Original subtitles

I mean, between you and me,

I think a lot of people feel that you were unfairly dismissed.

It's just such an unfortunate way to end your career.

Ha! I wasn't aware that my career had ended.

No, of course not! No.

What I meant was, erm, given your track record on the Ofsted board.

You're Dame Stella Drake.

Look, they had no choice.

The press blew up my comments. There was a public backlash.

What else could they do? It did... It's old news.

I'm just surprised

you're not in a leadership role somewhere.

Has the job hunt been a challenge?

I suppose no more challenging than trying to recruit a new head

for the murder school.

Because if I'm not mistaken,

you've had a PR disaster a hell of a lot worse than I have.

Well, looks like you've sussed me out.

And, yes, we are looking for a visionary new head...

Let me save you some time.

The last thing that I need

is for my name to be attached to a school like Waterloo Road.

But that's exactly why you need to do it.

Full disclosure, Waterloo Road is...

..struggling.

But, Stella, you're a force to be reckoned with, a living legend.

What better way to remind them why they gave you that damehood

than to turn around one of the most troubled schools in Manchester?

Just think about it.

This would be a chance to restore your reputation.

One more drink?

One.

But don't give me the sales pitch.

Give it to me straight.

How bad is it there?

ENERGETIC ROCK MUSIC PLAYS Woo!

Who do you think you're talking to?

Stop it! Don't touch me!

What, Guthrie, what?

CROWD GASPS

Just let me out!

CHEERING

Homework will be expected in tomorrow!

Viva la revolution!

Kelly Jo, get back here NOW!

Bye-bye! Bye-bye!

What on earth are you lot up to?

Erm...

Tonya!

Luca, stop!

Luca, just stop.

Cop off with us sometime if you want.

THEY LAUGH

Let me tell you, if there's a fire in this school while I'm head,

I'm the one holding the matches.

Billy boy... No, Billy...

You may as well top yourself now.

You better start standing up for yourself,

otherwise they will never stop!

Is someone getting arrested, sir? Is this about the boy in the canal?

Billy Savage, I'm arresting you on suspicion of murder.

You think it was bad working here before?

Wait till word gets round about this.

DOOR SLAMS

Do you stand by your words?

Of course I stand by my words.

The biggest problem facing schools is the parents!

VIDEO ON PHONE: The biggest problem facing schools is the parents!

Can't believe you didn't hear about this.

It was on the news.

What are they thinking?

We may as well just press the implode button now.

Can you just try to be a little bit positive?

I'm trying to get morale up.

Positive?! This is the beginning of the end, Coral.

The biggest problem facing schools...

Oh, parents are going to love her!

It's the whole Ofsted thing that worries me.

If she's going to be the living, breathing rules manual...

Well, it's time to polish up those CVs, ladies.

Have you heard back from yours yet?

They all want cheap ECTs.

I mean, it might be a bin fire here but I'm not taking a 10K pay cut.

10K?!

Erm, can we stand in a neat line, please?

And can you get those bags out of the way?

They're cluttering up the foyer.

How long, miss? Just give us a ticket and we'll come back.

I'm not a fish and chip shop.

If you want to sign up for counselling, you have to wait.

I just want to know what they offered her.

Come on, it must have been a fair old whack.

DAME Stella Drake?

Well, they've not exactly had candidates

biting their hands off for the job, have they?

Poisoned chalice, anyone?

Just come on, like, surely someone a little less controversial?

CORAL: Oh, not this again.

Can we just hold off on the judgment?

At least until we've actually met her?

Wendy, she was your old headmistress. What's she like?

Oh, let the clamminess of my hands speak for themselves.

For goodness' sake!

She's a safe pair of hands.

She was a national success story in her day.

Yes, but exactly how long has it been

since she's set foot in a school, an actual school?

And I don't mean as an inspector.

PUPILS CHATTER

Ashton, you promised.

Do you want to go home and tell your dad you wouldn't even go in?

You know he's serious this time.

Look, just think of the positives, yeah?

Just a couple of years left in school, and no-one knows you here.

You get a blank slate.

Step aside. Move!

Oh!

You had counselling last term, didn't you, Stacey Neville?

You really need more?

You too, Aleena, Lois?

Can't put a time limit on self-care, miss.

Can't put a limit on free passes out of class either, can you?

What's that? Here's your hall passes, ladies.

Thank you!

Look, let's just focus on being ourselves, all right? There's...

There's nothing to worry about.

Ha! I'm not worried.

Yeah. Yeah. Exactly.

And anyway, she's not going to be any different

from any other head that we've had here.

Well, hopefully she is!

Yeah, well...

Yeah, what I mean is, we shouldn't be putting her on a pedestal.

Well, she's here now. Yeah, exactly, she's here now,

so we just have to, you know... No, she's here now.

Good morning, Mrs Drake.

Morning.

Ms Walker. Ms Walker.

Ms... Dame Drake.

My liege. It's, erm...

It's Mr Casey. Joe. Yeah.

Joseph.

My two deputies, I take it?

They do say that two heads are better than one.

Ha!

Yeah!

