Meet The Characters: Netflix’s Sex Education
The Following is a list of cast and characters from the Netflix program Sex Education and their status at the end of the season(s).
Spoiler Alert: This show and character guide contains spoilers. Additionally, some images and text may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission or receive products if you make a purchase.
The following is a list of cast and characters from the Netflix program Sex Education and their status at the end of the season(s).
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Character description and pictures used are changed as notable information is presented and better screenshots are taken. Please note: This is not an exhaustive list of every cast member.
Asa Butterfield Plays Otis
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1
Who Is Otis
16-year-old Otis is a shy guy. At one time, the perfect life for him would have been being the kid in the corner who got to exist but wasn’t forced to be part of whatever was going on. Not to imply he is against socializing. His best friend, Eric, seems to take up a bit of his time and he doesn’t push him away or seem annoyed by him. Also, they have the kind of relationship which allows Otis to feel comfortable with the idea of Eric being around his mom Jean.
Now, it isn’t clear where or who Otis’ dad is but he clearly is close to his mom. Not so close that he’d talk about his sex life with her, and listen to her professional or personal advice. However, it is clear that he does love her, listens, and uses what he has learned for the premise of the show – being a teen sex therapist. Something which begins awkwardly but Otis gets better with time.
Noteworthy Facts & Moments In The Series
As of Episode 5
- Otis is a virgin
- He has been friends with Eric since he was 9
Ncuti Gatwa Plays Eric
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1
Who Is Eric
Otis’ Black and gay friend is as colorful as they come. To most of the world, though maybe not his parents, he is out. Also, like Otis, he isn’t that experienced – sexually. He’s given some handjobs, watched a lot of porn, but hasn’t had a relationship yet. Something that may not change soon for, outside the posh Anwar, there aren’t any out and attractive gay kids for Eric to be with. But, ever the optimist, with Otis’ rising status, there is hope maybe between him or on his own, Eric may find someone.
Noteworthy Facts & Moments In The Series
- Eric has the nickname Tromboner due to getting an erection while performing.
- His instrument of choice is the French Horn – which he isn’t very good at.
- Eric has 5 sisters
As of 1.5
- His father has an uneasy relationship with Eric’s sexuality and seemingly his sisters don’t know he is gay. Eric’s mother doesn’t either.
Connor Swindells Plays Adam
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1
Who Is Adam
Son of the headmaster, Adam is his father’s 2nd child, he has an older sister, and is a bit of a misfit in his family. He isn’t as smart as the rest, not as disciplined, but his claim to fame is having a thick and above average penis. That and he is a bit of a bully and formerly dated Aimee until he embarrassed her by association.
Noteworthy Facts & Moments In The Series
Emma Mackey Plays Maeve
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1
Who Is Maeve
Perhaps one of the poorest people we meet early on, Maeve is a bit rough around the edges. Also, she is an assumed slut, because she owns her sexuality, and is scary to those who aren’t scared of her demeanor. In episode 2, it becomes clear to us she doesn’t have the best support system, if any at all, and we’re led to believe her family may have a history of crime and disappointment. Something she is trying to avoid but ends up making a mistake with her screw buddy Jackson.
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Noteworthy Facts & Moments In The Series
- Her mother is a drug addict and she has a brother who isn’t all there.
- Maeve’s father abandoned her and her mother early on. It isn’t made clear if she shares a father with her brother.
- While Maeve understands the thrill of sending nude pictures, she doesn’t do so.
- Maeve is a big-time reader, especially feminist literature, and is into punk music. With that noted, she isn’t pretentious and disavows pop music altogether.
- A boy named Simon gave her the nickname of cock biter, 4 years before the start of the series, for curving him.
Aimee Lou Wood Plays Aimee
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1
Who Is Aimee
A girl willing to break up with her boyfriend and keep her friendship with Maeve secret just to be popular. To say the least, Aimee definitely is a social climber, and it isn’t clear, early on, why that is. She has a large house, of which she has thrown two parties, is rather nice, pretty, yet there is an insecurity that hasn’t been addressed yet.
