Original subtitles

Well, well, well.

Little Schumacher's got himself a girlfriend.

You are real. The only one who is.

Right couple of little predators.

Mitch!

Noel "Bonehead" McManus, will you marry me? Yeah, go on, then.

I had a daughter when I was 13. She's with his family.

Hi, Mia. I'm Stace.

There's a reason I let him take her in the first place.

Maybe I'm just not cut out to be a mum.

I need to think this through by myself in my own time.

I'm Mr Donovan.

And congratulations, because this year, I am your form teacher.

How weird do you think it was

to find my exact favourite drink left on my desk?

Stella has asked me to apply for the deputy headship.

I just might, if only to keep you out.

Stella, please.

In school? How could you? So now I have to think about who I might

recommend for the role of deputy.

Enjoy your break, Darius. You're going to have a busy term ahead.

SOUNDTRACK: Charlemagne by Blossoms

Hello, hello Who put love in my head?

I know, I know it's made of lead...

Mr Donovan, have you got a minute?

I've printed another copy of your invoice.

I thought you might have lost the last one.

Ah, thank you. We're going to need payment by the end of the day.

In full.

OK, er, why don't I nip and get my credit card right now?

KNOCK AT DOOR Mr Donovan!

I thought it might be useful if I brought the card reader to you.

And the river always flows So if you go, I will know

By the rain, my Charlemagne

And the river always flows Tears of gold, left me cold

Do feel the same, my Charlemagne?

Charlemagne.

"Waterloo Road is listening"?

What's that supposed to mean?

Wowee. I can see right up your nose.

Where have you been? I thought I'd have to deal with this ridicule

on my own. Er, car trouble.

Yeah, likely story.

Did you know it was going to be this big?

You say big, I say bold.

Yeah? Well, I say major target.

It sends out a clear message.

What, that we're a laughing stock?

This new cohort of kids, right,

these are the ones no other school could be bothered to put

the work in for. So we need to tell them whatever mistakes they've made,

however wrong their lives have gone, they can turn it around.

See, look at us.

If we can come from nothing and become a success, then so can they.

I'm sorry, a success?

I wouldn't go that far.

You speak for yourself, mate. I've got big plans.

But I can see why you're worried. You've got something in your teeth.

You've got to be kidding me.

It's good to like spinach. Wait, there's nothing in there, is there?

Steady.

Man, don't apologise.

It's probably my fault. Bang out of order, me,

standing here and everything.

OK, get yourselves inside, please.

Miss Whitwell will show you where you need to be.

Welcome to Waterloo Road.

MUSIC PLAYS IN CAR

Hi. So sorry to interrupt.

Are you allowed to park here?

I won't tell if you don't.

Just get inside, will you?

SCHUEY LAUGHS Let's go.

You know, I can't stand him. Who does he think he is? Yeah, Schu,

people are going to notice if we're all over each other like that.

Yeah, it's not amazing, is it?

It's just a bit Year 7.

Maybe it's time we, you know, moved on.

Um, well, we've spoken about this,

I thought you weren't ready.

Yeah, I wasn't the last time we spoke about it, but..now...

And what about God?

At the end of the day, I think God just wants us to love each other.

Hmm. Hmm.

Hey. Are you all right?

Yeah. I thought I just saw someone that I knew, but...

We are at school. You know a lot of people.

HE PUFFS AND PANTS

It's just I don't think we're going to get three desks out here.

Cor. Don't... Don't you trouble yourself, Nisha, stay where you are.

Oh! Still, three deputies are better than one -

as the saying sort of goes.

You know, if space is an issue, I'm happy to just use my classroom.

Well, where would we brainstorm and work, like?

Well, you and Darius can brainstorm.

And also, um, we won't actually need three desks out here.

Oh. Stella and I thought it'd be best if we shared an office -

just because of our different remits.

Sorry, so you're going to be in there

and we're going to be out here?

Yeah. It doesn't matter where we sit, does it?

I mean, at the end of the day, we're all in this together, aren't we?

We've got to get a first day back selfie for the vlog. Oh!

Say make-up guru!

A make-up what what?

Ah! I'm doing online tutorials.

Don't make like you haven't seen 'em.

I am an internet sensation.

My socials are red-hot right now.

You? You're going to do make-up tutorials?

Got something bitchy to say? Just for a change.

Oi, leave off it. She was only messing.