You said you wanted an intro with the staff first?

Yeah, lovely. They're all gathered and eager to meet you.

Lovely. Yeah, if you just follow me.

It's, erm... Well, it's on the first floor. We can take the lift?

Hmm! Time to switch up my skincare routine.

How old do you think I am, Joseph?

No! No, no, no. It was, erm... It's...

My reputation really must precede me.

I'm pulling your leg...

Oh!

Yeah. What's this?

Yes, er, well, we sent a letter out over the break,

just extending our offer of school counselling,

after the incidents of last term.

Yeah.

It's a bit overkill.

Hmm.

Your words, not mine.

Oh! Oh!

So sorry. No, no, it was me.

Just running a little bit late.

You know, first impressions and all that.

Car in the garage?

Oh, no. I, erm...

I'm just trying to get fit.

You know, you've got to keep up with the kids, haven't you? Mm.

And the dating sites?

Look, I'm not on any dating sites, all right?

I'm just pulling your leg!

I'm just trying to lighten the mood or whatever.

Yeah.

New head's in. You best get a wriggle on.

What? Hmm.

Looks like she's not short of a bob or two, eh?

Yeah.

Look, I better...

I'll see you later. See you.

In the video where she's talking about them... Mm-hm?

Sorry!

Forgot I left my car somewhere else last night.

Yeah. We're just talking about Dragon Drake.

Yeah? I like her.

I think she's got loads to offer.

Don't get him started. He's her biggest fan.

HE CHUCKLES

He's a Stella Wikipedia, aren't you, pal?

Hey, come on, don't be like that. Look, I'm a teacher trainee,

all right? I'd be the first to go if she had a cull.

But what do we call her? I hate titles.

Well, I'm not curtsying.

Don't care if she's a dame.

Mrs Drake is fine.

Dame always makes me feel like I'm in a panto.

So what do I call you?

SHE GULPS

Miss Spratt.

Just Amy.

So, "Just Amy",

thanks for kicking off the introductions.

I look forward to meeting you all over the course of this week.

I just wanted to say a brief hello.

So, please, sit.

At ease.

Let's start by addressing the obvious.

No doubt you've heard a lot about me already.

Some of you may think certain things

due to what you've read in the papers.

Well, let me say, I don't regret any of that.

Well, maybe I do regret the doorstep photo they took of me

in my tatty old dressing gown and my mismatched socks.

Believe me, I've had enough interaction with the media

to last a lifetime.

But what I will say

is that my time at Ofsted gave me invaluable insight

into what works and doesn't work in schools.

I know you're probably still feeling battered and bruised

following recent events.

But we need to take a good, honest look

at what changes are needed to turn this school around.

I'm confident.

So withdraw all your job applications

and let's work together to bring Waterloo Road back.

Have a good day, everyone.

Er, who's going to show me to my office?

Oh, yeah, I can. I can.

Oh, sorry. Yeah, this is, er, this is Wendy.

Er, she will be your right-hand woman.

And she's a former pupil of yours.

Right, what school?

Erm, Riverside Comp.

Ha! And you survived? Mm!

Hey. She didn't notice I was missing, did she?

No. No, I reckon you got away with it. Yeah.

I mean, I only just managed to get in myself.

Well, you did leave your car at someone's overnight,

you dirty stop-out. You could have picked me up this morning!

Do you know how long it took me to cycle in?

No, cos that's just going to look really sus, isn't it,

us coming in together?

Look, we're having fun but we agreed, didn't we?

Let's just keep things separate.

I wouldn't put it past Nicky to slip a bogey in my jam roly-poly.

It's none of her business any more. Yeah, but still.

Let's just hope you can keep it professional in class.

When we're here, strictly hands off.

Oh, er, I've highlighted any pinch points, as well,

in your calendar, so...

Ah, Mrs Drake.

Mr Charles. Donte, trainee.

Nice to meet you. Yeah, you, too.

I just wanted to say, you know,

how, er, inspired I was of your story.

You know, if I could just have a grain of your success...

I'm not sure I'm quite the success story right now.

But thank you.

Nice wheels, by the way. Oh...

Is it as good to drive as it looks?

Usually, but it's sounding a bit funny lately.

It nearly cut out on my way in.

I could have a look, if you want?

No offence, Donte, but I normally leave that to the professionals.

Donte was our site manager. He can fix anything.

Including freezer doors.

Long story!

Er, well...

Can I trust you with my baby?

100%. I'm your man.

Thank you.

Oh, and I'd like a tour of the kitchens as soon as possible.

I'd be happy to help. Absolutely.

Erm, before you do, Mrs Stone and her son are in your office.

Apologies. New starter.

Ah, yes, I remember. Yes, I want to see this boy.

Thank you.

Mrs Stone.

Ashton.

Mrs Drake, so good to meet you.

So, I've had a chance to review Ashton's school reports.

Such a colourful history of behavioural violations.

See, his last school didn't provide the right interventions,

and, well, not every kid responds to the same rules.

Mrs Stone.

Schools can't tailor rules to suit individual students.

This school has a code of conduct.

