Original subtitles

WOLF-WHISTLE

NICKY SIGHS

What have we got here?

You going on your holibobs, Nick?

Better not be thinking of doing a moonlight flit.

That's my laundry!

What, you into women's underwear, are you?

Mm, depends who's wearing it.

Look, I told you. You'll have the cash back in a couple of days.

Didn't she say that last time? Mm.

Kind of feels like you're fobbing us off, Nick.

What are we meant to say to our boss?

Tell him... Tell him I'm working on it.

If it helps, I can get you a good chunk by the end of today, right?

Don't know if I believe you. Yeah, do we look like we're playing?

No. You look like a pair of Poundshop Kray twins.

I'll have something for you later. Now, jog on. Move, out of the way.

This Waterloo Road?

Well, that's what it says, isn't it?

What if I can't read?

What if I'm partially sighted?

Yeah, well, you're not, though, are you? Hey!

Never judge a man by his first round.

Thought you weren't going to show!

I promised Miss Campbell I'd talk at this knife crime thing

this morning. Got to go in and meet Mike first thing.

He's my chaperone, apparently.

As if everyone's not already staring at me.

Get over yourself.

No-one cares about you.

Mm!

Oh, yeah? What's all this?

Hey! They're for the meeting!

Of course, yeah, it's today.

The library's blocked out all morning.

No-one bothers Kim unless the building's burning down,

which, you know, might happen.

These are a bit special, though, aren't they? Yes.

Well, there is a reason that I decided to host

the Knife Crime Initiative,

and I just really want people to see that I'm not burying my head.

Oh, also, you need to know,

we've got Lenny Sampson coming in today.

He's an ex-offender, but now he does loads of mentoring work

with young people who are at risk.

Andrew recommended him, so I thought I'd give him a go.

He'll need a lanyard. Yep.

He'll also need permission to move around the building.

And Danny?

Yeah, Danny. Er, he is going to have a chaperone with him

to appease the governors. Val just said he's really retreating

in on himself now.

I'm hoping that talking about it today might...

What do you think you're doing?

Well, we're lucky to get, like, a couple of dry muffins

at the SMT meetings, so I'm having this.

Lindon.

Not even that good.

Well, I should... PHONE RINGS

..probably, you know, just see what they taste like.

Dry muffins? They're never dry. Hello, Miss Campbell's office?

Oh, my God. Yes, sure.

They are amazing. Yeah, hold the line.

I'll just put you through.

Ooh! Who is it?

Ofsted.

OK.

JOE CASEY: Guten morgen. Watch out. LAUGHTER

Oi, look! Oi, that is so cringe, sir!

Guys, shut up! I love Casey!

Hey, sir, show us your skill, then!

Woo!

Yeah, laugh it up, Gen Z.

Right, this guy used to be able to pull a 100m wheelie.

Look at that.

Yeah, you do you, sir.

Zero shame, isn't it?

Hope that's a compliment.

PHONE PINGS Oh.

Oh, you're not going to believe this.

How can she not know that?

Well, just give her a break.

It's her first morning bringing them in.

Oh, come on, I reminded her when we dropped them off.

I said this sleepover was way too soon, and look at that.

And we both agreed we'd be positive for the boys.

I've got to go and meet Danny Lewis. Just be nice, yeah?

Right.

I knew this was a bad idea.

Even though this has been sprung on us spectacularly,

I know that we can pull this out of the bag, all right?

We have got a lot to be proud of.

OK, I'll let you go.

Thank you very much.

Oh, Amy.

Be prepared, Ofsted may want to speak to you.

Me? Why? Because you're one of our newest members.

They're going to want to test whether you are well informed

of our expectations and it is nothing to worry about, OK?

It is more on us than you.

OK. OK. OK, don't worry.

Joe. Joe, I mean, come on, this is...

I know, it's a long story. Sorry.

Right, what's going on?

Ofsted.

Oh, you...

All right, OK. Well, how long we got?

We've got precisely nothing.

They're going to be here in ten minutes. What?

Are you...? Oh, come on, not even a day's notice?

The good news is, it's not a deep dive. It's a monitoring visit.

They want to check the school's making improvements.

Yeah, I've got Donte doing a recce,

making sure no-one's vaping by the main entrance.

It's just, like, why today?

I'm supposed to be hosting the knife crime meeting.

I'm going to have to cancel the first one.

No, Kim, you can't cancel.

That's exactly the kind of thing that we want to be showing off.

Me and Lindon can show the inspectors round.

Yeah.

OK.

OK, we cannot risk going into special measures.

No pressure. JOE SIGHS

Joe? Hmm, yeah?

Have you seen Danny? He's a bag of nerves this morning.

I know he'd really appreciate your support.

Yeah, I'll catch up with him properly when I can.