Anyway, I can't wait. I reckon you're going to blow up, Portia.

You're absolutely sure about letting me run with things day to day?

Look, I'll be more use focusing on the big-picture stuff.

I took my eye off of the ball last term,

and I missed things I shouldn't have done.

You taking a greater share of responsibility would be

good for us both. It's a change, but so is having three deputy heads.

You have my complete support and complete trust.

And the sooner the staff know that, the better for all of us.

Well, are you going to go? You're really not going to come with me,

are you?

Go. HE EXHALES SHARPLY

I feel a bit left out. Is everybody being made deputy?

Er, right. Well, Nisha is in charge of A levels,

I'm heading up the younger years,

and Darius is in charge of progress and innovation.

Which means?

He does everything else. Right.

You've changed your tune.

I thought being deputy was too much work.

Yeah, and... Darius, er, yeah, persuaded her.

Yeah. We're going to make a great team.

Here he is, the poster boy. LAUGHTER

Ah, you've all seen it, then?

Well, you know, you could hardly miss it.

So big. Banner looks amazing, doesn't it?

Oh, oh, yeah.

All right, good morning, everyone. New term, new era.

The entry pad works on this door now, so do not lose your lanyard,

because you will be locked out of the staffroom.

And you'll see some new faces in your classrooms, as well.

Had a bit of trouble attracting pupils, so, this year,

everyone that applied for a place has been granted one.

Even the kids who have been excluded from other schools?

Yes. Because if we give up on them in Year 9 and 10,

who knows where they'll end up? Ah.

Meaning they're the dregs that no-one else wants.

Meaning that Waterloo Road is a sanctuary.

Everyone gets a second chance here.

Right, let's get to work, then, people.

People!

BELL RINGS

Eyes on worksheets.

New term, new topic.

The Roman Empire.

Any new students, please find a seat.

I always admired Caligula, personally.

Takes a lot of guts to marry your own horse.

Hey, that's nothing compared to the moose my uncle married, sir.

LAUGHTER

Er, excuse me. Oh, my God, she's actually got a lighter.

What a psycho. Er, excuse me.

It's Leoni Tennant, isn't it?

You can't have that in school.

Leoni, let's hand it over before I have to call Mrs Drake.

Right, hand it over now.

Oh! I heard that the staff were a bit frosty this morning.

Many just worried about the new intake, I think.

Neil talking about them like they were zoo animals, not kids

who need a break. Hmm! Stand firm.

Make it clear that the new pupils have been vetted

and that their presence is not up for discussion.

Sorry, um, is there any word from the trust about my contract?

It's not a big deal. It's just until it's signed and sealed,

my, um...

my pay won't be adjusted.

Oh, right. Well, I haven't heard anything, but I would be prepared

for the trust to play hard ball on your salary.

I mean, if I had to guess, they'll probably offer you

the lower end of the pay band.

I hope that's not a deal-breaker.

I mean, let's face it, none of us are here for the money, are we?

Will you stop doing that?! Don't you think you should get that?

Oh, yeah, it's probably nothing.

What are you...? Get down!

Get down.

Everything right, Mr Guthrie? Er, well, not really, no.

You, come down now.

Hey, I'd watch it with this one, sir.

It's like she's from a different planet.

LAUGHTER You're mad.

You don't belong here.

Get out!

Where did you find her - sparring with Tyson Fury?

Let's have a look, son. All right.

Pinch and hold your nose. Ugh. You're OK. You're all right.

Lean back a little bit, that's it. You're all right.

PHONE VIBRATES Like, no. No.

Kyle won't stop texting me every twice minutes.

"Where are you? What are you doing?"

I saw him and Mia twice in the school holidays,

and he's acting like we want to start things back up again.

Well, Noel better not find out, because he'll...

Well, to be fair, he won't do anything because he's soft,

but...but he won't be happy.

Ignore, mute him. That is the only language these lads understand.

Sorry. What, what...? What's this?

Eh? An airport?

I know it's your first day, but you should know this

sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable, Leoni.

And look at you.

I know you haven't been issued proper uniform yet,

but you could have done better than that.

You cannot go around looking like that all day.

Um, you can, er, leave that with me.

I've already sorted out the rest of the new pupils,

so, er, Leoni was next on my list.

Amazing.

Thank you, Wendy. You're welcome.

Anything else I can help with, just holler.

