Original subtitles

- The possibility of a merger with Havelock High is a threat.

- How do you intend to stop it? - I don't know.

- It'll always be me and it'll always be you.

- I don't want anything to do with either of you.

- Who's that? - That's my husband.

- Why didn't you tell me? - I'm sorry, I had no idea he was about to turn up.

- Seriously, it's fine. You and I only went for a drink.

- 'And I screwed up before.'

Lost the best thing I had. Don't want to do that again.

- Go easy on Sonya. She's not been well. Cancer.

- I'm not ill.

I ain't really got cancer.

- Vaughan, the press want to talk to the head.

We've got quite a situation developing. - I don't care.

My family need me. They come first.

- But you made a fool of me.

Are you really such a sad, worthless loser?

- KNOCKING ON DOOR

THUNDER RUMBLES

KNOCKING ON DOOR

- Careful. It's important.

- KNOCKING ON DOOR

- Why haven't you been answering your phone?!

- I'm not coming in. - Oh, sorry, I missed that.

For a second there, I thought you said you weren't coming in today.

- Yeah. - It's the public consultation -

our last chance to persuade the parents, the public

and, therefore, the local council why the merger with Havelock shouldn't go ahead.

And you are presenting our case.

- Well, then, someone else will have to do it. - You're the headmaster.

- I think I would more useful keeping out of the way.

I'm not the best advert for Waterloo Road at the moment.

- So you're bailing out? You're going to roll over

and let them take what we've been fighting for? - Looks like it.

- I won't let you. - I'm finished, Christine.

The school is finished, too.

I've no fight left in me.

Even if we persuaded the parents,

since when do councils listen to them?

- When elections loom, Vaughan, which they do at the moment.

You said Waterloo Road would not close on your watch.

- I've said a lot of things. Most of which turned out to be wrong.

I'm staying with Leo, he's my priority now.

- I get that, I do,

and God knows I know what it's like to be dealing with a family crisis

when you're running the school but... - Then you'll understand.

- Justin, tell your dad he's making a big mistake.

- Tried that, Miss.

You're wasting your time.

You know, Dad, I had you down as a lot of things,

never a quitter.

- How's your neck? - Fine. Sofa was a little uncomfortable,

not that I'm complaining.

It was good of you to let me crash the night.

- Well, it's no big deal. It was late.

- I know, sorry, one too many glasses of wine.

Forgot I was driving. Still, a bit like old times, wasn't it?

Chatting into the wee small hours,

making plans, thinking about the future.

- Rob, can you not?

- Yeah, sorry.

Seriously, though,

when term ends maybe we should think about getting away.

Just the two of us.

Somewhere nice. What do you think?

- I don't know, Rob, I can't think about that right now.

- Course. - Erm, I think I've left my phone inside.

- Good job I grabbed it.

You were about to forget it. - (Thanks.)

- Come on, let's take my car.

- Here it is, the future.

- Or so you hope.

- No "hope" about it. Have you seen this?

Waterloo Road just made our job today a whole lot easier.

They're a laughing stock.

- And I'm assuming that that perception won't be improved exactly by...

this. "Waterloo Road. A vision of the future."

- Fantasy, more like.

And how were Year Six intending to pay for any new development?

- I think they were assuming that you and the council

might give them some money.

- Oh, dream on.

Given the state of our finances, I don't think so.

That's not even happening with Havelock.

The only way this development can be funded

is by demolishing Waterloo Road and selling the land it's built on.

- Really? And that'll work, will it?

- Of course. We've got a queue of property developers

itching to make offers.

As soon as today's presentation's over and done with,

the feeding frenzy can begin.

- And where exactly is my head of department's office, Selina?

- Oh, I'm sure we'll find you a room with a view somewhere.

But I hope you're not going out with me

just because of the job I've wangled for you.

- Well, I hope you're not going out with me

just because it's useful to have a mole in the enemy camp.

- Oh, how could you think such a thing?

- Everyone's going to hate me.

- Look, you're going to have to face people eventually,

may as well get it out of the way. Besides, we need you.

- I can't face anyone. - Sure you can.

Apologise to the staff, crack on. End of.

- You know what?

I ain't ever going to stand up in front of anyone ever again.