Moving in with third year students is the worst mistake I've ever made.

2am, tunes blazing.

I was literally climbing over bodies this morning. Mm.

I've had about three hours' kip! Mm.

Maybe consider moving out.

Yeah, I'm trying, but all my money has gone on deposit and rent.

How am I going to get through this today?

Come on, Neil.

I need you to drop some next-level wisdom on me, yeah?

I am freaking out!

Well...

You see all this?

Well, the whole thing is really all just a song and dance.

Smoke and mirrors. It's a farce.

It's a thankless, pointless,

bureaucratic exercise of the highest degree.

The key is, care less.

Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! It's my fault.

The boys wanted to stay up, see the end of the film.

It was dead good.

Zombies, and this guy's head exploded.

Right. Sounds appropriate.

Still, guess the boys should know how to set their own alarms.

Have you eaten? They said they do breakfast club.

Breakfast club is finished now.

I'm not even hungry anyway, so it's fine.

Well, you will be mid-morning

when you're struggling to concentrate.

Come on, inside, now, both of you. See you soon, boys.

Come here. Come.

OK, yeah. See you.

All right, bye. Come on.

Bye.

Look, if you need to step out of this meeting at any point,

take a breather, just let me know, yeah? I will.

You both look like you've slept in those uniforms.

Have you had a wash?

I'll have a shower tonight. Right.

Well, have you had a good time, did you?

Had fun?

Yeah, but I missed home.

Right, you two, get yourselves off to class, yeah?

Come on, quick, move it.

Danny, you OK? Yeah, I'm fine.

Yeah, right, listen, I'll chat to you later.

I've just got to have a quick word. Cool, OK.

She was wearing slippers, Mike.

Slippers.

OK, I think we can hold off on the judgment for a pair of slippers.

They haven't had any breakfast, right?

Did you see Dwayne's face?

He didn't exactly look happy, did he?

Something just feels... I don't know.

Joe, just give her time.

Give her time.

What was it like, then?

Was it weird stopping over?

Are you coming? Just got to go to my locker.

Tell me later, then.

No way! Your leg's free!

Yeah, tell me about it.

I hated that thing.

You need help with your bag or something?

This is my first day without my boot.

I don't need some kid following me around.

Sorry.

Ex-headmistress.

Down south. I'm thinking traditional.

Mm, yeah.

You OK?

What? Yeah. No, yeah, fine, honestly.

Here we go.

Morning.

Mrs Doubleday? Mr Cribbins?

Kim Campbell, head.

And this is...

Oh, yes, Joe Casey, deputy. Pleasure.

And my other deputy, Mr King, will be joining us shortly.

He's just doing a handover in the science lab,

but I do actually have to start with an apology.

I've actually got a meeting this morning,

the school's knife crime initiative...

Not to worry. The purpose of a monitoring visit

is to find you exactly as you are.

Excellent.

OK, well, I will leave you in the very capable hands

of my deputies and I look forward to catching up with you both later.

OK.

Thanks, Kim. While we wait for Mr King,

perhaps I could talk you through the initiative over a cafe?

I'm afraid we need to begin our observation straight away, Mr Casey.

We'll have a senior management meeting this afternoon.

Just a map and a lesson schedule will do.

OK, great. Yeah, well, Miss Whitwell's

kindly drawn up an itinerary.

No need. I prefer to go off-plan.

Well, I wouldn't say no to a quick brew and a bickie.

Yeah, well, Miss Whitwell is actually head of biscuits,

so if you just want to head through to the office there,

she'll sort you out.

And Mr King will be right with you.

I can help you get to the department that you need to be at if that...?

No need.

Ah, Norullah. Miss Doubleday, this is Norullah,

one of our year nine students.

Assalamu alaykum. Wa-alaikum-salaam, Mr Casey.

Mrs Doubleday.

JOE AND NORULLAH SPEAK PASHTO

Yeah, yeah.

JOE REPLIES HALTINGLY

Yeah...

Yeah, go.

Marvellous to be able to communicate in the child's own language.

Oh, yeah, completely agree.

I'm still brushing up on my Pashto,

but all in a day's work of a languages teacher.

Get a move on, Dwayne.

Oh, that's Dwayne, my foster son there.

Are you going to let me go now?

Can I catch you up? Is that OK? Yeah.

Er, Dwayne, could I borrow you for a second?

Thank you, just in here.

Keep going, turn right.

Brilliant. Right, that was an Ofsted inspector.

I'm going to need you on your best behaviour. Come on.

All right, whatever. Whoa, whoa, whoa, hang on.

Is everything all right? Yeah, why?

I'm just a bit worried that things are moving

a little bit too fast with your mum,

so I just want to make sure that you and Zayne...