I think maybe we need to find someone who's

on your wavelength who can show you how things work around here.

You've not made the best first impression,

but there is always a chance to turn things around.

BELL RINGS

Eyes! Use them. Er, whoa.

I backed you before with Portia.

Just when I think you're all right, you start gobbing off at me again.

It's not always me, you know? You do the same. Izzy and Cat,

go to the gym to cool off and wait for me in there.

What? We didn't even do anything. You're on my watch now.

One strike and you're out. Go.

I've already done cheeks and brows, contouring next.

You are going to love it. LAUGHTER

Saw your videos.

Babe, I've just got to say, you were so brave.

Putting yourself out there.

When you look, you know...

Like that.

One word, babe - blend.

Shut up, three weirdos that I don't even know.

THEY SCOFF AND LAUGH

Do you think I'm rubbish at doing make-up?

Of course not, Portia, you look amazing.

I mean, I would love to look like you.

I'll give you a makeover. It'll be great.

Especially for your eyebrows.

Why didn't you say something before?

Come on, then, over you come.

Wendy's uniform shop, open for business.

SHE LAUGHS

Right, I think some of this should fit.

It's machine washable, 100% polyester.

But I'm afraid we don't do refunds.

I think "thank you" is the word you're looking for.

I am only trying to help, Leoni.

A bit of basic politeness wouldn't go amiss.

SHE SIGHS

When was the last time that was washed? It's covered in stains.

SHE SIGHS

Look, the cleaners have machines here.

Do you want me to get them to chuck it in?

Quite the raconteur, aren't you?

Get out.

Your eyebrows so needed this.

Stay still.

Cutie!

You look so fine. Oh, please!

Stop trying to move away.

Is that not enough? No, wait.

Come here.

You look like me.

Are you sure about this? Yeah.

I love it. You absolutely rock it.

Yeah? Yeah.

Seriously, how long do we have to wait in here for?

Chill out. It's not even been that long.

Mr Donovan told me to come and have a word.

First day. First day back, Iz.

It's not a good look, is it? Yeah, but we're actually innocent.

Like, we weren't even getting at each other, this time.

Yeah. Um, it's true, Mr Charles. I can vouch.

Um, could, er, we go now?

Because I don't really want to spend the rest of my break time in here.

Oh, I'm sorry, what do you expect?

Mr Donovan wants you to wait here until after your break,

and then you can go back to your lesson.

Come on, Iz.

The day's barely even started.

Just get it together.

Well, if they can mess with our break times,

then I think we can mess with theirs.

You in?

What do you mean, he's here right now?

You're lucky I saw them before Drake or one of the other teachers.

Hiya, sweetheart, have you come to visit me at big school?

Kyle, what are you playing at? Well, you weren't answering your phone.

Er, yeah, because I'm kind of busy.

You loved it the other night when we took her for pizza. Rah!

I thought you wanted to see more of her.

Of course I do, but I've never looked after her on my own.

I'm meant to be at school.

I'm desperate. Mum's got to take Dad for a hospital appointment,

I've got work. It would be two hours, max.

Oh, I don't know about this. You're a star.

Mum'll pick her up after lunch.

This isn't good, Noel.

Well, er...

You've got a free period after break, yeah?

Well, everything's sweet, then.

Yeah, kids are sound, right? Feed 'em, make 'em laugh.

Easy peasy. It's different when it's just me.

You'll smash it, babes.

Go on. See you in a bit.

SHE SIGHS

BELL RINGS

So, about the whole, um, you know...

I think if we're considering having sex, we should be able to say it.

Yeah, the whole sex thing. Ha!

Um, I just want to let you know that I'm up for it, if you are.

You shock me.

Schuey, I need to talk to you.

Mentoring schemes have worked well at Waterloo Road in the past,

and I was hoping to pair existing pupils with some of the new intake.

What does that have to do with me?

Well, it's an opportunity for you to help the wider school community.

Yeah, um, I think you're looking for Agnes, actually.

No, I want you to mentor one of the new Year 9s.

She's already had a bit of a run-in with Forest Sumi,

and I think she needs a bit of extra support.

She lives in a group home.

Sir, not all care kids are the same.

So if that's all me and her have in common...

It's not about what you've got in common,

it's about you being a good example, Schuey.

Kids in Leoni's situation sometimes struggle to imagine the way out.

Well, you know there is a way out, don't you? Because you found one.

