Original subtitles

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

When we're here, strictly hands off.

The new ECTs are in today.

Have you met Jas?

No, I haven't.

Come on, you're not 15.

I'm not going to cringe you out in front of your friends.

I know. It's just that I don't want them thinking I'm a nepo baby.

Ashton's been brought up knowing who his dad is.

What are you saying?

That he's actually mine?

We are looking for a visionary new head.

You're a force to be reckoned with.

The biggest problem facing schools

is the parents.

We may as well press the "implode" button now.

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

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

There's only one person running this school.

Oh, we all know what you think of parents.

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.

This school is toxic!

DOG BARKS

Has anyone fed Simba?

I said, has anyone fed the damn dog?!

Oi, gobbo, you know I don't do mornings.

Or afternoons or nights. Or anything to do with being a mother.

Oh, here we go again. No, here YOU go again.

Ugh.

There's nowt in for breakfast again.

Have you ever heard of shopping, you scruff? Hey, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Even I know you don't speak to your old lady like that. You feel me?

Who are you? Pound-shop 50 Cent?

If you're not happy, go and live with your Grandad Gummy.

Well, that's jokes. I'm 16. Yeah.

Old enough to look after yer sen.

Well, go on, then, Mum. Defend me.

Oh, just go to school!

Bye!

Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and...

Old age should burn and...

Oh, wake up, noggins.

Don't go gentle into that...

Phones away, ladies. You know the drill.

Hey, where's my favourite car this morning?

Wanted to get my steps in. You want to watch out.

There's a mob of parents waiting for you in there.

There she is. Mrs Drake, this advanced learning programme...

It seems really unfair.

This school is an absolute joke.

Good morning. How may I be of service?

Why are you not giving all the kids the same opportunity?

It just doesn't make any sense. BELL RINGS

This is favouritism!

Schuey, what's going on?

Did you get on that poxy programme?

Nah, extra work, innit?

See, it pays to be thick sometimes.

Bet YOU did, though.

You're like bare smart.

Yeah, but no-one can be bothered to give me a chance.

There'll be a new timetable.

Plus a list of all those more able students who have been

accepted onto the Accelerated Learning Programme.

There were some very snippy parents out there.

Already despatched with a flea in their ear.

Er, will we get this on email?

Wendy'll sort that. When she arrives in.

She can't work email. No, I know.

Yeah. She has got a good excuse.

Nice hairdo, Coral.

Is it inspired by anyone in particular?

I don't know.

Seems familiar.

LAUGHTER

Where's Neil? On his way.

His youngest is starting today so he wanted to...

Hold her hand? Touching.

So, as you'll see, I've allocated teachers

and students to various classes throughout the week,

taking us up to the end of this term.

And how's this been decided, as in which kids get to do it?

We didn't just pull names out of a hat, Donte.

Yeah, I know, it's just that I wanted to...

Key Stage 3 results. Work scrutiny. Student engagement.

This ALP could really help the brighter students

get into university.

Oh, and I'll be teaching the first ALP cohorts today.

To set our expectations.

Sorry, sorry, everyone. Sorry.

We're just discussing the ALPs.

Oh, thanks.

Yeah. Not gone down well!

My inbox is like toxic waste.

Your point being?

Um, I just wondered how to deal with it, really.

CHUCKLES: I suggest professionally.

You OK? I am. Not sure about Maleficent.

Nice hair, Coral.

THEY LAUGH

Yes, the boys.

What you doing? Been looking for you everywhere!

Right, favourite crisp? Go.

And if you dare say cheese and onion, yeah, you're getting dumped.

Probably beef. Beef's all right.

What's up? My mum's got this massive div.

I can't live there any more. She's kicked you out? No.

I'VE kicked me out.

Wow.

Stella's really on one this morning.

Ah, she's a pussycat.

OK, maybe a tiger.

I mean, I know that I'm a trainee and everything, but not being

able to suggest kids for the ALP list, what's all that about?

Yeah, I mean, you know most of these kids better than the teachers.

Most teachers still see me as the caretaker.

I'll never be one of them, even when I am qualified.

Well, you are one of us.

Listen, some of us ECTs like to go to the pub after work

to, you know, off-load. You should come tonight.

Yeah? Are you, er, are you sure I won't cramp your style?

Why, cos you're like 100 years old?

LAUGHS: Oh, yeah!

I tell you what, if I can get a baby-sitter for my son,

then, yeah, it's a date. You wish!

Hey, wait a minute, I didn't mean like that. I was just... Bye!

SCOFFS

DOOR CLOSES

Ah, there she is. Positively blooming.

You'll be positively horizontal if you say that again.

Go, Coral!

Actually, Cat, it's Miss Walker in school.

Till I put a ring on it.

Is he calling me "it" now?

Cringe. Does she...?

Does she remind you of somebody? I just can't think who it is.

Now that is your third strike.

Oh, don't forget. Family dinner tonight, girls. My treat.

Ey up, he's getting his wallet out. Do not miss it.

I think I've got maths.