I've got to go. You've got to...

No, Dwayne, come on. Just give me a second. No!

Whoa!

Whoa! Hey, calm down, mate.

What's going on here? Nothing, right?

You all right, sir?

Yes, I'm fine. Are you sure?

Just stop, lads, all right?

We're not going to make this into a thing.

I wouldn't be all right if that were me. Wet paper towel, that was...

Guys, get to where you need to be.

Can you keep your voices down in the corridor?

Now I'm shouting now. I'm sorry, sir.

I'm so grateful that we've all managed to find

time in our diaries to come together as a group of people

who all care passionately about the same thing.

You know, there's so much knowledge around this table,

and I am here to listen and to learn.

Shall we make some introductions?

Lenny Sampson, Wythenshawe boy,

11 years total at Her Majesty's pleasure.

I've spent the last decade of my life devoting my time

to giving talks and workshops with the most at-risk kids.

I've worked with Tyreece and Ange at different points,

and I'm well known in the community and the youth centres of Manchester.

This is Danny Lewis.

He is an ex-pupil of Waterloo Road, now attending PRU.

He has agreed to share his experiences

as someone who's been involved in knife crime

who is now looking to reflect and move forward.

Now, listen, we've already had one late mark today

which resulted in a sanction.

So let that be a warning.

Today, we dress smart, we act smart.

Who knows, we might even be a little smart, hmm?

Savage. We shall also be researching in silence

in order to complete our chronology worksheets in front of us.

Sorry to interrupt, Mr Guthrie.

This is Mr Cribbins from Ofsted.

Did you say you taught history?

Oh, it was a passion of mine. I never taught it, but...

I'm afraid I have a class, but we can pick up again next period.

Anything else you need, Miss Whitwell will see to it.

Thank you, Mr King.

Would you like a seat somewhere?

Neil? It's Harry.

Harry Cribbins!

I didn't recognise you!

How long's it been?

25 years since you were bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, newly qualified.

Still at it, I see,

so we didn't completely wring out your enthusiasm.

Oh, no, I always say my first teaching job

was the best job I ever had.

You came ready-made.

Wish half the teachers I see had the same subject knowledge. Hmm.

Oh, hang about.

Is this a conflict of interest?

I don't think you can observe me.

Oh, can you be bothered?

They'll have to draft someone else in.

Bureaucratic nightmare.

Tell you what, I'll slip out quietly and we'll keep schtum.

I'm already assured that you're a safe bet.

Well, it would save me putting on a show today.

Catch you for some lunch? Yes!

DOOR BANGS

We've established what the purpose of these soliloquies are -

to let the reader know how he is feeling.

And, of course, Hamlet is miserable by now.

He outlines a long list of the miseries

of the human experience -

heartbreak, hard work, political oppression.

He asks, "Who would choose this?"

He answers himself again by saying...

"To die, to sleep.

"To sleep, perchance to dream.

"Ay, there's the rub, for in that sleep of death,

"what dreams may come?"

And what does he mean by that, Myles?

It means his life has become so unbearable

that he dreams of death,

but what if death is one long, nightmarish dream?

Ooh!

That's sad vibes, that, Miss.

Excellent, Myles.

Thank you.

You can all open your books, we will be exploring this in today's lesson.

Now, sir, Noel said that Dwayne pushed you before.

Is that true?

Excuse me! No, I don't think that is...

It was. Right, you, stand up, stand up. Noel, sit down!

All right, Noel, settle down.

Not today, thank you. Sit down. Did nothing, sir.

Just stood there... Noel, sit down! Quiet!

Let's start annotating our texts.

We're looking at concurrent themes between Hamlet and Twelfth Night.

The fact is that youthies, community centres,

are being closed down, and they have been for years.

Now, the kids that we see...

..they're the ones that believe that nobody wants them.

So they're excluded from school

and now they're excluded from society.

I bet that's how Danny feels.

For me, I was excluded in year eight for having weed on me.

But then, by year nine, I was in youth offenders.

Now, the kids being excluded,

they are the ones on free school meals.

These are kids, not adults.

Children.

And for most of 'em, coming to school is the only time

they will see a normal adult, not one who's off their cake.

But it's not Miss Campbell's fault.

She did everything she could.

Honestly, I don't think she could have done anything more.

I hear you, Danny.

I do.

And sometimes there is nothing that can be done.

There's too much going on out there.

But there is a window of opportunity

between boyhood and manhood, and most of that time is spent here.

This school was the light in the dark, yeah?

This school was safe.

I loved it.

Miss Campbell, she brought me back to do my resits.

I were even going to play guitar in the end of term show.

I had everything here,

but I was the one that blew it.

Me.

I think that we can agree

that school is a big piece of the puzzle

and it is our duty to do whatever we can...