And I can't bear the thought of seeing Lorna's husband.

Do you reckon he'll be in today? - Probably.

Best just front it out.

- Morning, girls!

See, they hate me.

- No, they don't. Just easy on the whole bright-and-breezy thing,

you know? Take it down a notch or...ten.

- Thanks, Guy.

- School's not going to be the same, though, is it,

if the merger goes ahead?

Just saying, I'd rather things stayed the way they are,

I've learnt loads from Waterloo Road. I'm happy here.

- Forget that. Happy doesn't count, does it, Mum?

- You can be happy at Havelock.

It'll be much better for you - better facilities,

better opportunities. Better staff.

- See, what she really means by that is no losers...

(like me.)

- What I mean is, it's not up for discussion.

I suspect the merger will happen whether you like it or not.

- Why? I should have a say, shouldn't I? It's my life.

- See, that's where you're making your mistake.

You're not entitled to an independent life of your own. No way.

- Talking of independence,

I take it you'll be going down with the sinking ship?

- Absolutely. The band played on, remember?

- I didn't know they were doing a model.

It's well better than ours!

- It's a bit flash, if you ask me.

- I like it. Maybe the move's not so bad after all.

Got to move with the times. Things change, don't they?

- Yeah, but why? Why does anything have to change?

I don't want Waterloo Road to close. - All right, calm down.

Nor do I, but...you've got to admit, it looks amazing.

- Looks aren't everything - it's what's inside that matters.

- What's inside looks pretty good, too.

Point is, it's going to win the parents round, isn't it?

- Not if I have my way, it won't.

- Selina, Steph, I thought the new extension

was going to be called the Waterloo Wing?

- We changed that, didn't you know?

- Clearly not.

- I trust everything will run smoothly today?

None of us can afford another debacle like you had yesterday.

A lot of important people are coming.

- By which you mean parents?

- Absolutely.

That's the whole point of the meeting, isn't it,

so the parents can have their say?

- It's more to impress the council and the great and the good.

We want every one of them into the merger.

- Assuming the merger goes ahead.

The fight isn't over yet.

- Isn't a fight, is it?

We all just want what's best for our children, don't we?

- Of course, yes.

Is Vaughan in yet?

I should probably have a word.

- No, actually, Vaughan's not coming in today.

Family matters...

- Really?

So Waterloo Road's presentation isn't even

going to be done by its headmaster?

- I'm sure we'll cope.

- Just out of curiosity,

how?

I mean, if Vaughan isn't here, who's going to stand in?

You? Lorna?

- Actually...

Actually, we're handing the presentation over to the kids.

- Brave,

I'll give you that.

- Olga, I've just been to see Vaughan, he says he's not coming in?

- I know, I was there till the early hours trying to persuade him,

but he's stubborn, my husband.

- You can say that again.

We'll have to try and cope without him, but everyone will expect him

to be here, not least the kids.

- You know, all we need is, like,

fancy paths and people.

- What are you doing?

- I'm going to ring this architect who designed this

and just ask if he's got anything left over.

- You're not serious?

- Erm, yeah.

Yeah, can I ask about the models you design for projects?

- He's not got a hope in hell. Are you going to tell him, or am I?

- Don't burst his bubble just yet.

Let him have his fun.

- Yeah, but you did design the model

for Havelock High's new build, didn't you?

I was wondering if you've got anything left over?

It doesn't have to look the same, just...

Havelock High, yeah.

Yeah, it's very important.

What?

Of course I'm not from the council.

I'm not even bothered about that, I just need some help about...

Hello?

They've just put the phone down on me. - Oh, you don't say(?)

- What did they say?

- Apparently they're not even on that job any more

and they said the project shouldn't even go ahead. What's that about?

- What's the model even doing here, then?

- I don't know.

- Look, what you tried to do,

taking the blame for your brother, was really stupid,

but really cool.

Quite the hero, aren't you?

- Not really.

You'd have done the same.

Oh, I didn't get a chance,

what with everything that was going on, to, erm...

to say thanks.

- For what?

- Believing in me.

Everyone else had me hung, drawn and quartered,

but not you.

- No worries. I was just helping out a friend.

- We used to be a bit more than friends.

Maybe we could be again?