So much for making it up to me. It's our date night tonight.

Usually. Sorry, babes. It's Cat's first day.

Dad wanted to do something special.

Right. Maths. I don't know where that is, though.

You all right, you two love birds? How goes it?

Well, I'm about to be on registration duty.

So pretty rubbish. I meant with your pregnancy malarky.

You dirty old dog, you!

Let's keep it professional, Mr Charles. Oh, yeah.

Like he did, you mean? Eh?

DONTE IMITATES HOWLING

Look, if you need any baby advice, you know, I'm your man.

Hello, you're not the only father here.

Oh, and with ALP stuff,

I'll have to get someone to supervise your class.

Why? What could possibly go wrong, eh?

BELL RINGS You've Ashton Stone first period.

Well, he just needs to be kept busy. He's a bright lad.

I mean, I'm surprised he didn't make this ALP list.

Hmm. The word liability springs to mind.

Isn't that what Waterloo Road's all about, though?

You know, bringing out the best in 'em. Aw.

Remember teacher training, all that naive optimism?

Not one teacher nominated him.

What does that tell you?

I thought you were staying away.

Yeah, I am doing.

That doesn't stop me from speaking up for the kid.

You know, as his teacher.

So long as it's not as his father.

I'm just doing my job, all right?

Look, I meant what I said.

You know, I'm not going to mess up his life or my own.

All right?

Oh, my life's over.

I'll have to go and live with my Grandad Gummy.

Well, he sounds like a right legend.

He's not! He's boring and he stinks of corned beef!

Do you know what, don't talk to me, I'm not happy with you.

You've not even noticed my new piggin' eyebrows!

Lib, I can make my own way to class.

Yeah, cut the reins, mate.

I'm looking out for my sister, "mate".

You've got maths with Miss Chandra.

Oh, yeah, that's us.

Tag along. I'm Shola. Cool. Cat.

Nice to meet you, Cool Cat.

MOCKING: "Nice to meet you, Cool Cat."

Who does the new girl think she is? You're being a bit full-on.

No, I'm not. She couldn't get away fast enough.

Why are you being weird?

Me? SCOFFS

Take a look at yourself!

Ta-da!

Someone's loved.

Aw, they're from my bezzie.

Lovely those, aren't they?

Hey, er, why didn't you pass on my message on about

why I was late this morning?

Yeah, well, I've tried, but she's...

..she's on one.

Hey, did you pick up Whisky? I did.

Right. How are you feeling?

Exhausted. Barely slept.

Aw, Wendy, I'm so sorry.

Wendy, two copies, please.

No problem.

Oh. They for me?

No. Me.

Oh.

So, back at the coal face today?

Oh, don't tell the others, but I'm secretly thrilled.

Yes, well, I will check on you later

and see how you're feeling then.

Right, off to inspire some minds.

Can you also copy this poem for me for my class later?

Sure.

Wendy, if there's a problem...

I mean, if you're in any way struggling with the workload.

Who said I was struggling?

Well, you just seem tense and you're never normally late.

I had to pick my cat up from the vet.

Hm. I know full well how real life can clash, but, er,

time management is a key component to working in a school.

Yes. I realise that. Yeah.

Pets, husbands, wives - they all have to take a backseat.

Yes, Mrs Drake. It's Stella.

Yes, Mrs Stella.

BELL RINGS

Oh, I'm forgetting I'm on registration duty with Miss Walker.

Oh, don't forget your coffee. No. You have it.

You need it. You look tired around the eyes.

Yo.

Trainers, off, now!

Not again, Schuey, these are brand-new.

Oi, Weever! What?

Give 'em. Give 'em here. That's well out of order.

Give 'em back. Back off.

OVERLAPPING SPEECH

..against the dying of the light.

Keep to your left, please. You know the system. What's going on?

Got a new job, Miss Neville? Eh? Your eyebrows,

they look like the landing strip at Manchester Airport.

Go and wash them off. No, Miss, I'll look minging.

I'm not asking, I'm telling.

LOUD CHATTER

Get your hands off me! Do I look like a pensioner?!

STIFLED LAUGHTER

Class, now!

And you - go and wait outside my office.

I haven't done anything.

What are you picking on me for? It weren't even my fault!

Now!

Are you OK?

The baby. All right. OK.

Take it easy. Take it easy.

Come on. I think you better go and sit down, yeah? Yeah.

She's confident for a new girl, isn't she?

OK, so, have we got any maths geniuses

who want to have a go at the answer?

And it doesn't have to be those on the advanced learning programme.

OK.

Let's hear from...

..the new girl.

Miss Guthrie, come on. Let's see what you've got.

Thanks. Well, apparently she's a footballer.

She thinks she's Lucy Bronze, her.

And she's another of Guthrie's spawn.

How impressive.

Mr Guthrie has got talent in his gene pool - who knew?

I'm telling ya, nowt decent's ever come out of New Zealand, Shola.

Jacinda, the All Blacks, Manuka.

Soz, don't speak New Zealand.