BELL RINGS ..to change the narrative.

Ooh! What's this? Jumble sale? Oh!

Don't sneak.

It's break!

Yes, I know. I've got to get back to work.

What are you doing?

Oh, it's that app you can sell your clothes on.

Need to get rid of this stuff, and fast.

What, with that background and this lighting?

Hand it over to the professionals.

I'll worry about this. You go back in there.

You sure? Yeah.

Right, well, thank you so much.

This is the stuff I've already listed... Yep.

..and just do whatever you can with that.

Got it. Yeah? OK, cool.

Thank you, you're a star.

Thank you. Hmm.

Oh, very vintage.

And the playground, obviously.

Yeah, we like to encourage the students to take part

in all aspects of the school.

I'm actually doing a fundraiser for our Wishing Tree charity.

They're doing a fun run.

You might've saw the Wishing Tree, actually.

It's just in the foyer. How many supervisors on duty?

Er, three to four, usually.

We do like to practise a relaxed vigilance.

It sort of builds a culture of trust with us and them and it's...

Myles, is it? It is, yeah.

I thought you remembered Hamlet beautifully.

Mm. Well, believe it or not, I'm familiar with tragedy.

Yes, Myles had a unfortunate accident.

Mr Casey's foster son, Dwayne.

He snapped my leg playing footie.

I'm no sure if I'll ever play again.

We're supporting Myles through his recovery, obviously.

Very promising footballer, Myles. I'm really sorry to interrupt,

but if you'd excuse me, it takes me a while

for me to get to my next lesson.

Your foster son?

Mm, it was an innocuous challenge.

Dwayne didn't mean to go in on him, it was...

He was here, he was here, and they just sort of clashed...

Mr Casey, the students seemed to be under the impression

that Dwayne pushed you.

No, no, no. Dwayne's a lovely boy.

The students like to participate in banter...

But you're the deputy.

Mm, yeah.

Ooh. Sorry, sir!

Whoa!

JOE'S TROUSERS TEAR

He's ripped his trousers! Oh, sir, you haven't?

No, no, no. It's fine, that. It's fine, it's OK.

Don't worry. Tonya, would you mind watching Mrs Doubleday while I...?

Yes, you. I need to sort myself out.

One second. Doubling it like a champ, sir.

Thank you.

That's still there.

You good, yeah? Keeping warm?

Good, good, good, good, good.

OK.

OK.

Well, Mrs Doubleday wanted blood.

Evidence of rewards, sanctions, all my SEN EAL pupils.

Sounds like you got off light with getting Mr Cribbins.

Oh, I don't know about that.

I think maybe he just chimed with my style.

No surprises there.

Peas in a pod, you two.

What does that mean?

Oh, nothing, I'm just feeling a bit deflated.

He was just a traditionalist.

An old grump, you mean?

Hey, he's a lot older than me.

He came into my class for 15 minutes,

scowled at me, then just left without saying a word.

Why do they have to make it so demoralising?

AMY WHISPERS: Hey, Neil.

What am I going to do if even they're finding it hard?

Oh, for goodness' sake, Amy, you'll be fine!

Just do what you always do, give it beans.

You're a performer, aren't you?

Perform! BELL RINGS

You a million dollar mess, honey

I'm out here smiling with no pants on me

You got a pocket full of cash money, dad's money

Still you stuck in no sunny

Working hard to block me out for good...

Excuse me!

You're supposed to be helping me shift this lot,

not have your own personal fashion show.

Er, rude!

I've listed everything and sold four things already.

You're kidding? Mm-hm, look.

Oh, Kai, you are an actual life-saver.

You have no idea.

�30 for that dress? Mm-hm.

That's amazing!

Oh, I just hope it all goes.

It definitely will. I mean, some of these things still have tags on.

This! This is going to get you a fortune.

Go on, take it.

I can't. Oh, behave.

It's clearly made for you. You can't not.

Take it as a thank you.

Just do me a favour. Don't tell our Preston about all this.

You know what he's like. He'll only start worrying. Mm-hm.

How is that son of mine, anyway?

How do you mean?

Well, blood from a stone springs to mind,

and he's made it very clear

he doesn't want me sticking my nose in with you two.

But it'd be nice to know.

He's happy?

I think so. I'm happy.

Er, right, not quite sure what's going on here,

but Kai, it is a study period.

That means study.

So, go on, vamanos.

Ciao.

Oh, you've got to be joking. What are you looking for?

Do not make a big thing of this, right?

Look at that. NICKY LAUGHS

No. No, Nicky. Right, it's not funny.

Ofsted are in and I need your help. Come on, please. Help.

Here you are. Try this on, babes.

You...

I'm here, right. I am here. Honestly. Please.

KIM: Really useful... Miss Campbell?