Well, this is boring.

It's where the teachers hang out.

What did you expect, Love Island?

My dad's always complaining about people nicking his lunch.

You should steal one of his yoghurts.

That would really mess with his head.

Oh! Rank. Does no-one clean that thing?

WOMAN: Ah! Someone's coming.

AFFECTED ACCENT: I'm really very sorry, but I just do not have time

to discuss this VERY important matter, I'm afraid.

What are you doing? there's nobody in here.

I thought we were role playing.

Not today. No? No.

So I just took them because they're not going to need them,

but we will.

There is a serious shortage of sweets at the school.

Luckily, Noel donated some sausage rolls from the canteen.

Oh, yeah, and I nicked these from the common room.

You didn't have to do all that. Of course we did.

Yeah, we can't be fun aunts if we don't cause some trouble, can we?

Do you want one, then?

Mia, are you listening?

Come on. You weren't this quiet last week.

Don't worry, your nan'll be here in an hour.

It's not that bad with me, is it?

She won't even look at me.

My niece used to scream at me whenever she saw me

and now we're literally like best friends.

Just give it some time. She'll come round.

Yeah, well, I'm just going to go and grab us some drinks.

MIA CHATTERS

Stace!

I can't do it. It's a joke. Aleena's right.

Don't take it so personal. But it is personal, though.

I know Kyle sprung this on me, but I'm really struggling.

But don't be so hard on yourself. You're new at this.

It'll get easier, I promise. No, I can't look after her now.

I've got to study.

I'm ringing Kyle.

He's got to come pick her up.

This isn't fair.

THEY CHUCKLE

Come on.

We've got to get out of here. We do.

Sorry to drag you away from the lesson planning,

but I just wanted a quick word.

Why? Are you all right? It was all sunshine and roses this morning.

Yeah, just...a few teething problems with the new intake.

I've got it sorted now. I've got Schuey Weever on the case.

Schuey? Yeah.

Anyway, I was thinking, maybe I could come round to yours tonight.

I'll cook you something nice and stay over.

Oh, that is a nice thought. But do you know what?

I can't because I've already promised Jas that I'd go round to

her new place and talk about feelings with the Gen Z-ers.

OK. No big deal. Another time.

You know, when you texted me earlier...

..I was hoping that you meant private meeting.

Oh, private meeting, as in... Yeah.

Mmm.

Mmm. I hate to say this,

but those lessons are not going to plan themselves. OK.

Hey, and don't you practically, like, run this place now?

Yeah. Yeah, keep talking.

Flattery will get you absolutely everywhere.

I was so wrong.

This place is worse than Love Island.

You're right.

We should probably get out of here before your dad pops in

for a quick snog with the caretaker.

Or Miss Walker pops by for a Mr Guthrie booty call. Oh!

No way would I put Miss Chandra and Mr Donovan together.

She's dead chill and he's, like, this strict little robot man.

You don't have to be the same to like each other, you know.

Yeah, but why would you want to be with someone who annoys you

half the time?

I wouldn't.

I wouldn't either.

BELL RINGS We really need to get out of here.

MUSIC: Million Dollar Baby by Pixey

It's Leoni, isn't it?

OK, you do as you like, don't you?

Yeah. And what?

I'm Schuey, and I can't stand that kid.

I've been waiting for someone to slap him.

Leoni.

SHOUTS: And he started it!

Oh, yeah? Just mouthing off and that.

It was nothing, but now everyone thinks I'm mad.

Yeah, kids around here don't know whether to avoid me

because I'm into God or cos I'm psycho.

Going to quote the Bible at me?

No. No.

But you are psycho?

Does it look broken? Yeah, mate, defo. Got it for life now.

Hi. Is there anyone new in your year?

Just, I thought I saw someone I knew before.

Loads. Yeah, there's these two twins, and their mate Harleen never

shuts up, and there's also this kid called Freddie in year 11.

But that's it? There's no-one else?

Oh, well, there's Leoni the loony.

She's the one that almost broke my nose.

This Leoni, do you know where she is?

There are some sound people here, like, in amongst the annoying ones.

Like our kid down there, Drake's grandson.

So, you think you've got it rough?

Er, give me two minutes.

Hey!

We need to go. Now. Why?

I want to do it.

You want to what? Yeah, yeah, and my parents are at work,

so we don't need to wait any more. Agnes, what's with the rush?