Good job I speak Manc, then. Innit, our kid?

LAUGHTER

Gis your foot.

Miss... Save it! I've just come back from Miss Walker. But, Miss...

"But, Miss" nothing! She's six months pregnant.

I didn't know that! Everyone were pushing. Ashton Stone...

What do you understand by the words "taking personal responsibility"?

Like, saying sorry an' that.

Oh, and that's it? A get out of jail free card?

I wish. This dump is like jail. Enough insolence.

You caused a pregnant woman to take a pretty nasty fall.

Have you any idea how serious that is?

Miss, you don't understand, I'm having a bad time at home, my mum...

No excuses!

I want to make this clear to you and to anyone else who thinks

they can assault teachers.

That I will not tolerate physical violence

towards my staff in my school.

As if I assaulted anyone, though. OK, enough.

Miss Whitwell, get Miss Neville's mother in here.

Until then, you can spend the rest of the day in isolation.

What is there to discuss?! It was an accident!

She doesn't even listen, Miss.

Headache? No. Confusion?

None more than usual.

Darling!

Dial it down, Neil. We've got first-aid-trained Jas on the case.

Yeah, what happened, though?

I've only heard the cowboys and Indians version from the inmates.

Oh, there was a kerfuffle in the corridor

and I ended up on the floor. The floor?!

How's your vision?

Well, I can see a big, worrying clod sat next to me.

So if that sounds about right, then, yeah, all good.

Yes, well, this clod has every right to be worried.

Especially with the state you're in. The state I'm in?!

Well, you know what I mean.

All seems fine but I'd still get yourself checked over at A&E.

Yeah, I'll be insisting on it.

It's funny, in't it, Jas?

You've looked after yourself your whole life, done a pretty good job.

Then a fella gets you up the duff

and suddenly you're incapable of breathing on your own.

Mm.

She loves me faffing, really. I do.

Miss Walker says to read the first two chapters of Middlemarch

and she'll be back soon.

Everything OK?

What? Are you OK?

Yeah, yeah, yeah, fine.

Just trying to sell those gig tickets for tonight.

Jared...

What?!

Hmm?

Why are you getting in my face today, Lib?

I was only looking out for Cat.

This place is a zoo.

I wanted her first day to go well. She can handle herself.

You don't know her.

She's had a pretty rough time since she came out.

I mean, my mum pretty much rejected her. I'm closer to Dad than she is.

Yeah, and if you keep bothering her, she's going to reject you.

What am I supposed to do? She's my kid sister, and my priority.

Right, listen, someone give us the gossip.

What gossip? Like, who's bowled out two kingpin teachers?

Should've taken them out, mate. I wouldn't joke.

Coral could've lost that baby and Stace is up to her neck in it.

Stace? Yeah.

Apparently, it was her that did it.

Thank you, Mrs Whitwell. You're welcome, Mrs Drake.

Oh, Coral, how are you doing?

Oh, I'm OK.

Jas suggested I get everything checked over in A&E

but I'll go at lunch.

No, you'll go now. We'll sort cover for you and Neil.

Oh, thank you.

What about you? We both went down like a sack of spuds.

I'll live. But I can't overlook the seriousness of it.

I have to send a clear message that petulant

behaviour like that will not be tolerated at Waterloo Road.

Absolutely. Thank you.

I'll exclude Stacey for a week, give her time to reflect.

Although the way she spoke to me, I considered making it permanent.

Stace? Stace? What's going down?

What, other than Drake and Walker?

It's not my fault. And they're getting my mum in.

Fat lot of use she'll be.

Oh, if Ashton wouldn't have made everyone push...

Yo, Ashton? Oi!

Noel, what're you doing?

You tell Drake it was you who caused the chaos on the corridor.

Calm down, big man.

It weren't me who pushed Drake over, it were your bird!

Call her my bird again and watch!

Noel! Get off Ashton now, and get to class.

Right.

It's done.

You're making everything worse!

Look, I'm just trying to look after you.

I just wanted you to listen not turn into Thor!

You know what? Just forget it.

No, you forget it, you doughnut!

STACE GROWLS Stace, it's not worth it.

Mrs Neville, have you signed in?

I'm trying. Oh, my goodness.

Gemma Moon! Do you remember me? We went to school together.

Wendy Whitwell. Flamin' Nora. Whitey Whitwell?

Shush, you! I've got a reputation to maintain.

What are you doing here? I must've been a horrible cow

in a past life because I am now -

drum roll, please -

PA to our old head mistress, Dragon Drake.

Oh, man, is she still alive?

Didn't think it was the same person when Stace said Mrs Drake.

Exactly the same. Actually, a little bit worse.

That can't be possible.

And she's busy at the moment, so she's asked if you could go

and wait outside her office and she'll come and find you.

Like she hasn't wasted enough of my life already.

BELL RINGS Stace said she's kicking off

over nowt.

I couldn't possibly comment on that.

Well done today. Jacob, homework tomorrow.

Hey.

You look how I feel.

Oh, I'm living the dream, me. Oh, yeah?

