What I Go to School For

Background

In 2003, the real-life inspiration for the song was revealed to be Matt Willis's former teacher Michelle Blair, who made a surprise appearance on The Frank Skinner Show on ITV during an interview with Matt. Michelle, who was 28 and had been married for three years at the time of her appearance on The Frank Skinner Show, was Matt's dance teacher at the Sylvia Young Theatre School when Matt was 15. Speaking about the surprise appearance with Matt on the show, Michelle said: "It was hilarious - he looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him up. I only found out the song was about me after it came out - it's really flattering." Michelle said that at the time she was not aware of her pupil's crush on her, but that she did remember him from the dance classes: "He was quite cheeky and charming and always had something to say in class. He used to tell us he was in a band, but I never dreamed they were going to be this big and I certainly hadn't a clue I was going to feature in one of their songs!"

Commenting on the veracity of these events as portrayed in the song, Michelle said: "I think he's used a bit of artistic licence in the song. It was a dance class so we never used any pencils but I suppose he had ample opportunity to look at my bum. There was never any tree outside my bedroom window though - I think I might have noticed a Peeping Tom." Reflecting on his time under the tutelage of Miss Blair, Matt said, "She was kind of nice and there was always something really sexy about her." Being identified as the object of adolescent lust, and the subject of a pop song, hasn't caused any friction with her husband according to Michelle: "My husband thinks its (sic) hilarious and takes the mickey. I don't think he's really worried I'm going to run off with a pop star. I'm proud of them. Looking back it was obvious Matt had what it takes."

On 4 November 2012, Michelle Blair appeared as the correct answer in the "line-up" section of BBC Two panel Never Mind the Buzzcocks.

Music video

The video for the song features model Lorna Roberts as Miss McKenzie, the object of the band's desire. Then 14-year-old Jade Ewen, who later joined the Sugababes, appears in the video as a schoolgirl.

Track listing

1. "What I Go to School For" (Steve Powers Clean Mix) - 3:38
2. "What I Go to School For" - 3:28
3. "What I Go to School For" (CD-ROM Video)- 3:28

1. "What I Go to School For" (single version) – 3:31
2. "What I Go to School For" (acoustic) – 3:27
3. "What I Go to School For" (alternative remix) – 3:33
4. "What I Go to School For" (instrumental mix) – 3:29
5. "What I Go to School For" (CD-ROM video) - 3:28

1. "What I Go to School For"
2. "Brown Eyed Girl"
3. "Interactive Interview" (CD-ROM video)

Cover versions