The rush is I can't be here any more! OK. Just calm down.

Whoa! Watch it! Leoni.

AGNES WAILS

What are you doing?! Here we go. Go and get Darius. It's one of his.

CHANT: Fight! Fight! Fight!

What is going on?

CHANTING CONTINUES

Oh, watch out!

Move out of the way! Please, move!

You, get up. You again?

Come here!

Argh! She bit me!

Ow!

Come away.

Please. Please.

You can't do that to me!

Bring me here, with her! Calm down.

SHOUTS: I can't calm down!

I can't do anything till she's nowhere near me.

Leoni, you are not in control of this, OK?

SCREAMS: Get away from me!

You're not even breathing, so I need you to do what I'm doing.

Just look at me.

In and out, OK? And again.

In and out.

Good. OK, one more.

In and out.

OK.

Now...

You going to chuck me out?

I'm going to get kicked out again.

Look, maybe we should get her to your office or something.

Yeah. OK, you need a breather.

Go up to my classroom and wait for me there, OK?

Is everything all right?

Yeah, could you make sure Leoni gets to media studies?

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, follow me, Leoni. Come on.

How did you get her to calm down like that?

That's something I used to do when I got angry as a kid.

My old man was, er...

..hard. Trouble at home?

Yeah, I get that.

It's lucky you were here though.

Where is she?

I'm going to speak to Leoni. Don't worry. Speak to her?!

She shouldn't be in this school.

She could have had my arm off!

What's going on? Oh, nothing much.

One minute, I was enjoying lunch, and the next, I was lunch.

What? Just a bit of a set to in the canteen.

Everything's fine. Well, it doesn't look fine to me.

My office now, please.

Do you want to go take a seat?

Cool off.

I'm sure Mr Donovan will be up soon to sort all this out.

What do you think they're going to do to me?

Well, try not to worry about that for now. OK?

I'll give you a minute.

DOOR OPENS

DOOR CLOSES

Agnes, why won't you tell me what that was...? Schuey, stop!

Hey, look. Hey, hey, hey, look at me. Wait.

She proper went for you.

OK? You know her, you said her name.

It's OK. You're OK.

But if you won't tell me, I'll take it up with Leoni.

No, no, it's fine.

All right, I know her.

Leoni's my niece.

But I haven't seen her in a long time.

Not until today.

I wondered who'd done that.

His face is proper smug.

Looks like he's trying to recruit us to a cult or something.

Oh!

If I face you, can you read my lips?

I'm Freddie.

And you've got style.

Yeah, I reckon going to go to the cinema

and then if there's time... No way!

HE LAUGHS Who's your mate?

Eyes on me, thanks.

Don't worry. He was asking for me.

This is so not me.

No, you look gorgeous.

And trust me, it is all you.

All her?

I was the one who did her make-up.

Nah. There's no way.

She looks fit, not Fanta.

LAUGHTER It was me. I swear down!

Are you fit to work?

Look, I'm as much for giving kids a chance as anyone,

but violence like that, out of nowhere...

I've got classes to teach.

Look, for what it's worth, if Darius wasn't there,

things would have been a lot worse.

OK, thank you.

If I'd have known that we had a violent pupil on our hands,

you and I could have reviewed the protocols together.

There was no way of predicting what happened back there.

But this isn't the first time that she's been in trouble, is it?

I've just been looking at her school record.

It's there in black and white - violent conduct.

She's been excluded from three schools because of it.

I did say that some of these kids have baggage.

You also said that you vetted them

to make sure that we've got the resources to meet their needs.

Did you?

I looked at all their records, of course I did.

Then why did a violent girl like that make the cut?

What exactly would a pupil need to have on their records for you

to say no to them?

I'm afraid that Leoni Tennant might not be a good fit for this school.

We cannot kick her out on day one.

And if she goes, the extra funding goes with her.

That's not why she's here,

but let's not pretend the school doesn't need the extra money.

I thought I could trust your judgment, Darius.

I thought we were a team.

This really isn't how I wanted today to go.

I need to speak with Leoni.

Everyone knows what they're doing with her, how to make her laugh.

I just don't.

Yeah, but it's easy for Aleena and Libby.

They've got nothing riding on it.

You were nervous. That's all.

I might be her mum, but Mia doesn't know me.

I know nothing about her life. We have nothing in common.

Why would she want to hang out with me ever again?