- Erm, I don't know...

Maybe.

I wonder what public humiliations lie in store for us today?

- On the contrary, George, I think today could be our finest hour.

- Well, I won't hold my breath in anticipation.

- Then maybe you could hold your breath

just long enough to pass out?

- Lovely.

- George.

- Mr and Mrs Hutchinson.

- Two ticks. I'll grab you a coffee. - Thanks.

Aw, he's all over her.

- Yeah, like a rash.

How's it going? You OK?

- Yeah, a bit tired.

Up late talking.

Rob's on about going away.

- That's the best idea he's had so far.

He's welcome to go whenever he wants. - He means together.

- I figured as much.

Did you say yes?

- Not yet.

- Has he seen the papers?

How'd he react to that?

- Er, pretty well, considering.

Maybe he has changed.

- What was that about? - Just work.

- Slight problem with this afternoon.

No Vaughan.

- But he's taking the presentation?

- Not any more.

I...I thought maybe we could get the kids to do that.

- Oh, good idea.

- Lorna, you could introduce them,

say a few words, handover? - Yeah.

- No, I'm no good at all that standing on stage stuff.

- I'll coach you, give you a few tips.

Piece of cake.

- OK, thanks.

Sonya, Mr Fitzgerald won't be coming in today.

- Oh, right.

It ain't because of me, is it?

Cos I can't even begin to tell you how sorry I am for what I've done.

And it being splashed all over the papers... - Sonya, Sonya, stop it.

There's absolutely no reason to apologise.

It's all water under the bridge, isn't it?

Give me two minutes.

Listen,

we both made mistakes.

What do you say we work together to put them behind us?

- OK.

- And I can help you win everyone round, give you the right words

at the right time, helping Lorna, too.

You'd like that, right?

- Yeah.

- Cool.

- What are you reading there?

- Mrs Mulgrew's asked me to host Waterloo Road's presentation.

- You? Since when were you the Head Girl?

- I'm just trying to help, unlike some.

- All right, calm down.

Who'd have thought?

The great rebel Kenzie Calhoun representing the school.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

- No, it's called growing up.

Maybe you should try it?

And, you know, at least I'm doing my bit.

- It's just a school.

It doesn't matter.

- Havelock's got to be better than here anyway.

- You know, I learnt to read and write here.

This place has been good for me.

- Yeah, well, not for me. Place sucks.

- Look, what happened to you was really bad,

but it wasn't the school's fault.

It was Leo's.

- You making that for me, eh?

- What do you think?

- There's plenty of reasons an architectural firm

might drop out of a project.

- They seemed well miffed about it.

- It's probably nothing.

- We're going to pipe up this afternoon

and ask that council woman if anything's going on.

- No. No, do not do that.

We're trying to present the school positively this afternoon,

nothing disruptive.

How about I look into it for you?

- Well, if that's all right, sir?

- OK, cool.

Meanwhile, how about you lot get back to class, yeah?

- You got a letter then?

- Yes.

- And what have Havelock offered you?

- Head of History.

- Congratulations, Audrey!

It's a good position and nothing more than you deserve.

You should be delighted.

- I suppose so, yes.

Yourself?

- SHE CHUCKLES

- Well, let's put it this way,

if you need a classroom assistant,

let me know.

- Vaughan, you should be at the presentation.

Waterloo Road needs you to be there, today of all days.

I can stay with Leo.

- No,

it's time I put the kids first.

- By abandoning their school?!

- I've been thinking about it all night.

I'm going to give up teaching.

- SHE SCOFFS

And do what exactly?

No offence, but relinquishing the role of main provider

may not be the best way of helping your family right now.

Never had you down as a stay-at-home dad anyway.

- Well, maybe that was the problem.

- No, infidelity was the problem.

- Olga, please, let's not go backwards.

The point is, I want us to start again, the four of us.

- Erm...

Well, I might have something to say about that.

- I don't mean us as a couple.

- Oh, well, thank you for clarifying.

- I mean as a family unit.

I just want to do what's best for us all, this time.

- And we will.

We're all responsible for what happened,

including the boys.

We are ALL at fault.

- No, it was me.

I got it wrong.

- Listen to me, Vaughan Fitzgerald,

you do not have the monopoly on guilt.