If I'm not begging students for homework, I'm breaking up

spats between Noel McManus and the infamous Ashton Stone.

Oh, come on, man. Give the kid a break, will you?

He's not all bad.

Hey, and you've got to admit, he is pretty smart.

I'm surprised he didn't make the ALP.

Yeah, well, that might have had something to do with him

being a complete pain in the backside.

I get that, I do. But, look,

I mean, all he needs, right,

is just one teacher, just one, OK, just to give him a chance

to really channel his energy into something.

Oh, he knows when to switch it on, though.

You know, he aces every single maths spot test, which is

why he frustrates the life out of me. He can do it if he wants to.

Right, well, there you go, then. Put him in the Mathlympics squad.

And I'm telling you, he might just be the ace up your sleeve

in that final round.

And we all know how you don't like to lose.

I DON'T like to lose. Think about it.

Hey, Ashton, have you got a minute?

On my time now, sir.

Yeah, well, tough.

Right, have you heard about this Advanced Learning Programme?

FEIGNS YAWN

Oh, you can joke about this all you want, OK,

but you've got brains, man.

Especially when it comes down to maths, so you might as well use it.

Why do you care?

I care...

I care because I've only just passed MY maths GCSE.

And only now am I getting my act together, OK?

But for you, it's different - you've got a talent

and yet you're still screwing it up.

Look, it's not too late to turn this around, all right?

Now, Miss Chandra might - might -

be considering you for the Mathlympics team. Yeah? OK,

so just do yourself a favour, yeah - just grab every opportunity

that comes your way.

Cos life owes you nothing, yeah? Remember that.

Hey, Wendy. Wendy, check this out. Strap in.

Strap yourself to your chair, mate, cos there's a hurricane coming.

Look at this. Hey, look at that. Stop doing that. Hot thrust.

Come and look at this.

What is it?

Oh, God. Yeah.

Yeah.

Bagsy not telling her, cos she can't even bear to look at me today.

DOOR OPENS

Everything OK?

Yeah. Joe?

No.

Which is it? It's...

It's no, erm...

..because we've just received a pretty nasty death threat by email.

It's addressed to you.

If I had a pound for every time I'd been threatened.

Oh, shocking spelling.

Clearly no fan of mine.

Yeah.

"I wished youde dyed on the corridoor this morning.

"Your time will come sooner than you think."

Right, well, whoever wrote this, adult or child, clearly know what

happened this morning. And...

..I mean, they could be in the building.

It's probably Stacey or an angry parent who got wind of it.

Yeah, I just don't know that we can take that chance.

I mean, we're responsible for over 1,200 kids.

And, well, stuff like this, it triggers protocol.

Right, Wendy, rearrange my meeting with Mrs Neville

and get security to lock all the external doors.

Other than that, it's business as usual. Oh!

For pity's sake, Wendy!

Haven't we had enough health and safety issues for one day?

It's all right. It's all right. That woman is a...

I know. She's a...

Don't finish that sentence, OK?

It's a screw top. You'll be all right.

Are you OK? I'm fine. Yeah?

Mum, have you got any painkillers?

Do you want chips or beans with that?

Honestly, Ton, I gave you two this morning.

Oh, well, thanks for caring. They're not sweets!

Er, can you behave with that ball? It's not a playground in here.

Look, me nan's got some of those hardcore painkillers at home.

Can you bring them in? Please, Ashton?

Promise you won't tell anybody?

No, no, of course not.

Kiss count? Lost count.

You had a boyfriend in New Zealand?

Girlfriend. What, you're lesbian? Not a fan of labels.

Well, just so you know, I'm 1,000% straight.

Soz. That's OK. You're not me type.

Why not? I'm fricking gorgeous, me.

Ah, I've been looking for you.

Oh, just like the old days, isn't it, hanging out in the bog.

Got a fag?

No, no, I was joking.

Why's Drake keeping me waiting?

Um, a bit of a sensitive issue has arisen, actually.

Erm, would you mind coming back tomorrow?

No, I flamin' can't! I'm not wasting my piggin' bus fare for nowt.

Unless you can speak up for Stace. Ha!

The school hamster's got more power than I have in this place.

She'll be teaching upstairs after lunch.

I could radio her.

No, don't bother.

I've waited long enough.

You know that woman ruined my life?

So if she thinks she's going to do the same thing to my Stace...

Do you remember that time when she blamed you

for smashing that giant Easter egg prize?

Excluded me so many times it was permanent in the end.

There's no justice in this world, Gemma. Not unless you go out

and get it yourself.

Yeah. I think I will.

Good luck, everyone. Better to be safe than sorry, I guess.

You made the right call. Oh, I'm not sure I did.

Oh sorry, Stella. I mean Coral.

Oh, all OK at the hospital? Heartbeat like a lion.

Oh, well, that's one positive from today.

Whilst you've been gone we received the most charming death threat.

We've cutting lunch short and locking all external doors.

The best response to this nonsense is to remain calm

and get on with the job in hand.