It's still early days. You'll get there.

MOBILE BUZZES

It's Kyle.

"Mia had a great time.

"She can't wait to see you again." Why is he lying?

No! Look, maybe it just didn't go as bad as you thought it did.

Yeah? I'm telling you...

..you're smashing it. Well done.

BELL RINGS

I know. I'm not the face you expected to see,

but Mr Conway is ill, and we all have to pitch in.

Do you even know anything about science, miss?

Music and chemistry aren't as different as you might think,

Declan. But I think it might be best for everyone

if we just stick to what's in the workbooks.

AGNES: Leoni's dad was never in the picture.

And when my sister died, my parents said that we had to take

Leoni in and treat her like our own.

I thought they were right.

I was wondering if I'd see any new faces.

You must be Leoni.

You know she took a chunk out of Guthrie's arm at lunch, yeah?

Excuse me?

I think you got the wrong end of the stick, Declan.

Miss Chambers, could I speak with Leoni, please?

Yeah. Leoni?

I'm glad you're keen to follow your timetable, Leoni,

but we need to talk.

I think you know what about.

AGNES: She was ten.

She was dead scrawny. Like, I was loads bigger than her.

She had this...

..this rage, you know?

This is your last chance, Leoni.

I'm not getting kicked out again!

This is not the place to discuss it.

You're not listening! This is not a conversation.

I've told you what I need, so, please, let's go.

You're just going to get rid of me!

Leoni! Everyone always gets rid of me! Leoni!

KNOCKS ON DOOR Leoni! I'm not going anywhere.

Not this time!

Leoni!

Leoni, what are you doing?

AGNES: The last time that I saw her

was in the hospital after the fire.

She set the house alight while we were both inside.

Miss?

WHISPERS: It's OK.

Back into your classrooms, please.

Leoni's refusing to let anybody leave.

She's got a lighter and she's threatening to set fire to

the science lab. Poor kid, she looks terrified.

This is not something that we can handle on our own.

I think we need to call the police.

No, wait.

Her behaviour has been off the scale today.

I know that, I really do.

Let's put ourselves in her position for a minute.

This is a kid who has been rejected from school after school

after school. I understand that you want to help, and I do, too.

So, let me help her.

What happened to "Waterloo Road is listening"?

Let me run with my ideas.

Darius... Today was supposed to be the start of a new chapter.

You and I have had second chances.

Let's give Leoni hers.

At least let me try.

OK.

I need everybody who isn't me

or Mrs Drake out of this corridor now, please.

Do you mind stepping to the side, as well? OK.

Feels better one-on-one.

KNOCKING ON DOOR

Leoni? It's Mr Donovan.

You can't keep running around doing what you want all the time, can you?

It's like an agreement.

You behave well towards other people

and in exchange, you get the things you need -

a home and an education.

And I suppose it feels like the rest of us haven't really

held up our end of the bargain on that one.

Can't have been easy, moving schools all the time...

..losing your mum.

I lost my mum...

..when I was about your age.

I felt very lost for a long time...

..and really angry.

So I think I might know a little bit about what you're going through.

And I think you've been doing what you want for so long now

that when that anger comes, you don't know how to stop it.

I would like to talk to you about it, if you'll let me.

I just need you to put that lighter down

and let Miss Chambers and the rest of the class leave.

I'm not coming out.

You don't have to.

I'm going to come to you.

Everybody, straight to the library, please.

I know this isn't protocol. It's OK.

AGNES: Honestly, Schuey, I really want to believe what the Bible says,

that there's good in everyone.

But I know Leoni inside and out.

There's no good in her.

It's OK.

Is Guthrie all right?

It's Mr Guthrie.

But, yeah, he'll live.

Biting somebody is next level. I think you know that.

I was right about that anger, though, wasn't I?

What I don't understand is what Agnes did to make you so angry.

I hate her.

She ruined my whole life.

I'm in care because of her.

So, this is not just about today?

She's my auntie.

When my mum died, I went to live with my nan and grandad,

but Agnes never wanted me there.

She'd always wind me up and make jokes.

Until you lashed out?

It was her fault. She started it.

She didn't start it today in the canteen. So?

So, Forest makes a comment, your auntie winds you up.

You need to be resilient enough to not let it get to you.

You don't know what she's like.

I can't imagine Agnes doing anything to deserve this hate.