In fact, in the queue marked Parental Shortcomings

you can get your butt right in line behind mine.

- What happened to us?

What happened to this family?

- I don't know.

But there's no point wallowing.

There is one thing I do know,

that if we stick together, no matter what,

we will get through this.

- Hey.

- So, it's not that you don't want to help,

it's that you can't? Because...?

No, OK. OK, thank you.

Thank you for your time anyway.

- What's going on? - Maybe something, maybe nothing.

Have you had many dealings with the local council over the years?

- We've had our moments.

- What are they like?

- Don't ask.

- Well, if it isn't our very own cancer survivor.

What have you got lined up for us today? Amnesia?

- Why don't you just wait and see, George?

- I don't think I can do it...

- Just breathe. Like I said, remember?

Take your time.

- Erm...

Hi, everyone.

I just wanted to say how sorry I am for what's happened.

I honestly never meant to tell so many lies.

I know I've abused your trust

and your support,

and you've got every right to be cross with me.

But I promise...

..I'm going to do everything in my power

to regain your trust.

And hopefully, in time...

- HER VOICE BREAKS - ..you'll find it in your hearts

to forgive me.

- Aw, Sonya, man.

We're not cross with you.

We were just worried about you.

- We know your heart's in the right place.

- Yes, where exactly is that? To the left of the tumour?

Above it? Below?

- What do you think?

- CRYING

- I'm so sorry, Christine.

- I think he's coached her well.

KNOCK ON DOOR

- Top apology back there.

- Thanks.

- Standing up like that in front of all of us

must have taken some courage, especially after yesterday.

- I, erm...

I guess so.

- Did Rob help you?

- Um, yeah. - That was nice of him.

I'd have thought he'd have the hump with you after yesterday?

- Oh, he had the hump all right.

Completely lost it with me.

- When?

- After the conference.

He was pretty nasty, actually.

But I think he felt quite bad about it,

so we decided to bury the hatchet,

let bygones be bygones...

- HESITANTLY: - ..and turn some negatives into some positives.

- So, you're mates now, are you?

- Well, yeah.

He's apologised and everything.

- And he's helped you get back in with us.

- Fingers crossed.

Hopefully everything's going to be cushty.

- Right.

- Sir.

Do you have a minute?

- Of course, of course. Come in.

You all right?

- So-so.

I just wanted to say...thank you,

for everything, for being there for me.

- HE SIGHS

Well, I wasn't really.

I didn't do an awful lot, to be honest.

Certainly nothing to deserve this.

- You did what you could.

- Which was hardly anything.

- Are you going to...

- Oh, yes, thank you, sorry.

It's very... - It's not much.

- No, no.

What is it?

- It's a friendship bracelet.

I made it.

- Gosh.

Do you make a lot of these?

- It's my first.

- In that case, I shall wear it forevermore.

- Sir, do you believe in forgiving people?

- Well, it's never been my strongest suit but,

yeah, if you can.

- Thanks.

- KNOCK ON DOOR

- Bonnie, what are you doing here?

- Can I come in?

- I don't think that's a good idea. Leo's here and...

- It's Leo I've come to speak to.

- Please, sit down. - No. I'm fine.

- I've spoken with your parents and assured them and the police

that we will cooperate fully. - It's OK. I've not come about any of that.

I just have something I'd like to say to Leo.

Leo, what you did to me, I'll never forget.

But I will try and forgive.

You humiliated me. But I know that it's you that needs help.

- I never meant for it to get that far.

It just happened.

I wasn't thinking.

- Yeah, well, it's you that needs to live with that now, not me.

I just want you to know...

..that I won't be beaten by you.

I won't let my time at Waterloo Road be defined by what you did to me.

- I'm sorry.

- I thought that a bit of a makeover was going to make me

into a better person and it didn't.

And I shouldn't have wanted it to.

I've realised now that it's OK just to be me.

I believe in myself.

Thanks.

- SCHOOL BELL RINGS

- Where are you going? Sit down, I'll get your food.

- Don't even get to choose your own lunch?

- How do you mean? Rob's just grabbing something.

- Does he go with you everywhere? He's like your bodyguard.

- That's a bit harsh, isn't it? He is helping us out.