I've got a class to teach, I suggest you do the same.

Channel 10. All right?

All hail our glorious leader.

Oh, no-one likes a greaser, Neil.

Says you!

Going all single white female with your barnet.

She's obsessed with her!

Thank you.

Here, Cat, got a sec?

I just wanted to say sorry about this morning.

Libby was on one. It's classic Lib.

She loves to fuss.

Yeah, yeah, and she just wants to be there for you.

Especially, you know, things being as they are with your dad.

My dad?

You and him aren't getting along.

She's closer to him than you are.

She actually said that? Well, she's just worried about you, that's all.

I shouldn't have said anything.

Attention, all students!

Can you make your way to your next class immediately

and in an orderly fashion?

Please.

Come on, guys.

Why are you locking us in?

We're not animals.

Well, you do a good impression.

Into school, now!

Right. Into classrooms. Come on, no dawdling.

Even prisoners get a yard break.

Yeah, all right, Dwayne. It'll soon be over.

Speed it up, people. Thank you kindly.

Come on!

Looks like that's it.

Come on. Yes, quick.

Come on, guys. Please.

Er, rude.

Neither of you answered any of my messages.

I haven't been on my phone.

Whoa, Lib. How many?

Why did you tell Jared that me and Dad don't get on?

I didn't. At least, I didn't mean it like that.

So you did say it? Oh, my God. What are you doing?

Why are you having a go at him? He was sticking up for you.

Yeah, you're welcome.

If you're so worried about losing Daddy's precious attention

I'll just go back to New Zealand.

Wow. Thanks, boyfriend! Ex-boyfriend.

Libby. Are you dumping me now?

Er, sorry. We are in a lockdown situation.

Can you get to your classrooms! If I even knew where it was!

Well, I don't have time to show you,

so you're going to have to join mine. Sir, can I join them?

Er, no, no, you can go to your timetabled...

You know where you're going, so go. Please, come on.

Nice and quick.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,

And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Aleena, next verse.

Miss, why are we all locked down?

It's all in hand, nothing to worry about.

Next verse.

DEADPAN: Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight.

Aleena, more passion!

As if it's the last words that you're ever going to utter.

Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay.

THEY LAUGH

OK.

Rage, rage. Go.

Rage, rage...

No! Rage! Rage!

As if anger is burning up inside of you!

LOUD KNOCKING

DOOR OPENS

Excuse me, who are you?

Surprised you don't recognise me.

Gemma Moon.

Class of '95.

Also Stace Neville's mum. You shouldn't even be in here.

Oh, well, you kept me waiting.

I asked Miss Whitwell to rearrange you.

Only I didn't fancy being rearranged. Do you?

Go and wait outside my office. I'll see you after class. Oh, no.

I've waited long enough.

And you're not my head teacher any more, are you, Miss?

So you'll see me now.

TYPING

Phone away, Stace.

But, Miss, you don't get it.

I have to go. My mum's come in for a meeting.

Have you been asked to attend that meeting?

Well, no...

We're in lockdown, which means we've got to stay in our classrooms

until we hear anything differently.

But, Miss... If they want you, they will send for you.

You've not changed, have you?

Still love getting off on the power.

STUDENTS LAUGH

Enough.

Mrs Neville, what we have to discuss is data protected,

and Stacey and these children must come first.

You don't care about Stace.

Or any of them brats.

Just like you didn't care about me when you kicked me out of school.

Couldn't get into college.

Couldn't get a job.

Ended up in a young offenders.

All because of you.

So if you think I'm going to let you do the same thing to my Stace...

Stacey endangered another teacher!

A teacher who is heavily pregnant.

She needs to be punished. You are not excluding her.

You don't get to dictate what happens next. I do.

You're so smug.

Leave now. I won't ask again.

Not a chance. You ruined my life.

No, YOU ruined your life.

And I expect you're doing a pretty good job of ruining Stacey's too.

You're the one that's threatening to exclude her.

I am, yes, only it's not a threat.

She needs to learn a lesson.

This is a place of learning, for goodness' sake!

Not a boxing ring for students

who are unable to regulate their own emotions.

You're having a laugh. I assure you no-one is laughing.

I am, Miss.

And nor should we be dealing with parents

who side with kids when they insult or assault teachers!

Give me a break. Teachers who are doing their utmost,

under extraordinary pressures!

Who have dedicated their whole careers

to the education of your children,

to best prepare them for life outside of these doors.

You are the one failing them, not us.

And if you cannot see that, then you and your family

have no place in my school, or any other school.

Do you understand?! Now, get out of my classroom

before the police escort you out!

We're not done. SHOUTS: GET OUT, NOW!

DOOR SHUTS

CLEARS THROAT

I apologise. Where were we?

Miss, Stace's mum's a nightmare.

She has a go at her all the time. She's even hit her!

OK, that's enough, Lois.

Right, erm...

As if, er...

As if anger was, er...

..was burning up inside of you.

PHONE ALERT

CONFRONTATION PLAYS ON PHONE

Phone, Stace.