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Noteworthy Facts & Moments In The Series
- Aimee doesn’t have the best relationship with her mother who criticizes her body.
Gillian Anderson Plays Jean
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1
Who Is Jean
Otis’ mom who is a sex therapist, and may not have dated someone in quite a while. Her reason? Between raising her son and her vocation, when would she have the time to take on a grown man’s emotions? But, while not looking to emotionally invest in someone new, she does enjoy having sex with new people – nightly.
However, with Otis in 6th form, and starting to socialize, she seems to be realizing he won’t be around forever. This is leading to some empty nest syndrome and her being a bit more into Otis’ business than before. Showing even the strong, liberal, and cool Jean has insecurities.
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Noteworthy Facts & Moments In The Series
- Episode 3: While a published author, she currently is without a publisher for her next book.
Chaneil Kular Plays Anwar
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1
Who Is Anwar
Anwar is one of the most well-known gay kid at school and is very posh. But, despite seeming like he’d never give him the time of day, he is also Eric’s crush. One who has an issue with buttholes.
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Noteworthy Facts & Moments In The Series
- Anwar is Indian and only at the point of episode 6 did he come out to his mom.
Kedar Williams-Stirling Plays Jackson
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1
Who Is Jackson
Perhaps the most popular kid at school, and one of the members of the swim team, Jackson is the man! He also is in a secret relationship with Maeve while publicly seeming like he is dating Ruby.
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Noteworthy Facts & Moments In The Series
- Since Jackson was 11, he has taken anti-anxiety medication.
Olive Gray Plays Kate & Jonny Amies Plays Sam
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 2
Who Are Kate and Sam
Kate and Sam are the first couples Otis helps. Their issue stemmed from Kate not being comfortable having sex with the lights on because she didn’t like her body. This was a problem for Sam since, naturally, he wants to see his girlfriend naked. Also, it is a problem since they are both kind of awkward and ended up injured trying to have sex with the lights off.
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Noteworthy Facts & Moments In The Series
Mimi Keene Plays Ruby
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 2
Who Is Ruby
Ruby is your basic mean girl type who makes Aimee’s life hell. She also seems to be the leader of her clique and might be the most popular girl at school.
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Noteworthy Facts & Moments In The Series
Simone Ashley Plays Olivia
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 2
Who Is Olivia
Olivia is Ruby’s right hand and is Otis’ first paying client. Her issue dealt with trying to give head without vomiting.
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Noteworthy Facts & Moments In The Series
James Purefoy Plays Remi
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 3
Who Is Remi
Remi is Jean’s ex-husband, Otis’ father, who she co-wrote a book with and divorced after he cheated on her with a patient. Currently, he lives and tours in America, with his and Jean’s book.
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Noteworthy Facts & Moments In The Series
- Catching his father cheating on his mother is one of the main reasons Otis has issues with sex.
Tanya Reynolds Plays Lily
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 3
Who Is Lily
While not sex-obsessed, Lily is definitely eager for her first time. Also, she is not shy about approaching people to have sex with her. Mostly because, while she wouldn’t mind love, arguably she knows she probably won’t find it where she goes to school.
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Noteworthy Facts & Moments In The Series
- Lily is quite the artist as seen by the sex comic she is making to help deal with her desires.
Alistair Petrie Plays Michael Groff
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 3
Who Is Mr. Groff
Adam’s father, and the headmaster of the school the cast goes to, Moordale, Mr. Groff is often trying to be a stern authority figure. Not just at work either, but also in his home. That attitude created a contentious relationship between him and his son for Adam who is the complete opposite of him. In fact, Mr. Groff treats Adam as a black sheep for with Adam’s sister doing so well in school, he doesn’t know where he went wrong with the boy.
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Noteworthy Facts & Moments In The Series
Lu Corfield Plays Sarah
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 3
Who Is Sarah
Sarah is a patient at the same health clinic Maeve goes to when she seeks an abortion. When we first meet her she seems very weird, a bit off even, but you come to realize that there is more to her than meets the eye. What may seem like a mad woman could be someone dealing with a secret. It could be an abusive relationship in which having children is how her guy tries to control her or something else totally. It isn’t clear what is going on but that these abortions aren’t as easy for Sarah as it may appear.