Of course. What I meant... And had I been in charge,

a managed move for Ashton probably wouldn't have been approved.

He would be sitting in a Pupil Referral Unit right now.

Well, that's the last thing he needs.

But it seems that someone has a more generous view of our admissions.

Capitalise on that good fortune, Ashton.

And get familiar with our behaviour policy,

because I've instructed the teaching staff to take action

the moment you're in breach of the rules.

Now, you may have secured a place here,

but you are going to have to work very hard to keep it.

Understood?

BELL RINGS

HUBBUB

Right, so this is the pool table.

We do have vending machines.

We used to have a microwave but people kept putting shoes in it,

so we don't have that any more.

And over here, we have comfy seats. Yeah.

Ladies, you have arrived.

Oh, can you do anything about the view?

Why do we have to watch these two all over each other

in the middle of the common room? It's so uncomfortable.

Hmm, I don't know.

I mean, maybe we could be a little more open about our couple status...

Ew, you stink of bacon barm.

You joking?

I can't keep it. It's yours.

No, you wear it.

I'm gutted. Hardly got any frees together.

Well, I've got a hall pass. We can sneak out and meet.

Bad girl!

Sixth formers, I have been tasked with the welcome.

Welcome.

Please fill in your self-assessment questionnaires online, all right?

School wants to check in with you, whatever that means.

Er, Year 12s,

registration now. Thank you.

But we don't do form group any more.

Oh, yes, you do. Two glorious hours a week with moi.

Off you go.

Sir...

..I need to go see the counsellor.

What, now? You've... You've not even started.

Sir, us too. Us too.

It's just really triggering, being back here.

I really feel I need to speak to someone.

You didn't even know Boz.

All right, God Squad!

Thought you were into all this healing stuff.

Sir, we've got passes.

You need to let us use 'em.

Fine. Fine, go.

SHOUTING

Give it to me!

HE SIGHS

Hey! You all right? Hmm. They told me to come here.

Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. Ashton, right? Don't look too nervous, mate.

I mean, if it helps, I'm new to all this, too.

Uh, right. Go throw your PE kit on, yeah?

I ain't got a PE kit yet. OK. Uh, well, there's a spare kit...

Nah, sir. Look, no way. I'm not wearing some manky cast-off

that's probably not been washed in a year.

Yeah, well, I'm sorry, mate. Same rules for everyone.

Right, changing rooms are that way.

Go throw something on and come join me. All right?

There's a good lad.

And, um, oh, these are actually sound-absorbing panels

on the ceiling, which, um... Well, it's just some of the stuff

that we love about the building.

Uh, we put a lot of the information and bulletins on these walls,

as it's where the students first arrive.

Oh, and this is the library.

I think we'll circle back round.

No, I'd like to go in.

Yeah, well, it's quiet time at the minute.

They are studying, so I don't want to get in the way.

No. Have I shown you any of the foliage we've got in this school?

Because we've got a plant...

For goodness' sake, I can be quiet.

What is this? I had a pass, I swear.

Miss Spratt, we were just showing Mrs Drake our wellbeing space.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, hi. Um, sorry, I was just on the phone to a parent.

Um, yeah. So, this is a space where students can come

and decompress for ten minutes

if they're feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

Just after the trauma of what happened here.

Trauma? Do these students look traumatised to you?

OK, so effort, skill and behaviour.

Now, you all better be on your best behaviour, including you, Portia,

because I've got Miss Chandra monitoring my lessons, all right?

And I don't want to get into trouble.

So at the end, we're going to evaluate our tactics

and performance with a big game of dodgeball.

Yeah? Oh, sir, I feel like I'm going to get decapitated.

Hey, don't worry. All right?

We will establish clear boundaries.

Yeah?

Oh...

Wow. Did your clothes shrink in the wash?

Are those slugs on your face?

Who are you talking to, you smelly little nit? Whoa, whoa.

Portia, that's enough. All right.

Let this be a lesson to all of you.

All right? You forget your PE kit, and it's the bin bag of shame.

All right? All right. I'm sorry, mate. Right.

Who wants to lead the warm-up while I sort the bibs out?

I can, sir. The confidence. I like that, Ashton.

All right, everyone follow Ashton, and I'll sort the bibs out.

All right, let's go.

Hey, just so I'm clear, any student can skip class for counselling

or escape to some sort of Bedouin camp in the library?

Well, it's a wellbeing space, and lots of schools do have them.

They do.

It's not bad in itself.

The situation here was serious.

Well, you remember what it were like, Coral.

We had kids crying at the gates.

We had parents who were too scared to send them in.

I mean, some of them were even pulling them out completely.

We had to rebuild trust.

It's all gone too far, though, hasn't it?

Reasonable adjustments are no longer reasonable.

Personalised learning plans used to be a rare thing,

and now we're handing them out like confetti.

I mean, teachers are spending whole lessons writing up class notes,

emailing parents, modifying and accommodating

every student's need.

I mean, they can't all sit in their preferred chair!

OK, OK. Well, yes, yes, things have got a bit out of hand.

And, yes, the kids are taking liberties.