If I've got to ask again, I've got to confiscate it.

Well, what's the point? Drake's binned me off now anyway.

Sit down.

Well, no, I need a wee.

If not, I'll do it on the floor. Fine.

But protocol means I've got to come with you.

SIGHS

The origins of the English Civil War.

Now, who wants to kick us off? Hmm?

Somebody?

Anybody?

Jared.

Sir, no war is civil.

OK, let's hear your argument.

I just got caught in the middle of a Cat-Libby war zone.

They were getting on fine this morning.

Now they've had a fight.

I'm the one who should be with Libby right now, not Cat.

Yeah, OK, lad, calm down. Sorry, it's just...

..this is wrecking with their heads.

Well, it's not you lot that have had the death threats, is it?

It's us teachers. Hmm? SHOCKED CHATTER

Yeah, all right, all right, simmer down.

Thank you, simmer down!

Yes, well, Mike, we've done our bit and locked the school down.

So where are you guys?

Ooh, whoa! OK, right, yes.

OK, yeah, fine.

We'll sit tight. CLATTERING

Sorry, one sec, I've got to... What's...?

You! Wrong day to give up on me, Wilf!

BEEPING

WHIRRING

Sorry. Sometimes I think if you give them a name,

then they might actually play ball, but no.

That's worrying.

Er...where is Stella?

Showboating in another ALP class.

Actually, should be over very soon.

Right. Oh, er, any more from our poison pen pal?

No. No?

Right, and how are you holding up?

Don't go there, Joe. Honestly.

You'll get snotty tears all over that jumper.

Hey, hey. Listen, right?

He - no, she, she - she was a beautiful cat

and you gave her a fabulous life.

Right? Do not forget that.

I do have to go, though. I'm really sorry, Wendy. OK.

BEEP

Mrs Drake, it's Wendy.

Where are you...?

Where are you?

Infuriating woman. She can't even follow her own rules.

You're still here?

I did say we weren't done.

Let me past.

If you don't leave, I will call the police.

You don't scare me.

I have nothing more to say to you, Gemma.

YELPS

I sort of love the quiet, don't you?

It's a bit like one of those abandoned buildings.

Sort of eerie but then kind of peaceful, somehow.

Stace?

Every time.

BEEP

Mum?! What are you doing?

Come on. We've got to get out of here.

What happened with you and Mrs Drake?

Oh, just shut your trap and help me get this door open.

Oh, my God! Is that blood?

Just tell me what you've done!

Everything I've ever done, I've done for you, yeah?

Yeah? Well, you chose Ron over me this morning.

But I'm here now, aren't I?! Fighting for you.

Literally. You should be grateful.

But, Mum... She made me do it!

All right? She made me!

Now, are you coming with me, or not?

Oh, my God.

GRUNTS

Stace?

OK, just, er...s-stay there.

Stace! Stacey!

Death threats are not why I wanted to teach.

Hey. Schools put up with a lot. This one more than most.

But it'll be sound, OK?

Stace! Stacey!

We're supposed to be in lockdown.

BEEP

Joe? Yes, but in French that... Joe?

Amy? You OK?

Er, Joe? Amy, are you OK?

It's Stella, she's hurt. Stacey was with her.

She's been attacked. I'm in the back stairwell.

OK. Stay exactly where you are.

SHOCKED CHATTER Er, I need you to barricade

the doors behind me, all right?

Wendy, we have a code-red situation.

All right, just, look,

just everyone sit tight, OK? It'll be fine.

If you all stay calm, you will be safe!

Miss, what you doing?

Barricade that door!

Hurry up, do it now!

Quick, come here. Follow me, please.

Quick! Yeah. OK. Go, go, go.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Look, Libby, just get out my way.

No! You heard what Mr Casey said, we have to sit tight.

Libby, get out me way, now!

Hiya. Yes, she is breathing, yeah, but only just.

Wendy?

I think Stella's been attacked.

Can you get the police here now and activate the lockdown alarm?

Received.

ALARM SOUNDS Stace was running hell for leather.

Was it her? I don't know, maybe.

She was here when I...found her.

We'll direct the police and the ambulance. Yeah.

Teachers remain in classrooms.

Lockdown procedures enforced.

Repeat, teachers remain in classrooms.

Miss, what, is there an active shooter?

Schuey, stop, you're freaking us out!

YOU'RE freaking us out, praying.

There's no sign of Stace. Come in. Donte, where's Stella?

Back stairwell, first floor.

She'll need a stretcher.

Poor kids, man, they must be terrified.

Pick up! Just pick up.

PHONE RINGS

Stace?

RAGGED BREATHING I didn't do it.

I didn't attack Miss Drake.

Stace... I didn't do it. Y-You have to believe me.

Yeah, I-I do! But do you know who did?

I can't tell you.

I can't. You can. You can tell me anything.

I'll be by myself. I'll have no-one.

Wait.

Your mum...

..attacked Miss Drake?

It's this mist, it just comes over her.

She always says she can't help it.

She just sees red.