Sorry, excuse me.

Good news is, no major incidents so far.

I think Mrs Doubleday is heading to the canteen soon...

All right, OK, I'll head up there.

How was this?

Do you know what? It was really good. It was really good.

Lenny just really brought the discussion to life.

In fact, let me introduce you.

Lenny, Mr Sampson, this is Mr King, my deputy.

I'll leave you to say hello to each other.

I heard this was very useful.

We got stuck in, didn't we?

I wish more schools did stuff like this.

Most places are like an iron fortress.

No substitute for real experience and understanding.

Danny remembers me as the one that was always on at him.

I say it's the people that give you a hard time

that have really got your back.

I bet it took a lot to be here today.

I really respect the positive steps you're taking.

BELL RINGS I know it's not easy.

KNOCKING

That's what I like to see. Proper book learning.

There's no need for bells and whistles.

I didn't see you.

You up for lunch? Indeed.

You know, I really do miss the old days.

There were silent corridors, silent lessons.

You'll remember what a passion that was of mine.

Well, hopefully, you'll have an enjoyable afternoon.

Not likely.

I've been putting off drama.

I'll have to do it eventually.

Even the thought of it's giving me a headache.

Miss Spratt.

You know, she's got bags of enthusiasm.

Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of.

And ECT, too. So no doubt it'll be jazz hands

of intolerable proportions.

I might just pop an ibuprofen now.

They all get "requires vast improvement" from me.

Come on, let's eat.

Lenny, thank you again for today.

It's really beneficial having your voice.

Do you need to leave now?

You asking me out to lunch?

Well, no, I was wondering if you were open

to spending some more time with Danny?

I could make the library available for you both,

get another teacher to sit in.

I'm sure I could arrange it with your PRU.

You fancy getting some dinner here?

Whatever.

Job's a good'un.

KNOCKING

Come in.

I heard you've been flashing students, you filthy animal.

Er, yep.

And now I'm wearing Nicky Walters' cast-off sweat ants.

Well, let me see.

Oh!

Don't, Mike. Wow!

No, Mike, don't, please. I'm not in the mood.

What's wrong?

I really think something's wrong with Dwayne.

I tried to speak to him earlier and, the way he reacted, I just...

I just think something went on, like...

Like what? Like, what if she was drinking?

No, what if we've let them be around that?

I think you're jumping to conclusions.

Am I? You didn't see how he was with me.

Like, maybe that's why they were up so late.

And the slippers.

I mean, come on, does that seem like a functional human being to you?

I just came to ask for some money to top up our lunch accounts.

Dwayne, can we...? Can we...? You just don't give up, do you?

You only want to think the worst for her, yeah?

Well, you tell me. Why are you being so off?

Because of you. Me?

I mean, yeah, you act all weird

whenever someone mentions her name

and you've got nothing good to say about her.

I don't think that's true. Come on, come on.

I can be a little overprotective.

Oh, we don't need your protection!

Social services wouldn't have let us see her if she weren't all right.

Look, we'll just save this for home. I can be a little wary.

She's been gone a long time. She had problems!

Well, we've all got problems,

we don't just forget that we have children!

He doesn't mean that.

I'm sorry, right?

All we've tried to do is give you love and stability.

That's why we're adopting you.

Oh, that's all you care about.

You just want her out the way, don't you?

No, that is not what I'm saying. You don't get it!

I don't want your stupid adoption!

Urgh!

I'll go.

Dwayne.

Did you get the money?

Dwayne!

What's going on?

Don't worry, it's OK.

Dwayne.

Zayne, come here.

Is this something that you both want?

What?

The adoption?

Dwayne says he doesn't want it. Is that how you feel as well?

I don't know, why?

Sorry, I shouldn't have said anything.

Just wait here. I need to go and sort your lunch money out.

I don't get it. I do not get this.

It's just for today.

We need to show off our healthy menu.

Yeah, OK, Miss, but you can't do this to me.

Look, I'm begging you, yeah?

Miss Walters' calzone, pure perfection.

All right, Noel.

I'm sure some greens won't kill you. Oh, it's not even that.

Yes! Go on, sir.

LAUGHTER

Was that a choice, sir?

All right, shut up!

What, is this all just a joke to you, is it?

You think you can just do whatever the hell you want

and because I have a laugh with you, you can just get away with it?

Am I just a joke? Eh?

Right, well, today actually means something to the teachers

who put the hours in, who fight your corner

despite all the crap that you throw at us.

And all we ask is that you treat us

with a shred of dignity and respect.

That you treat us like bloody human beings!

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

What was that about?

Right!

You will sit in silence for the remainder of lunch,

unless Mrs Doubleday wishes to speak to you.

If you'd please excuse me.