Maybe we do just need to pull back.

I agree. Thank you, Joseph.

We do need to pull back on all of this.

Um...

Go. That's it.

Come on. Yes.

All right. Take it easy.

Let's go. Come on.

Ashton, get on your side, mate.

I'm a ninja. I'm a ninja.

Remember, this is supposed to be fun!

Ashton!

Ashton, no hitting below the waist.

Get off! Ashton!

Goal!

Ashton. Ashton. Ashton!

Sir, Ashton's not even playing the game. All right. OK.

Pause the game.

WHISTLE BLOWS

Pause. Pause.

PUPILS GASP Right, that is enough, Ashton.

Go and sit over there and calm down.

Sorry, sir.

Everyone, I want your evaluation sheets out, please.

I want them filled in before break.

You all right? Yeah.

The kid's out of control, man.

So why didn't you take him out the game sooner? Well...

Come on, Donte, you know this.

You can't let a kid like that run rings around you.

PUPILS SNIGGER

SCHOOL BELL RINGS

So, for the time being, no unnecessary accommodations,

no school counselling, and no hall passes for the Wellbeing Room.

Sorry, but surely we can't just stop everything without a warning.

Of course we can.

As Mr Casey said, we have to pull back, put everything on hold

until we sort this mess out.

Well, sorry, I never...

But what about the students who do need the accommodations?

They're not all fakers.

Well, obviously, I don't want you to deny a diabetic their insulin.

I expect you to use your common sense. We're pressing pause,

cutting off a corner of the library,

not creating a life-and-death situation.

So if there's no further questions,

I'll assume you have that all in hand.

So that's it?

The Wellbeing Room was a lifeline for some.

Oh, come off it, Amy.

She's spot-on.

I mean, they can't all have PTSD.

You might want to have a word with Libby, then, Neil,

because she's the one that Stella caught bunking off

in the Wellbeing Room...with Jared.

Libby?

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

Sorry. Is this... I thought... ..yours?

No, sorry.

Uh, I think that's my old locker.

Really?

I was going to complain to someone about this.

I found something disgusting inside.

Oh? What?

Crusty underpants and yoghurt pots.

I'm kidding.

Yeah.

So I thought sixth formers had their lockers in the sixth form.

We can have both.

Cool.

Cool.

Storage.

That were too painful, bro.

What's it to you? No, no.

Look, I just appreciate the light entertainment.

Storage!

Come on, show me the way to Spanish class,

and I'll show you how to fix that sorry-ass game.

OK?

Come on.

It were bad. It were not... It were bad.

Oi! Waterloo Road's Romeo and Juliet, separate.

Dad, chill! Chill?

Bunking off on day one.

It was just a study period. Which is for studying!

Well, you're just going to have to make it up in your lunch hour!

Show me that you can make school your priority,

not boys.

SHE SIGHS

NEIL CLEARS HIS THROAT

I got a present for you.

Oh, come on. You are joking.

Can't I have a break from the kid?

I mean, I'm not even supposed to be doing cover lessons.

Hold on. Have you fobbed this off on me?

Look, I think it'll be good for you.

And there's a cover supervisor on his way.

But there's coffee in the staffroom with my name on it, so good luck.

See you later. See you.

Hey. Right, everyone, settle down.

Year 11,

clearly, I'm not Mrs Martinez.

So, uh, she's left us a PowerPoint.

Oh, do you need some help with that, sir?

I can help you. I'm a whiz, a tech whiz.

I'm fine. I can manage, OK?

Yeah. Uh...

All right, let's get this lesson started, shall we?

LAUGHTER

Ashton, what did I say? Sit down.

I'm just stretching, sir.

Kyle, he hurt me in dodgeball.

Sit down!

I've got cramp.

I'll just stretch it out.

Uh, OK. So, uh, got to click on the Spanish icon.

Ah, OK. There we go. There we go. Right.

So, uh, as I was saying, uh...

GIGGLING

Sir, it's, um, the wire.

You've got to plug it in properly.

Like, you've got to twist it and then, um...

Yeah.

Ah. OK. There we go.

Uh, right. So... As you were saying, sir. Go on. I'm listening.

I'm really excited for this lesson.

I want to learn Spanish.

Hand it over.

I'm over, sir. I'm...I'm listening to the lesson.

It's good. You're a very wise man. Ashton, you're having a laugh.

I get it, I do, but if you carry on, I will remove you from this class.

Which isn't going to impress Mrs Drake now, is it?

No. Hand it over.

Smart move.

OK, let's get this lesson started.

I'm sorry, but I'm not having this. Look at her.

You can't not let her go.

It's child cruelty.

Toilet passes are allowed.

Anything more is strictly off limits.

I've got an IEP to lie down.

Well, you didn't tell us about this test.

Well, that would defeat the purpose of an impromptu test,

now, wouldn't it?

This is important?

Well, it'll help inform your GCSE sets and your predicted grades.

But don't worry, there is nothing on the test that wasn't

in the revision pack that I gave you for over the break.

Miss, my thingy.

I've got test anxiety. As I've explained...

But it's in my plan. You have to let me step out.

