriate lyrics. “Look at Snoop Dogg; he has a whole album of mantras for kids. Many rappers grow up in unequal systems, and often their art reflects that reality,” he notes. He, like many artists, aspires to break into the American market. “We can reach a lot of kids there,” he says.
Ultimately, once he has successfully promoted reading worldwide, Mitchell hopes to return to the classroom. “I remember crying after my first year of teaching a Year 5 class, and my wife said, ‘You’ll get over it.’ But I thought, ‘I’m not getting over this. You don’t understand: I had those kids for a year for six hours a day.’ You really get to know the students. You develop relationships, understand their quirks, and establish a rapport based on trust and connection. For many of those kids, the classroom is one of the safest places in the world for them. This journey has been fantastic, and while I know I’m reaching more children globally, I genuinely miss the classroom—the moments when kids say they can’t do something, and you guide them through it. Hopefully, one day when I retire as MC Grammar, I can be a school teacher again.”
Five Ways to Encourage Your Kids to Read at Home
- Books aren’t just for bedtime! Read during breakfast, brunch, or even at dinner. You can read whenever you want, as books will always be there for you.
- Read anything and everything: magazines, blogs, newspapers, comics, street signs, brochures—just about anything! You can even turn on the TV, lower the volume, and read the subtitles of your favorite film or series.
- Read your way: in bed, on the couch, while walking, at a coffee shop, or in silence—whatever works best for you!
- You don’t have to finish a book if you don’t like it. Switch it up if it’s not for you; another adventure is always waiting!
- Read to yourself, but also read together. Books bring us closer and create special bonds. Remember: there are always two stories—the one printed on the page and the one that makes us reflect on who we shared the experience with and the fun we had on that incredible journey.
The Adventures of Rap Kid by MC Grammar is published by Simon and Schuster Children’s Books on Thursday, February 27.