Did you see his pants? It's a joke. What was all that about?

Noel, shut up. It's not even about that.

Obviously, something's happened. Shut up!

Hey, sir, what's going on? LAUGHTER

Excuse me.

Mr Casey.

OK, everybody inside! Go!

Mr Casey.

Joe.

I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine.

It's OK.

Don't have to say anything.

We'll just calm down here, all right?

You don't have to stay here with me, you know?

You're joking, aren't you?

I love school dinners, me.

Hey, you reckon they'll do us a jam roly-poly?

What was it like? Prison?

Wow!

Straight for the jugular, eh?

Prison's the boring stuff.

Ask me something better.

How did you turn it all around?

I broke into a house once,

then the man woke up.

He was in his seventies.

We're stood in his kitchen.

Even in my mask, he recognises me.

"Leonard! Is that you?"

It turns out it's my old geography teacher, Mr Richards.

And do you know what he said to me?

"Are you OK, son?"

No-one had ever asked me that.

He sowed something in me deep.

It was still there, even when I were locked up,

this spark of the man I wanted to be.

What, a teacher? LENNY LAUGHS

No!

Divvy.

Someone who gives people like me hope.

That's what people like Mr King are doing for you.

He gets you.

He gets where you're coming from.

He's looking out for you in his own way.

Look, Danny.

I'm not going to sit here and tell you everything's going to be OK.

You cannot escape your past.

But you can use it, even the bad stuff.

Don't forget to eat. Oh.

Ta. How are you getting on?

Have you not had one in yet?

Uh, no, not yet. I'm still bricking it.

I just don't want to let the whole school down, you know?

It would just be me, wouldn't it?

Well, maybe it's more about just keeping it simple, you know?

Just read a script.

You don't need all the bells and whistles.

Neil, you literally just told me to do what I do best.

This is it!

Come on, you know Greek tragedies are turgid and dry

unless you get 'em on their feet.

I have to bring it alive for them.

No, no, Casey's the most lit teacher.

Like, he never loses his rag, he's just proper decent.

Like, he doesn't usually shout, so...

He's actually the one who got me out of the BU, so I like him.

Yeah, and he's been really supportive

about my problems at home. KIM: What happened?

I don't know. I've never seen him react like that.

Lindon went after him.

He's not going to get the sack, is he?

I just thought the boys were happy, you know?

It feels so unfair.

You try to walk the line,

you try to treat people well...

..and where does it get you?

She just swoops in and takes them away.

You know, I should be more like you.

Like me?

Yeah.

You know, like...

..harder, tougher, less of a pushover.

Oh, God.

Kim.

Completely messed up with Ofsted.

It wasn't that bad.

Look, things don't always work out the way we hope.

Look at me.

Living in a studio flat, seeing the kids on a weekend.

Lindon, it was just the way that he said it.

It was like nothing that we've ever done...

It's like none of it mattered.

I know you've done your best by them.

Built them up from scared little kids.

It's what I see you do every day with the kids here.

That's why they come to you.

They trust you.

And before you say it, you're not leaving.

Because then they'll expect me to be the empathetic,

understanding one, and you know that's not going to work.

OK?

I just... Like, I just wanted something for myself.

For once.

I wanted Lisa gone.

I know that sounds awful, I... It's human.

You're hurt and angry,

but you can't let that stop you from doing the right thing.

Dwayne's probably just as confused as you are.

He needs you to step up and be there.

Yeah. Even if it's not exactly how you imagined.

How am I going to walk back in there?

Well...

..we should probably start by doing something about your trousers.

They are very yellow.

You OK?

Yeah. Yeah, all right.

Thank you. OK.

I'll see you inside. Yeah.

He's in your office.

I am so sorry to keep you waiting.

I was just doing the usual, you know?

Putting out fires.

Lonely at the top?

Yeah, yeah, something like that.

So, how was it? How did it go?

Oh, he's a good lad.

I recognise a lot of myself in him.

He's obviously feeling quite lost right now,

but he's really switched on.

Yeah, he is.

He really listened.

You can tell that he wants to turn his life around.

Having the will is half the battle.

I think he's going to be OK.

Yeah.

Yeah, I hope so.

He is the pea under my pillow, that kid.

Well, I'll let you get back to your business. Yeah.

Thank you.

Boo!

Oh, my...!

What do you think?

You look like an emu.

Why are you lying for?

You know I look good.

Uh, tss, tss.

Where's it from?

Well, they do say you end up marrying your mum.

My mum's?

Why?

I helped her sell some clothes online.

She gave me this as a thank you.

Mm, proper Mrs Walters bonding time.

Now, you weren't talking about me, were you?

KAI SIGHS

The world doesn't revolve around you,

Preston Walters.

Look, I was just telling her how much I like you. I just...