Well, I can't today.

I'm sorry.

This is giving me bad anxiety now.

I can't. I just can't.

OK, just stop. Just calm down.

I need to go out.

I need to, miss. Well, I can't.

I'm shaking.

My chest, my chest.

Um...

LOW CHATTER

Jared!

Was there something cryptic in what I said?

I'm sorry, I didn't, um...

Clear off.

Libby's catching up on coursework.

No, I was just looking at, um...

Looking at this.

Peterloo Massacre, 1819.

It's cool.

Cool? Yeah?

It's one of the bloodiest days in Manchester's history.

400 to 700 injured.

18... 18 dead?

Yeah. Their sacrifice paved the way for social reform, democracy,

the free speech that you lot love so much today.

It's incredible, really, how so few Mancunians even know it happened.

Mm.

Mm.

Surprise!

Oh, is this for me?

Yeah. Just the way you like it. So there's no mayo,

extra cheese. Boom! Romance.

Mm.

All right, go on, jump up. Oh, no. Sorry.

It's, um, girls' talk.

Mm.

All right, well, I'll be in the common room, then,

for when you want me. Yeah?

Has she actually had, like, a boyfriend before?

I'm telling you, that's your way in,

your VIP golden ticket to Aleena.

OK?

Well, that over there is Stace Neville,

and she will have you for breakfast.

Ooh, likey likey.

No, we do not likey likey.

All we need to do is talk to them, OK?

Get in with their friends. Get in with...

Hey, stop freaking out.

You can't just go up there. It's so weird.

I'm going to do it right now.

What are you doing?

What is that? See? I'm going.

Stop! I'm moving. Stop that!

Look, if you don't come with me, if you don't come with me,

I'm going to tell them you're in love with her.

In love with Aleena!

Why did I talk to you today?!

Cucumber.

What do you want? Ladies, ladies, how's it going?

Where is Aleena?

She's running late. What's it got to do with you, anyway?

Well, I might know something.

Oh, yeah?

Dwayne?

This your doing? I'm going to go. I'm going to go.

I think you should. Yeah.

Idiot. Bye.

What is with that new kid?

I don't know, I just thought I'd be able to handle kids like him

a lot better.

I mean, I know he's probably got stuff going on,

and maybe I should just try and get on his level a little bit more.

Listen, Teacher 101, you have to be able to go in hard.

Yeah?

Yeah. Everyone knows that you can't go in soft

and expect to get hard later. You've got to...

You've got to show them how firm... you can be.

Oh, yeah? Like that, is it? You like it firm, do you?

THEY LAUGH

Oops.

Oh...

Awkward.

Yeah.

Well nice, these.

Well, it's good to keep your sugar level up, isn't it?

So, talk me through this panic attack, Forest. Test anxiety.

It's all in my plan. I'm supposed to be given warning.

Yeah, I've been looking through your student tracker.

You seem to have a lot of homework anxiety too.

A lot of incomplete assignments.

Yeah. Well, Miss Spratt knows I wasn't in as much last term,

with everything going on. My mum's already been over this.

Yeah, I've had several meetings with Mrs Sumi.

Yeah, you're a bright boy, Forest.

I can see that from your SAT results that you came in with.

You're so clever that you've got Miss Spratt and your mother

running about after you. What are you saying?

I'm saying that you'd rather fiddle the system than put in the effort.

Mrs Drake... I had a panic attack in class.

She held me prisoner. Oh, she held you prisoner now, did she?

Because from what I heard, it was a dramatic masterpiece.

I've got witnesses. Yeah. The problem is, Forest,

there's a lot of students in this school

with genuine mental health conditions.

And when you're flip-flopping about on the floor,

it makes it ten times harder for them.

The whole class saw. She stopped me going out. I collapsed.

Uh, no. Sorry. Pests aren't allowed in the kitchen.

Can I just talk to her? She's got the wrong end of the stick.

Oh, has she? So she didn't see you with that...?

All right, keep your voice down, will you?

Donte, you're a single man now. You can do what you want.

But if you ask me, you're mad for not making up with our Nicky.

Trading a diamond for a rhinestone. It's nothing like that.

OK? She's just a friend. Stop bothering my sister.

Debs...

Oh, no, sir's got woman problems in his life.

Give me that.

No, it's my property.

Ashton, give me that. No.

Give it! Do you fancy a trip to the head's office

to explain why you're filming a teacher?

Stop being a try-hard, Ashton.

You're not impressing anyone.

Just like that.

Yeah, well, he takes something of mine and I take something of his.

PUPILS GASP

Ooh! Anyone fancy a spin? No way I'm getting in a car

with someone who's not old enough to buy fireworks.

Oh, ladies, look, this ain't my first time.

But what are you thinking, man? That's a teacher's car.

I'm thinking, how about we take it for a test drive? Yeah?

Come on, just a little cruise round the block.

LOCKING SYSTEM CHIRPS

Oh, a jackpot. Dwayne, come on, let's go.

You're going to get in serious trouble.

Oh, I'll drive it back before he even notices.

Look, Dwayne, this is your chance, OK?