That's what she wants you to think -

that she's Little Miss Perfect and I'm nothing, but it's not true.

Everything's a front with her. She's a liar! OK.

Don't get angry.

I'm in care because there was a fire...

..and Agnes said I started it, but it wasn't me.

I swear on my life, it wasn't me.

You do believe me, don't you?

I think there's obviously a lot gone on between the two of you

and we're probably not going to sort it out today.

Look, when I was a kid,

I didn't have anybody at home that believed in me.

Actually felt like he wanted me to fail, my dad.

School was exactly the same.

Nobody stuck up for me.

Nobody defended me.

I had to learn to believe in myself.

And if you can do that, you can start to believe in yourself,

you will always have a place at this school,

and I will have your back.

BELL RINGS Well, she's lucky Stella didn't get

the flying squad to kick the door in. It wasn't like that.

I mean, it was scary, don't get me wrong,

but this was clearly a child in pain, not a criminal mastermind.

So, she didn't threaten to set the place ablaze, then?

For the second time in as many hours, I might add. I know.

And I was sceptical, too, with this whole new term, new regime thing,

but honestly, the way Darius dealt with it...

He was amazing, talking Leoni down after...

After she went all Jaws 3D on me in the canteen?

Yeah, well, and poor Agnes, as well. I mean,

she didn't do anything to deserve this.

I've just never seen that side of him. He took the anger

out of everything. Maybe he knows what he's doing, eh?

Er, yeah, well, listen, if Darius wants to take this school

by the scruff of the neck, I'm with him, ever step of the way.

Right. Just how much Kool-Aid have you lot had?!

I'll be honest with you, Leoni,

what you've done today is more than enough grounds

for permanent exclusion.

If it wasn't for Mr Donovan, you'd already be out of the door.

Luckily for you, he reminded me what this school stands for.

So, I'm willing to give you a second chance, if you want one.

I've already explained to Leoni that we can be the support

she needs, especially as she's not getting it from home.

I'll invest in you, along with the other teachers,

but you'll have to put your share in as well.

You mean I can stay?

We don't give up on kids that easily here.

You're one of us now, if you want to be.

Oh! That doesn't look much like schoolwork.

It does look familiar, though.

You didn't have anything to do with the graffiti I saw

on the banner outside, did you?

Well, what if I did?

Well, then you'd be looking at detention.

Even if I had good reason for it?

Like, I were doing it for a protest or something?

Right. Very good.

I'm just saying, sir. Not everyone's listening, are they?

Yeah, detention. Yeah. Yeah.

The office will call your parents.

All right? And consider this confiscated.

MOUTHS: Thank you.

SHE GASPS You've got 100 likes!

No joke. On my vlog?

No, on the picture I posted of Shola.

This is getting ridiculous now.

We can take it down, if you want.

No. You look well hot.

I guess I'm just going to have to find another way to become rich

and famous, aren't I? You can join my football team!

Become the next Chloe Kelly.

I'm sorry about what Ashton said before. The Fanta thing.

I didn't realise you were into footy.

I mean, I'm not, really... It's hot. ..into making it a big thing.

But, yeah, football...

..totally my vibe.

Look, I still believe in you, Darius.

I just know how much better equipped we would have been to deal

with Leoni if I'd have known what we were taking on.

I just saw a problem I could fix.

We didn't have enough kids and we needed more, and I did not

think about what bringing them here would mean for the school.

I am inexperienced. You knew that.

But you promoted me because of my ideas

and my passion for turning kids' lives around.

I want to own that mistake. I did not think enough about

the support these kids were going to need.

So can we do that together now? Yes, yes. OK.

I still stand by sending Leoni to cool down

after the canteen incident,

but I accept it's not a solution because we don't

have the provisions to help kids like her.

So what if we set aside some classrooms as an inclusion unit?

We separate out the troubled kids, we give them the time

and resources they need to manage their own behaviour,

and then we slowly reintegrate them back into

the mainstream and onto the timetable.

So we're not just sort of constantly kicking them out of school?

Exactly. It's about inclusion, not exclusion.

I actually think we should take on more kids like Leoni.

All the ones the trust struggle to place

because they've been excluded from other schools.

They just need a second chance.

And this school can give it to them, like it did for us.

Is this not why we went into teaching? Hmm!

This sort of thinking is why I wanted you as my deputy.

But it would be a lot of work to manage all of this, Darius.