I don't want you to slip up and tell her my...

..business.

You know, that's between us. Get off.

Sorry.

What do you think I am?

I would never tell.

Now, are you going to tell me how fabulous I look or what?

Swear down, I'm not coming near you in that thing.

You little... Don't you dare! No, no, no, no, no!

I'm trying to work!

An appalling fate for human eyes to witness.

An appalling sight, the worst I've ever seen.

Oh, you poor man!

What madness came on you?

What eternal force pounced on your life

and, springing further than the longest leap,

brought you this awful doom?

Alas, alas, you unhappy man!

I cannot look on you!

Oh, guys, that was great!

Wow! Did you feel that? We were all beginning to move and sound as one.

That's excellent.

Miss Spratt, you need to take a call in the office.

What, Neil? I've got Ofsted in.

Just tell them I'll call them back.

Yeah, no, it's very important.

You need to go. Now, go on.

But, Neil.

Just trust me.

I'll cover, it's fine.

Oh, all right, take these.

Er, I'll be quick.

You acting, sir?

No, no, no.

I'd be better placed to give you some insight into Ancient Greece.

If you'd just sit for a moment.

All OK? Yeah, I'm covering.

I just...

I just wanted to say, Harry.

I don't think you should be inspecting teachers

based on personal taste.

Sorry? Well, I don't want to make this awkward.

Well, don't.

And might I remind you, I'm an inspector.

Mm.

Might I remind you that you failed to declare you knew me,

and you basically told me you'd give me a good mark

and you've never even seen me teach for 25 years.

Gosh.

You really got quite pious in your old age, didn't you?

Well, I'm here to inspect drama,

and that's exactly what I will do.

You'd better inspect me, then,

because I'm teaching this class.

And if you write an unfair report on Miss Spratt,

well, I'll have no choice but to be truthful

about what went on here today.

KNOCKING

How are you doing?

Yeah, yeah, I'm OK now. Yeah, don't...

Don't worry about me, I'm fine.

Thank you for being so calm with everything.

Is he here? OK.

Yeah.

Dwayne.

I'll give you two some time alone, OK?

Right.

Excuse the delightful sweatpants.

Look, I didn't want this hanging over us.

You were right. You were absolutely right.

I made this all about my feelings, and that was completely wrong.

You are meant to feel safe with us

and I need you to know that, whatever you want...

..it's OK.

I don't want to hurt you.

I know how much you've done for us.

You gave us a proper home,

and we've been dead happy.

It's just, that's my mum.

You know, she ain't perfect.

But I can't give up on her when she's trying.

Yeah. And...

..then we will do whatever it takes to support you seeing her.

Yeah.

Whatever you need.

This nameless visitor I can't resist,

swept here by fair and fatal wings!

Alas, for me, and yet again,

alas for me!

The agony of stabbing brooches pierces me,

a memory of aching shame!

BELL RINGS Woohoo! Sir smashed that!

I might have done a bit of am-dram.

Oi, has he left?

There was no call at the office.

Really? Weird.

What's going on?

I don't know.

Maybe they meant Coral.

Bye, miss.

See you later, miss. See you later.

Hey, big man, what are you crying for, eh?

Just cos your old man went off the deep end?

He's not my dad.

Adopted dad or whatever. You know what I mean.

Not even that.

Why, what do you mean?

Oi!

I'm only messing with you, OK?

I do feel bad for him, I really do.

I think everyone does.

Sorry, it's none of my business, right?

Joe told me that Dwayne said he doesn't want us to get adopted.

Don't you? Things have been good since we were with them.

Yeah.

Dwayne hasn't even asked you yet, has he?

No.

Oh, that is proper sly.

Look, I'm not being funny, but in a few years he'll be done, gone,

and you'll be the one living in the house with your alkie mum,

you understand?

So you've got to stand up to him.

Don't let him ruin your life too.

I've explained to Mrs Doubleday, so please don't let me down.

Can you do me a pot of tea, please? Three cups?

Do you want to...?

Mrs Doubleday, I...

I owe you an apology.

What you saw earlier was unprofessional

and totally inappropriate.

I really hope that my actions won't affect the school.

I've had some...

Sorry, I've had some personal issues that have just spilled over.

I've explained myself to Miss Campbell

and I'll do the same to the students.

I will take whatever steps are necessary.

It did overstep the mark, Mr Casey... Mm.

..and will, of course, need to be mentioned in my report.

Yeah. But, fortunately, there have been plenty of positive sentiments

from the students.

I had to take some time off work myself last year.

It does give you a different view.

All done. Slacks back?

Thanks, Wendy.

Hey, are you going to tell me what went on before?

And don't fob me off telling me there's a call for Coral

or Val or anyone else, because I checked.