Show them you're not a beige flag, OK?

You're the wild man. You're a wild man, Dwayne.

Think about Aleena, OK?

You want her, and you've got to be a wild man.

And this is the training. Are you ready, Dwayne?

ENGINE STARTS Oh, Mr Charles.

OPERATIC MUSIC PLAYS

Really done a number on me now.

No teacher can talk about their wage when they're driving cars like this.

Oh, but I can't really say I vibe with his music taste.

Can you even drive this thing?

Oh, my God.

Strap in, Dwayne. It's about to get wild.

Do we tell someone? Grass?

They want to kill themselves, that's their business.

You all right, babe? Did you see that?

What are they doing?

Oh, my God.

TYRES SQUEAL

Come on, Manny!

How many times did you say you've driven a car? In a dream once.

In a dream? Yeah.

HE SIGHS

Ashton!

All right, I actually think I want to get out right now.

Oh, relax. Yeah, you're getting faster.

I feel like you're getting faster.

Oh! Slow down.

Woo!

Yo, yo, yo. Chill out.

You're a wild man.

CAR HORN BLARES

Oh, my God!

BOTH SHOUT AT ONCE

We need to find some tight back roads, see what this baby can do.

BOTH SHOUT

ASHTON LAUGHS

That was bang-on.

Bang-on? Bang-on? Are you having a laugh, lad?

Don't be a girl. Oh, you want some of Mr Charles's perfume?

Get off!

What is wrong with you? OK, OK.

Oh, no. What's that?

Oh, let's have a look.

Oh, what is that?

It's an MOT.

Oh.

For Stella Drake.

Stella...? Isn't she the head teacher?

No, no, no, no.

It's OK, it's OK.

Ashton, start the car!

ENGINE TURNS OVER

Go on. I am. It's not working.

Ashton, go now.

I'm not playing, Dwayne. I'm not joking.

Oh! Screw this. Stop!

Dwayne, wait.

He did what all other blokes would have done,

with 99% of their brains in their pants.

And she's a trollop.

You want to tell everyone exactly who she is.

Oh, no. I can't be bothered with any of it any more, Debs.

Let 'em have each other.

I guess I know now, anyway, don't I?

Hey? No chance of a future for us.

I just need to focus on myself and the kids, you know,

because Tonya needs me, so...

Well, in my opinion, you were far too good for him anyway.

You and Donte are a bit like this pudding.

Donte is the crumbly bit where, if you scratch the surface,

there's not really much beneath that.

Well, then, you, you're like a soft, gooey centre.

All tasty and deep.

What are you on about?

Do you know what your problem is?

You give away your apple crumble too easily.

Mum...

Oh, Ton.

TEARFULLY: I can't do this any more.

Come here. It's this stabbing pain.

It's too much.

You want to get her to a GP.

It's all we do these days, isn't it?

Come on, kiddo.

Come on, baby.

Oh, who needs a man when you've got this crumble?

Oi! Ashton!

Oi, Ashton!

Come here!

You know you can't lock me in here. I'll have you done.

Where's the car? What are you on about?

I won't ask you again, Ashton. Where's the car?

Let me out!

You just don't get it, do you?

You're just some stupid, selfish kid.

You know, this is my job.

This is food on the table for my kids.

This is everything that I've worked for.

And you think I'm going to let some stupid kid like you

take that away from me?

Yes, I'm your teacher, and you are my pupil.

But I'm telling you now, if I lose my job, if you cause me

to lose my job, I won't be Mr Charles any more.

Do you understand?

Do you understand?!

Oh, how long's he been in there?

Yeah, well, we can't keep him prisoner,

or else we'll really be in for it.

I didn't keep him prisoner!

Sorry, I just... I told you that this would happen.

We can't just take things away without a warning.

Well, we've got to get a handle on it before Mrs Sumi arrives,

because once she's here... Too late. She's on her way here,

and she's threatening to go to the papers.

What?! Papers?

Mrs Drake, it's their trump card.

We cannot afford another scandal.

I've already had several parents on the phone.

The kids are telling them that apparently we're refusing

them their human rights.

We need to sort this out fast.

I don't want my name in the papers.

It would be the end of my career.

Look, you might be OK with that, but I am not.

Maybe we all need to take a few deep breaths.

I've checked in with Marc. Here's the info about the trip.

Miss Whitwell, round up the parent posse.

The ones who are kicking up a stink.

Invite them to a meeting with me after school.

Yes, yes, that is good, because then we can reassure them and...

When are you letting me out of here?

You're free to go whenever you please, Forest.

I just wanted to make you aware that what you've accused

Miss Spratt of is very serious.

She should have let me out, then.

And given the severity of your anxiety,

we'll be looking at ways that we can better support you.

Well, good.

Helping you catch up is obviously a priority.

So lunchtime one-to-ones would be a good idea.

Wait, what? Oh, no. Don't worry.

We'll find a nice, quiet, calm space.

And let's make sure that you sit next to your teachers

in all of your classes from now on.

I didn't say I need all that.

And I see you're due to go on a residential at the end

of the month. London with the Tech Club?