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Patricia Allison Plays Ola
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 4
Who Is Ola
Ola is one of Jakob’s daughters and someone who takes an interest in Otis. Separate from him, she works as a cashier, is understanding but also doesn’t take anyone’s crap.
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Noteworthy Facts & Moments In The Series
Mikael Persbrandt Plays Jakob
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 4
Who Is Jakob
Ola’s father who works as a repairman. He is introduced to us when he fixes the bathroom at Jean’s house and because he is rugged, Blue-collar, and Swedish, everything Remi is not, she finds herself attracted to him physically. However, with him bringing her soup when she is under the weather, it seems he not only soothes her throat and illness but begins to thaw out her heart. Something which startles her a bit.
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Noteworthy Facts & Moments In The Series
- He has recently lost his license due to his love for speeding. So, to keep the money coming in, his daughters split shifts so he can get around.
Lily Newmark Plays Ruthie & Alice Hewkin Plays Tanya
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 4
Who Are Ruthie and Tanya
Ruthie and Tanya are Otis’ first lesbian clients and they present a rather tough case. Mostly due to Ruthie not being open to the idea of a teen boy trying to help them with their sex issues. However, in the long run, she opens up and reveals their issues stem from trying to take their friendship and evolve it into a relationship.
The reason this was attempted is because they’ve been friends so long and Tanya was really there for Ruthie when she came out. So, considering they were friends already, it seemed natural to let things evolve. However, while she loves Tanya as a friend, it didn’t translate into loving her as a sexual partner so they eventually had to break up. If only so Ruthie could experience an orgasm.
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Deobia Oparei Plays Eric’s Dad
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 5
Who Is Eric’s Dad
It is made clear early on that Eric’s family aren’t as liberal and open as Jean and her household. However, it is established that Eric’s family may not be homophobic either. Granted, as of episode 5, only Eric’s dad is aware that his son is willing to crossdress and maybe gay yet he doesn’t necessarily have a huge issue with it. If anything, it seems Eric’s dad’s biggest fears deal with his son’s safety in a world which we see, in episode 5, will mistreat him just for being who he is.
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Noteworthy Facts & Moments In The Series
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Edward Bluemel Plays Sean
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 6
Who Is Sean
Maeve’s older brother who may be a nice guy, but he has his demons. He, like their mother, used to do drugs but he doesn’t do that anymore. Sean does, however, seem to partake in selling stolen or fake goods. So don’t think he is a saint nor on the mend.
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Noteworthy Facts & Moments In The Series
- He abandoned Maeve for four months because of a deal gone wrong.
Rahkhee Thakrar Plays Ms. Sands
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 6
Who Is Ms. Sands
A rather consistent, borderline annoying, teacher who recognizes Maeve’s writing abilities and pushes her to not hand her best work in under other people’s names.
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Noteworthy Facts & Moments In The Series
Viv (Chinenye Ezeudu)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 2
A super-intelligent student, who is talented at everything but love.
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Additional Information About Viv
Rahim (Sami Outalbali)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 2, Episode 2
A new french student who turns heads and ends up Eric’s boyfriend in the second season.
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Additional Information About Rahim
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Isaac (George Robinson)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 2, Episode 5
Someone who creates waves when he moves into Maeve’s caravan park and relates to her about feeling abandoned by their parents.
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Additional Information About Isaac
Maxine (T’Nia Miller)
Character Description
First Noted In: Season 2, Episode 1
Is the chairman of the school board that Moordale is under.
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Additional Information
Erin (Anne-Marie Duff)
Character Description
First Noted In: Season 2, Episode 1
Maeve’s mother who is a recovering addict that wants to make amends.
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Additional Information
Colin Hendricks (Jim Howick)
Character Description
First Noted In: Season 2, Episode 2
The sex education and biology teacher at Moordale who is dating Ms. Sands.