I'm not sure what to tell you.

I was just passing on a message.

No-one passed you a message.

All right, look.

I knew that you were never going to get a fair shot

from that inspector, OK?

How?

I just knew that he was going to do an observation

that didn't accurately reflect what an extremely capable ECT you are.

I can't see him being in the job once longer,

once Ofsted find out about his behaviour.

Oh.

So, you had my back?

Thanks.

What happened to caring less?

Ah! Maybe I was just being a bit of a grouch this morning.

Well, it certainly looked like you enjoyed it.

You were really going for it!

Give over! No, it's nice to see you that way, Neil.

Just letting go and having fun with it.

And the kids loved it.

Yeah, well, maybe I did get a bit of a buzz out of it.

This might surprise you,

but I didn't always used to be this stale.

I was a wide-eyed newly qualified too, once.

Yeah? What happened?

Sorry.

Anyway, back to house lets.

You not seen anything?

No. God, they're all stupidly expensive.

Mm.

Look, this probably won't work

and is a bad idea in every way, shape and form,

and no doubt you don't want a 50-year-old housemate

who goes to bed at 10pm every night

and really, really needs the toilet roll hanging the correct way round,

but I've got a spare room.

We could trial it?

Beards are good, mullets are bad.

That's how you know which way round to hang the toilet paper.

The room's yours. Are you serious?

I don't know. Maybe. I... Oh, thank you!

Thank you, Neil!

Right, going to start packing up all my teddies and shoes.

NEIL LAUGHS

Drama teacher for a housemate?

Oh, do let me know how that goes!

And breathe. KIM SIGHS

The verdict?

Er, soul-destroying and exhausting.

Don't know.

Do you know, it wasn't all bad.

They were impressed with our pastoral care

and with the BU,

but there were obviously very lengthy recommendations.

But do you know what, actually?

Considering the fact that they just parachuted in,

I think that we did really, really well.

Right, why don't you two get yourselves off home and rest?

Are we not settling in for a lengthy debrief?

No, I think we should just wait for the actual report to come out, OK?

Go on home.

Thank you.

Hmm.

What happened to the joggers?

I burnt them. Shame.

Just your colour, that banana yellow.

It'll be OK, you know, whatever happens.

Sir, one sec. Wait, wait, wait.

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Er, right, what?

Wait, wait, wait.

What are we doing?

Wait, wait, wait.

I'm ready.

Ahem, so, we are making a peaceful protest for you

because we love you and we just don't really want to see you go.

And there's no need to be all dramatic with it

because, sir, I did like them pants.

LAUGHTER

OK, I am not leaving.

Right? So we can all get up off the ground.

It worked!

Yeah, stop ruining your uniforms. Get up. Come on, then!

He weren't even going, you muppet!

Sir, you can't leave anyway before you see me finish,

cos I'm, like, your pro-digy. Prodigy.

Protegee? I don't know.

I'm really happy to see you stay.

Thank you.

See? Someone does like you round here, then.

Er, don't start.

Thank you very much.

You all right, sausage? Yeah?

Right, well, today has been a lot for everyone,

so I think we need to go home, chill and,

when you're both ready, we can talk about how we move things forward

with your mum.

Is that it? You're just going to give us back?

What are you on about?

I'm sick of you bossing me about.

I still want to get adopted.

I don't want to go back to my mum.

You go, I'm staying with Joe and Mike.

Zayne! Zayne!

It's all right, I'll go, I'll go, I'll go.

What have you said to him? I don't know, just...

PHONE RINGS

Hello?

Hi, Lenny, it's Kim Campbell.

Oh, hello again.

How can I help?

I've been thinking.

We should get you back in.

Hey. Hello.

I'm sorry I didn't get to see you before I went back in.

I looked for you at lunch.

Well, I met this guy.

Have you got something to tell me?

No.

Miss Campbell set it up.

He was a youth worker.

And we just ended up talking for ages.

And when he was speaking, you could tell, like,

that he wasn't fake.

Just got me thinking.

What?

That maybe I could do something with my experiences.

So you want to be, like, a youth worker now?

Nah. I were thinking something more like criminology.

I know that I probably won't be able to get a job with my record,

but I really like the idea of doing research

into why people commit crimes,

so maybe I could go back and understand.

So you'd be, like, a professor and just do homework all your life?

Yeah, well, you know that I like homework.

And why are you such a geek?

Honestly, though, it looks like you've got your twinkle back.

I'm just sick of feeling sorry for myself, moping about.

My past is behind me and I can do whatever I want.

Get your washing done, babes?

Here.

This is all I could get.

Not for me.

Boss wants a word.

HE LAUGHS

Is that a joke?

That's not going to cut it.

Not by a long shot.

I need my money by the end of the week.

All of it.

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