A VR educational adventure.

The UK's biggest interactive experience.

Oh, that does sound exciting, doesn't it?

Perhaps a bit too exciting for somebody

of your nervous disposition.

That's such a shame.

Or we could talk about what really happened today.

SCHOOL BELL RINGS

That's what I've been saying. With that concentration level,

it was fantastic. It's fun, isn't it? See you next time.

Any good?

Hmm?

Oh, this? I just got it out the library.

I felt inspired after our chat earlier to have a deeper dive

into this whole Peterloo stuff.

Oh, did you now? You read this one?

No, I haven't, as it goes.

Well, it delves into the impact of the Peterloo Massacre,

but from the context of political reform.

Oh, sounds very in-depth.

Mmm. I had no idea you were such a self-directed learner, Jared.

Yeah, well, I mean, I'm always telling Libby

we have to learn as much as we can.

Last year of school.

Got to soak it all up.

Well, I'll tell you what.

If you're serious, pop by my classroom after school.

I've got plenty more material I can loan you.

I love that.

It's a date.

What are you up to?

Just wooing your dad big time.

After this, he's going to be falling over himself to have me around.

I can't believe you'd just abandon a car in the street

and think you'd get away with it.

You've got to cover for me.

Yeah? That's what you said.

No, no, I never said that.

You said your job. You don't want her to find out either.

Yeah, of course I don't!

She's going to have my head for this.

You stole the car and drove it around the block

through houses and streets, Ashton.

It was just a stupid joke.

Someone could have been killed! I wasn't even going fast.

I was going to take it back to school... Please.

You don't get what's on the line for me.

What is on the line for you, Ashton?

My dad's going to kick me out the house.

He's already looking for an excuse.

I won't have a home by tomorrow.

You just don't get it, do you?

You can't go around doing stupid stuff

and expect just to get away with it.

I was just like you.

Always messing around, always wanting a laugh.

It wasn't until...

It wasn't until I got behind the wheel

and a good friend of mine died.

My best friend.

I wish I could take that back, but I can't.

I've got to live with that every single day of my life.

I promise you, I won't do it again.

I swear I've learnt my lesson.

The only way you're going to learn a lesson is by facing the music.

SCHOOL BELL RINGS

Dwayne!

I wanted to check - you OK?

Probably the stupidest thing I've done in my life.

I'm not being funny, but you don't strike me

as the type of lad that steals cars.

I just hope she don't find out.

She?

It was the new head teacher's car.

Oh, my God. Don't. Bricking it.

We just abandoned the car somewhere.

Ashton's gone and done one.

I'm going to have a ride round and see if it's still there.

Why did you do it? I don't know.

Maybe it was just to impress everyone.

Or you, to be exact.

Look, I'm just going to go and say it,

because what else have I got to lose?

But...you don't fancy going out sometime, do you?

I have to go. I'm sorry.

Look, it's...it's not you.

I mean...

It would be you, but...

I just can't.

With anyone.

Hey, sorry.

With anyone?

My son had an anxiety attack.

You know, I could take legal action.

You completely ignored his condition.

I've explained he needs a doctor's note.

There is no legal recourse for us to make special arrangements

without a diagnosis or a registered disability.

You know what you're doing, don't you?

You're taking this school back to the Dark Ages.

Some of these accommodations served a purpose when the school

was going through a crisis period.

The system has been open to abuse.

Mrs Drake, I'm a single parent and I work bloody hard.

My daughter collapsed in this school,

and I am sick and tired of taking her back and to, to the doctor's,

banging my head against a wall, trying to get her a diagnosis.

And now you're telling me that you're just going to withdraw

the only support that she's been offered? No.

No. Absolutely not.

This is a temporary but necessary measure.

I will listen to all of you and listen to your child's needs.

Yeah, but you're not going to listen to us, are you?

Oh, we all know what you think of parents.

Mrs Sumi, I will not conduct this meeting with you shouting out.

Now, please.

Look, some of you may have seen my comments in the press.

MURMURING

I said that parents were to blame for the state of education.

And I want to say to you all that I was wrong.

I was wrong to say that.

OK, so she's backtracking on that now.

What I should have said was that I understand that many parents

are overworked, underpaid, and are less able to spend the time

and energy on their children that they need.

Oh, so it's our fault now?

The problem is, they expect the school to fill all the gaps.

Well, let me be clear.

Our priority here is education.

If your child is struggling, we want to know.

But we're not social workers or counsellors,

and we're far too underfunded

to be the front line of children's services.

That is just the grim reality that we all have to suck up

and do our best with.

School is not a democracy.

I expect you to respect our policies

in return for your child's good education.

Now, if you can't do that, find another school.

MURMURING

Oh, well, if this is how you're going to treat us,

I will take Forest out.

You're well within your rights, Mrs Sumi.

This school is toxic.

The last head's in prison.

And this one's even worse!

So, any more questions?

MEDIA: Being fully convinced that nothing less can remove

the intolerable evils under which the people of this country

have so long and do still groan.

And also to consider... This is great, this bit!

Really good, this, sir.