She said it was all Mrs Drake's fault.

Yeah, but you know that still don't make it right.

You don't get it, Noel.

Has she done it before?

To you? Oh, stop speaking.

She's a nightmare. I hate her.

But I love her too. She's my mum, Noel.

Stace...

..she's beaten up the headteacher.

Right? And she's dangerous, yeah, and violent and...

..I don't want you getting hurt.

So...you're going to have to say something.

You can't make me grass. Please.

Please, don't make me grass, please.

I can't. I can't grass...

Whatever is happening, I do not want to die with us not speaking.

You've always been dramatic.

I honestly didn't mean anything about you and Dad.

Shut up, Libby.

I just said you hadn't been as close

because you've not seen each other in ages.

I know he loves you.

He does.

And so do I.

I can't stand us falling out.

Are we good?

We're sisters.

Which means we'll always fall out,

but it's never a deal-breaker, is it?

PHONE ALERT

Jared. Five messages.

Six messages. He's mad into you, Lib.

That's too bad. I dumped him.

Take him back. He really cares, Lib.

Seriously, don't mess this up.

The pain relief will kick in soon, Stella.

Just hang in there, OK?

Yeah, you're in safe hands.

Just a few more questions to go.

Next of kin?

Er, you can put me down for now. Wendy Whitwell.

And her date of birth?

Yeah. One second.

Erm...

Oh, my God.

Erm, today's her birthday.

All clear.

Stacey? Sir, just wait a second!

OK?

Joe, get here now!

Look, she's done nothing wrong, right?

But she's got something she wants to say.

Stace?

I found Mrs Drake beaten up but I promise it wasn't me.

Do you know who it was, Stace?

STACE SNIFFS

It was my mum.

Gemma Neville.

I saw her running, I ran after her and she admitted it.

Do you know where she is now?

Probably halfway to Spain, knowing her.

Well, we'll need a statement. Do you reckon you can do that?

Yeah, I'm going to have to call social services.

Do...Do you have you a family member that you can stay with?

My grandad in Trafford.

Right.

Can I go home and get some of my stuff first?

Please?

Yeah. Yeah, course, yeah. I'll drive you.

You can lift the lockdown.

We've checked, it's all safe. You've done the right thing.

Why do I feel so guilty, then?

Yeah. Thanks. Just come on.

CORAL: Joe, any update?

BEEP Oh, er...

Coral. Erm, yeah, you can lift the lockdown

and send everyone home. The danger's over.

And Stella?

Yeah, she's a bit of mess, but alive.

Gemma Neville? I mean, why?

What would possess her?

Is it true Mrs Drake's dead, sir?

No. Mrs Drake is definitely not dead, Portia.

I'm sorry.

Me too.

Stacey's mum sending death threats, attacking Drake?

What's that all about?

What a psycho. I just wanted to protect you.

Keep you safe. Aw.

Can we forget about earlier?

I mean, those gig tickets aren't sold yet.

Well, delete the offer. We can still go.

What about your family meal?

I want to be with you, Jared.

That's the right answer.

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

It's a shame that we don't get paid danger money.

Are you OK?

You look white.

I think it's all just hit me.

Literally, you know, er...

..having a baby.

It's not just about me any more, is it?

It's a lifetime of worry and stress

and making sure everything's OK, when it's...

Sorry, the last thing you need is me off-loading my angst.

No, no, you're right.

It is a total nightmare.

I mean, I have lost count of the sleepless nights

that I've had over the years.

Honestly, I was so petrified of everything going on here today.

Why? She's not at the school, is she?

Yeah.

It's, er...

..it's Jas.

Look, she didn't want anyone to know.

And you know yourself how hard it is, you know,

mixing business and your personal life. Of course.

I...won't say anything.

Thank you.

SIGHS

I'm just glad that we're all still here.

I mean, it is days like this

that just put everything into perspective.

Yeah.

Coral. Mm?

Hair.

Mm-mm.

I am an underpaid teacher, get me out of here.

I mean, you're still getting paid more than me,

but I tell you what, I'll buy you a pint.

Yeah, I'm meeting some of the ECTs in the pub, if you fancy it.

No. I...I think I'll pass.

Yeah, all right, no worries.

How's Miss Drake doing?

She'll live to fight another day.

Yeah? Yeah. Nice one.

I mean, she's scary, but she didn't deserve that.

Tell me about it.

So, Ashton.

How do you fancy joining our Mathlympics team?

Seriously? Well, yeah. You've more than got the chops for it.

Cool! I'm in. Yeah? Yeah.

But if you stuff this up or you put one foot out of line...

I won't, Miss, I swear.

Thank you. Don't let me down, will you?

I won't.

Hey. Well done, lad. Go on.

Thank you.

If he plays this right, I'll do it.

I'll nominate him for ALP.

You know, you're not too bad, you. You know that?

See?

We can keep it strictly professional.

When we want to.

I know we're used to taking flak off kids and parents, but this?

Stella, let me come with you.

You've done enough.

Thank you.

