MUM Nicola Holden-Barnes is going back to school — at the age of 42.

The businesswoman is one of 19 ‘grown-ups’ who decided to relive their primary schooldays at Blackrod Primary School, where their children attend for Channel 4’s Class of Mum and Dad.

Airing on Tuesday, the new fly-on-the-wall series follows parents, grandparents and carers over half the summer term last year at the outstanding school.

They have to abide by the rules — don the school’s uniform, complete homework, eat school dinner, participate in PE, art, music and dance lessons as well as face the same discipline if they misbehave.

Nicola, who lives in Blackrod village, said she opted to go on it after being approached by headteacher Ian Dryburgh — and snapped his hand off because it was a reality television show she could do.

“I couldn’t tell Max I was going to be at school with him until we were introduced in assembly, Max is so laid back, he was fine, he would come and talk to me when he wanted,” she said, “he wouldn’t help me with my homework — he would say ‘it’s yours mum’.”

She added: “You had to curb what you you said and the hardest thing was not being in control and somebody else controlling your day to day routine.

“I did lose my temper and walk out at one point!”

Nicola, who also has two adult children, added: “I enjoyed the interaction, it was amazing and being carefree when in the playground, I was able to switch off from the pressure of daily life.”

The programme was produced in response to the changing school landscape and greater pressure on primary school children to perform in SATs.

Nicola said: “I don’t remember sitting exams at primary school so sitting the SATs brought back memories of secondary school. I don’t remember having exam pressure at primary school, I’m not against testing but it can lead to too much pressure.”

She said she hoped that the documentary provided not just an insight into modern schools but a greater understanding and empathy for children when they come home.

And part of a parcel of being at school is making friends.

“I met some wonderful people, “ said Nicola, “I made good friends with Anna, who I keep in touch with and and sure the friendship will continue.”

Class of Mum and Dad airs on Channel 4 on Tuesdays at 8pm from April 10.