..electing a person to represent them in Parliament

and the adopting... I've been looking for you everywhere.

MEDIA OFF What are you doing?

Just delving into some fascinating local history.

Oh, blimey. I got so caught up in it!

I really enjoyed that, Jared.

There's a lot of that stuff I haven't seen in years.

And that's not even the half of it.

There's a whole digital archive I could show you.

Next time you're round at our place, we'll do a proper deep dive. Mm?

Yeah. Sounds awesome.

Yeah.

You know, I wasn't really sure at first, but it's nice to see

that Libby's met someone who wants to stay involved

and engaged in the world around him.

Oh! Help me!

You're so sweet.

I can't believe you go to all this effort just so we can spend

more time together.

But, hey, you don't need my dad to fall in love with you.

Just me.

Come on.

Hi, is Mrs Drake in?

I'll let her know you're here. Thanks, Wendy.

Well, go on, sit down.

INAUDIBLE

Well, it's not like I want to do this, you know?

Got to do what you've got to do.

After, you know, your mate died,

you go to prison for that?

Almost.

Whole life fell apart.

That's mental.

ASHTON SIGHS

I keep doing stupid things like this.

I must admit, I didn't know you'd go in quite so hard as that,

but I think in the end they understood.

Yeah.

Maybe not Mrs Sumi.

Look, it's my job to take the flak.

We'll review the wellbeing provision as soon as possible.

But I think it's important that the message is out.

There's only one person running this school.

We'll crack on tomorrow.

OK.

Um, I just wanted to say I didn't mean to overstep earlier.

It's good to have you.

And thank you for having my back.

Well, I'll always have that.

WENDY CLEARS HER THROAT

Uh, Mr Charles is here with Ashton.

KNOCK ON DOOR Come in.

Ashton, nice of you to grace us with your presence.

You've caused a lot of trouble today. Where were you?

He was with me. Excuse me?

With you? Where?

Um, well, at lunch, I was looking at your car

and a bolt fell into the engine.

I got my hand stuck, and then Ashton heard my shouts. So...

So you're saying that Ashton helped you get your hand out of the engine

of my car?

He was gone all afternoon.

Yeah, yeah. It was completely my fault.

Time just got the better of us.

I was showing him the mechanics of the car, and then...

I'm sorry. It was an oversight.

It's more than an oversight, Mr Charles.

I'm amazed that you would think that's appropriate.

I was struggling, being at a new school.

We got talking, me and Mr Charles, and he showed me that,

well, I should give this place a chance.

Gosh, it's like one of those feel-good daytime movies, isn't it?

No. It was a big mistake.

And it won't happen again. I'll say.

Right, well, it's been a long day.

Ashton, we'll go over your behavioural sanctions tomorrow.

And, Mr Charles, this needs a serious debrief.

Oh...

Yeah, so thanks for that.

Yeah, I don't even know what I was thinking then,

but I will cover for you as long as you agree

to keep your head down and behave.

Make the most out of this chance you've been given, Ashton.

Look, I'm sure you've got a lot to give.

Why not prove your dad wrong?

Ah, there you are.

I've been looking everywhere.

I didn't know you were going to show up.

Well, I managed to shift around some of my last patients.

So how was it?

Ashton, where have you been? The car's gone, you know.

Dwayne, this is me mum.

What car?

Um, yeah. Some car at school.

A teacher's car. At lunchtime, I was helping him fix it.

You know, some mechanics project, proper last-minute.

The head teacher was well impressed.

This is Dwayne.

He's, uh, been showing me around.

Proper A-star student, aren't you, Dwayne?

Your dad's picking us up. He's bringing the car around. Yeah.

Well, I just wish I'd have been there.

There was a few faces at that meeting I'd like to have seen.

Did she really tell them to suck it up?

She might need to brush up on her interpersonal skills.

It's probably pitchforks at the gates tomorrow.

Something tells me she can handle it.

Oh, yeah? You still a convert?

Well, it's nice to have a strong leader at the helm again, innit?

You know, takes the pressure off us.

And if she is a dragon, at least she's our dragon.

Oh, 'ey up, here he is.

Oh, survived the first day, then?

A few teething problems.

Always going to be a few pushing their luck.

Yeah, you can say that again.

Hold on, I know that girl.

That's Celine, right?

Ashton Stone's mother.

She was in with him this morning.

Celine Dixon when I knew her.

We went to school together. I actually went out with her.

Ooh!

Well, why don't you, uh, go and say hi?

Yeah, I don't know.

It didn't really end the best, from what I remember.

She just, uh... She just disappeared.

Yeah. Left school, and that was the last I heard from her.

Well, I'm glad you've had the chance to reconsider, Mrs Sumi.

Thanks for letting me know.

Yes, yes.

We'll see Forest tomorrow.

Bye.

PRINTER WHIRS

Oh. Hey!

Sorry, I didn't know anyone else was in here.

Well, I thought I was alone, too.

Yeah. Yeah, I was... I was just grabbing my passport.

Miss Whitwell needed it for some admin.

Just forgot to get it back. OK. Night. Night.

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