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Additional Information
Malek (Armin Karima)
Character Description
First Noted In: Season 2, Episode 3
Olivia’s Iranian boyfriend who experiences something with her that leads to her going back to Otis for advice.
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Additional Information
Maureen (Samantha Spiro)
Character Description
First Noted In: Season 2, Episode 3
Adam’s mother, and Principal Groff’s wife.
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Additional Information
Dex (Lino Facioli)
Character Description
First Noted In: Season 2, Episode 4
Viv’s love interest who is on the quiz team and loves playing with a Rubix cube.
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Additional Information
Florence (Mirren Mack)
Character Description
First Noted In: Season 2, Episode 4
A girl who realizes she is Asexual thanks to Jean and is possibly the one who signals the beginning of the end for Otis and Maeve’s sex clinic.
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Additional Information
Mrs. Effoing (Doreene Blackstock)
Character Description
First Noted In: Season 2, Episode 7
Eric’s mother who is the sole representative of his parents in season 2.
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Additional Information
Hope (Jemima Kirke)
The new headmistresses after the events of season 2.
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Additional Information About Headmistress Hope
- Introduced In Season 3
Quotes & Gifs
Cal (Dua Saleh)
A student who clashes with the new headmistress due to their gender non-conformity.
Additional Information About Cal
- Introduced In Season 3
Quotes & Gifs
Peter Groff (Jason Isaacs)
Mr. Groff’s more successful/less modest older brother
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Additional Information About Peter
- Introduced In Season 3
Quotes & Gifs
Layla (Robyn Holdaway)
Layla is another person who is non-binary and who bonds with Cal.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 3
Quotes & Gifs
Oba (Jerry Iwu)
Oba is a boy that Eric met in Nigeria who shows him how the LGBTQIA+ community lives.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 3
Quotes & Gifs
Roland (David Layde)
Ruby’s father who is disabled.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 3
Quotes & Gifs
Abbi (Anthony Lexa)
Abbi is one of, if not the most popular girl at Cavendish College and the leader of the group known as “The Coven.”
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 1
Quotes
Aisha (Alexandra James)
Aisha is Abbi’s right hand, who is hard of hearing, loves astrology, and is a bit of a gossip, even if it is frowned upon at Cavendish.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 1
Quotes
Roman (Felix Mufti)
Roman is Abbi’s boyfriend who appears to be non-binary.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 1
Quotes
Thomas Molloy (Dan Levy)
With multiple published books, Mr. Molloy is not only a major catch for the school but for those like Maeve, a means of getting published as, since he has started, he has helped nearly every intern he has had get their first book published.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 1
- The actor is also known for their role in “Happiest Season,” their role in “The Idol,” and their role in “How I Met Your Father.”
Quotes
O (Thaddea Graham)
O is the Otis of Cavendish, or rather, Otis was the O of Moordale as she has far surpassed him regarding helping teens with their sexuality. From making videos, creating safe and comfortable spaces, and honestly seemingly like she is a true student of Jean, far more than Otis, she is the real deal. Thus presenting a major threat to the one thing that made Otis feel validated and important.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 1
Quotes
Beau (Reda Elazouar)
Beau shares a class with Viv, taught by Mr. Groff, and appears to be her crush in season 4.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 1
Quotes
Joanna (Lisa McGrillis)
Joanna is Jean’s estranged sister who seemingly has made a career out of watching children and has arrived at Jean’s doorstep due to Otis recognizing his mom struggling and his desire to not compensate for Jakob and Ola being gone.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 2
Adedeyo (Shak Benjamin)
Adedeyo goes to Eric’s church and, like him, struggles with who he is in the outside world and being unable to bring that person to church.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 3
Quotes
Jem
The daughter of the owner of the Redwood Farm, Jem is tasked with supervising Adam, and is someone he is slowly, but surely, getting a crush on.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 4
Quotes
Gloria
Gloria is the art teacher at Cavendish, who did fancy Michael, but his impotence becomes a problem.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 4
Quotes
Dan
Dan works at the bank and is dating Joanna.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 4
Quotes
Celia
Celia is Jean’s boss at the radio station.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 4
Quotes
PK
PK is Aisha’s partner whom she has an ethically non-monogamous relationship with.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 5
Quotes
Pastor Samuel
Pastor Samuel is the religious leader of Eric’s family church.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 5
Quotes
God
God is a woman, and she is Black. Also, she pronounces some words a bit funny.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 6
- The actor is also known for their role in “Queen & Slim” and their role in “After Yang.”