No, erm, Stella, there's...there's something I've got to tell...

I'm sorry, but we need to get going, now.

Hey. Hey.

You've been amazing with her.

Right? I am really proud of you.

Don't be nice to me, Joe. I really, really, don't deserve it.

Listen, can we stop this daft hair thing now?

Well, she might've mistaken you for Stella.

I thought it suited me.

I don't want to be reminded of the boss every time I look at you.

I love you as Coral.

SIRENS WAIL

So, Waterloo Road, then?

Yep. Loved it. Beats Netflix.

See ya.

You on for a family meal tonight?

Er, I've downgraded it to takeaway.

Cheapskate.

We're going to do our own thing.

Plus, it gives you and Dad a chance to catch up without me.

You don't have to do that.

Er, Libby's always right, Cat. Remember?

Come on. CHUCKLES

Actually, I was the one who was right today.

But we'll let them think it was you.

Hey. There you go.

So, er, where's everyone else?

Didn't fancy it after today. Lightweights. Oh, yeah.

Mental day, though, right? Yeah, tell me about it.

PHONE RINGS

Er, sorry, got to take this.

Yeah, no, it's all right.

Hey.

Yeah. Listen, hey, it's a great opportunity for smart kids like him,

right? He'll do great.

Yeah.

This hasn't got anything to do with me. Donte...

I swear.

Right, I get it, OK? But look, I've got to go.

All right? Right, OK.

Yeah, right, bye.

Hey, sorry about that. It's all right.

Who's that pecking your head? Oh, it was just one of the...

..the parents, talking about the ALP. Oh.

Why do they have your phone number?

Er... What?

OK, look, I, erm...

I used to date Ashton Stone's mum years ago...

You used to date Ashton Stone's mum?

Yeah. When was this?

About er, I don't know. About 15, 16 years ago. Oh, right.

Sounds like you had a lucky escape. YOU could've been Ashton's dad.

Ron, where the flamin' hell are you? We've got to go!

Ring me back.

You were going to leave without me?

Oh, just leave it out, yeah?

Gemma Neville? You are kidding me.

I'm arresting you on suspicion of assault.

You do not have to say anything but it may harm your defence...

We never, ever grass on our own, Stace!

CONTINUES TO RECITE It's OK.

You're on your own now. Do you understand?

Get off me. Do you understand?

You're dead to me.

Well done, Stace.

It's OK. Coward! I've got you. I've got you. Yeah?

Promise you'll never leave me, Noel.

Even if you don't mean it, just say it.

Come on. I'm never going to leave you, right?

I mean it.

Yeah?

SIRENS WAIL

I had no idea.

And it wasn't until I saw his date of birth that...

Do your other kids know?

No. No.

And, er, Ashton doesn't know either.

I mean, he can never know. He's got his stepdad and...

..well, as far as he's concerned...

..well, that's his dad and that's that.

That must be really tough on you, though.

Yeah.

Yeah, well, I, er...

I promised his mum that I wouldn't say anything.

You know, I just, erm...

I didn't realise how tough it would be.

Hey, er, look, I shouldn't be...

I shouldn't be talking to you about this, or anyone, you know.

If Ashton finds out... It's all right.

I mean, you're only human,

you clearly needed to get this off your chest.

It's a big deal. Yeah.

Hey, thanks, OK?

And I'd really appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone.

Well, lucky for you, I'm an excellent secret-keeper.

Oh, is that right? Mm-hm.

And, er, what secrets do you have, then?

Wouldn't you like to know?

Yeah. Yeah, I would, actually.

MUSIC: Anywhere by Ellur

STEADY BEEPING

Happy birthday.

Thank you.

How's your cat doing?

She's, er...

Yeah, she's fine.

My only card.

Says a lot, doesn't it?

I'm sorry, I...

I've also bought you my resignation.

You excluded Gemma.

Years ago now.

Probably, you don't even remember, but, erm...

..I reminded her today.

She got wound up.

And it...it was just stupid words.

It was like we were kids again in the playground.

Honestly, Stella, I...

I never thought for one minute that she would do this.

You think, after 42 years in education,

you've nothing left to learn.

But life's one long lesson in humility. Huh!

You can't blame yourself.

I thought I could slide back in with all my old ways.

But it's not your fault! You got attacked! No.

I should've listened.

Really listened.

Instead of reacting and controlling all the time.

Stacey's home life must be appalling.

This isn't on you.

You're doing an incredible job.

You are!

You're like a...you're like a giant.

Then why do I feel so small?

Not to mention old.

I'm 64 today.

I should be pruning my roses in retirement.

I can't find the off switch.

WHISPERS: I'm so sorry.

Me too.

I won't be needing that resignation.

You're indispensable to that place.

You will come back from this.

You will.

Go home, Wendy, it's been...

VOICE BREAKS: It's been the longest day.

Water flowing over your horizon

You are growing warmer every day...

Do not go gentle into that good night, Stella.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

I throw bad things away

And let

The devil

Swim out

Nothing left to cry about

Ooh

Mmm...

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