Look, I've got enough on my plate running the rest of the school.

This will be my baby. The inclusion unit, all the admin,

all the budget lines, everything under my remit.

BELL RINGS

CHILDREN SHOUT

Mr Guthrie.

I just wanted to say...

..sorry.

No-one's excusing what happened today.

But you and Leoni have a history.

She's got no business being at this school.

You do know that.

And Mr Donovan and I feel that the best way forward would be

to facilitate some sort of mediation between the two of you.

Miss, you can't expect Agnes to sit down...

How can you even ask me that? Everyone saw what she did.

I understand that you're upset.

And of course, Leoni owes you an apology.

She tried to kill Agnes. She burned her house down.

Can't be in the same school as her. I won't.

Well, I'm sorry, but that's not your call.

We're giving Leoni a second chance here,

and it's her school now as much as it's yours.

Unbelievable.

Un-believable!

You have no idea what you've just done.

Stella's not going to exclude Leoni, is she?

What, just for holding a class hostage with a lighter? No.

I talked her round.

At Waterloo Road, I think we just call that Tuesday.

I suppose the kid's not all bad.

It's not often I get an actual apology out of someone.

Yeah. Word on the street is that she,

er, burnt the Eccleston house down a few years back.

That's not how Leoni tells it.

Going forward,

it's about strong boundaries and holding Leoni

and everyone accountable for their own actions.

Well, a more effective inclusion unit sounds like a banging idea.

Let me know if you need any help. Thank you.

Yeah. Will do. Ooh.

After playground duty, we are heading to the...pub.

A little first-day tradition.

Le pub. JOE LAUGHS

Eh? Whoop!

JOE LAUGHS

Thank you. I've got a lot of paperwork.

You know, pitfalls of management. Boring.

I'll be two secs, guys. OK.

Oh, are you not coming?

Hey, you deserve a break after today.

Like I said, duty calls. OK.

See you later. See ya.

Typical.

I'm going into town with Cat. Save me some dinner, yeah?

Well, you're not a grown-up, Iz. You ask me.

You don't tell me. The way that you behaved today,

you're going straight home.

I told you. Donovan pulled us up for nothing.

Why can't you just believe me for once?

It's Mr Donovan. And I shouldn't have to remind you

to show teachers respect. This isn't you.

Well, at least it didn't used to be.

I found this on the floor outside the staffroom.

I was well excited to give it you back, make you smile.

What an idiot.

Iz. Hang on.

I'm sorry. OK? I didn't mean to have a go at you.

Come here.

Look, I love you. You know that.

Right, I tell you what. You can go.

But stay out of trouble, OK?

I mean it.

Hey.

Right. So I am going to text Coral,

tell her I've got some marking to do, so I might be home late.

Ah, duh-duh-duh... Oh, I know. I feel guilty enough as it is.

Besides, I couldn't get away with doing this when she worked here.

Er, we've had a complaint from a pupil

about an assault that happened earlier.

Is Leoni Tennant a pupil here? You did this.

You are dead, you hear me? Dead!

She should still be in her office, actually.

Maybe Mrs Drake can give me Leoni's address.

And I can pop round later for a word.

You snitched on Leoni?

She assaulted me.

What, was I supposed to just be quiet about it?

HE GROANS

SHE SCOFFS

Agnes, don't go. Do you know what?

I can't believe that I was considering compromising

MY beliefs for someone who doesn't even support me.

I got a promotion. Did I tell you?

Still in teaching?

I'm a teacher, Dad.

Obviously still in teaching. What else would it be?

There's no need to get shirty!

I need to ask you a favour, actually.

Um...

There's been a problem with my flat, so I've been staying in a hotel,

and there's been a mix-up with the billing.

JIMMY LAUGHS

You want a favour, sunshine?

You're going to have to ask for it properly.

You might pay for this place,

but it don't give you any right to stay here.

I haven't even asked you. Then maybe if you got a decent job,

you could afford a roof over your own head, too.

Is that it? You're not going to bore me rigid

about your big plans like usual, how you're going places?

Help, I have done it again

I have been here many times before

Hurt myself again today...

SHE COUGHS

And the worst part

Is there's no-one else to blame

Be my friend

Hold me

Wrap me up

Unfold me

I am small

And needy

Warm me up

And breathe me...

RATTLING

ALARM BEEPS

ALARM STOPS

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