Quotes
Nicky
Nicky is Cal’s mother, who didn’t take well to them coming out originally but is now trying to understand their child.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 6
- The actor is also known for their role in “Kiri.”
Quotes
Jerome
Jerome is Jackson’s biological father, who rejects him due to him being born out of an affair he had with Roz.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 8
Quotes
Ellen
Ellen is Maeve’s college roommate at Wallace, who comes from privilege.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 8
Quotes
How Does Season 1 of Sex Education End?
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How Does Season 1 End For Otis
With apologizing to Maeve, and following that with an apology to Ola, he eventually wins Ola back and though not officially a couple, they do kiss.
How Does Season 1 End For Eric
After losing his virginity to Adam, and recovering from being assaulted, Eric is feeling fine and going double time. However, Adam being sent off to military school does dampen his spirits a little bit.
How Does Season 1 End For Adam
Due to getting in trouble still, and grades which aren’t up to his father’s standards, Adam is sent to military school.
How Does Season 1 End For Maeve
Otis’ apology pushes Maeve to realize she may have feelings for him. However, with Ola expressing said feelings first, Maeve watches stunned and a bit hurt. But considering she may get expelled for claiming her brother’s drugs, she has bigger things to worry about than a boy.
How Does Season 1 End For Aimee
Aimee finally dumps Ruby and her toxic clan and chooses Maeve over standing by and letting them trash her friend.
How Does Season 1 End For Jean
Jean reconciles with Otis, alongside Jakob, who she has sex with, and may finally be on her way to loving a person, not just making love with them, again.
How Does Season 1 End For Anwar
He remains one of the best dressed and thanks to Eric hitting him, he is out to his mom.
How Does Season 1 End For Jackson
Jackson remains a locally renowned swimmer but now has lost Maeve, who helped bring him peace.
How Does Season 1 End For Kate & Sam
Assumingly, they are still together thanks to Otis’ help.
How Does Season 1 End For Olivia & Ruby
While Olivia did try to blackmail Ruby, potentially expose a nude with her face on it, the two end the way they began – best friends. All because of the “It’s my vagina” movement.
How Does Season 1 End For Remi
He is still in America doing a book tour the last time we checked in with him
How Does Season 1 End For Lily
She’s still a virgin, but at least knows why her vagina refused to open up to the one guy who was down to have sex.
How Does Season 1 End For Sarah
With an abortion done and her daughter by her side, she seems better than before.
How Does Season 1 End For Mr. Groff
Due to one child having to be shipped to military school and the other doing well, while he may not be happy he has broken even.
How Does Season 1 End For Ola
Thanks to a slightly cheesy apology, Ola gives Otis a second chance, and they end up kissing. Making things a bit complicated for her dad, who likes Otis’ mom.
How Does Season 1 End For Jakob
For the first time since his wife died, Jakob is in love again and has sex with Jean. Leaving to question, where may their relationship go from here?
How Does Season 1 End For Ruthie and Tanya
While they have broken up, and Ruthie has found someone new, it seems safe to say they are still friends.
How Does Season 1 End For Eric’s Dad
After having a heart to heart with Eric, explaining he isn’t homophobic as much as fearful of his son being treated as an “other,” the two come to an understanding and a new stage in their relationship.
How Does Season 1 End For Sean
Be it because of the possibility of a drug charge or someone looking for him, he hightails it.
How Does Season 1 End For Ms. Sands
Uneventful. She is part of the committee to decide if Maeve stays in school and it is safe to assume she advocated for her.