- Yeah, about that.

You know how you said he was pretty relaxed about the papers?

- Yeah.

- According to Sonya, he wasn't last night.

She says he completely lost it with her.

Did he mention that to you?

- No. But Rob and Sonya are fine.

He spent half the morning building her up to apologise to everyone.

- Maybe he felt bad?

- What's your point?

- He seems to be very good at getting people to do exactly what he wants.

- He's a PR person. That's his job.

- Just his job?

- Marco.

You joining us, mate?

- No, I don't think so.

- OK.

That about work again?

- Not exactly.

Did you and Sonya have words after the press conference yesterday?

- Er, Sonya?

Erm, I might have mentioned something.

Can't really remember. It was all a bit of a flurry.

Why?

- You didn't mention it, that's all.

- Didn't think it was a big deal.

Anyway...going away.

What about Spain?

- You OK?

- I feel awful about Bonnie.

- She's had her fight. Now you've got yours.

And we'll do whatever it takes to work that out.

- Dad, there is no point in you giving up your job

and leaving the school when it needs you because of me, is there?

I mean, I feel awful enough as it is.

- You're doing great.

- Understanding.

Always making sure we listen to the needs of others.

Safety. Ensuring our school protects its pupils.

And, finally...

..trust. - Up like a turkey about to get roasted.

- Scott, just get out, moron! - What do you want?

- Nothing. No trouble.

I just came to say good luck.

I'm not sticking around to watch you make a fool of yourself.

So, see you later.

- Thanks for the support, mate(!)

Kenzie, no. Don't. Just leave it, please. - No. He needs to hear this.

HE SIGHS

What is your problem, Fairchild?

- You! You're my problem! - Why? Why can't you just leave it out?

Why do you have to spoil everything?

- See this, this is better. This is more like it.

- More like what? - You!

I mean, what's all that in there? What's that about?

- It's called taking responsibility. - On whose terms?

Sure, you want to save the school, that's fine.

Just do it your way, not theirs.

Mouth off like the gobby cow that you are.

That would be 50 times more effective.

- What's wrong in showing how far I've come?

- They're turning you into a robot.

- No. They're turning me into someone with a future. Whereas you,

you're just the same as you've always been.

Kicking off against anyone and anything.

This place gave me a chance, Scott, I want to save it.

If you can't be bothered, then do us a favour and get lost.

- Marco.

Sorry, mate, have you and I got off on the wrong foot or something?

- How do you mean?

- I don't know. I just get the impression

we haven't exactly hit it off.

- Does it matter? Why do you care?

- I just think it'd be nicer if we all got along.

- Why? Got something to hide?

- No, mate, just being friendly, that's all.

- So that's what this is about.

Trying to get me on board now, are you?

- Don't know what you mean. - Like you've done with all the others?

- Wow! You really do have a problem, don't you?

- With you? Yeah.

I don't like you and I don't trust you.

The Lorna I met was a feisty, independent woman with a gob on her.

Now she's not even choosing her own lunch.

- Oh, I'm sorry. You're just jealous, aren't you?

- What? - Yeah, you're jealous because you've got the hots for my wife.

- No, I don't think it is that.

- Mate, I get it, I really do,

but I don't find you much of a threat either. - No?

- So I'm not the problem, you're the problem.

- Don't you dare...! - Admittedly, not much of one.

- I'll have you any time you want.

- All right, mate.

- I think today is about a different kind of fight, don't you?

- Glad you came back. Saves me a job.

- Oh, you'd have been fine.

And getting the kids to do the presentation,

much better idea.

- Oh, it was nothing.

- Hassan. Big day.

Good to see you, welcome.

- What persuaded you to change your mind?

- A combination of the indomitable spirit of our pupils,

and Leo.

- Good for him.

- Much better behaviour than some of our teachers.

Everything OK on that score?

- Nothing she can't handle, I'm sure.

- Steph. Good to see you again.

- And you. I gather it's been a testing time.

- It's always a testing time. I wouldn't have it any other way.

The important thing is we are here to present our case.

- I look forward to hearing it.

- Ah, Headmaster, decided to show your face.

- I wouldn't miss it for the world.

- What a shame. For you, I mean.

- I'm sure the kids will do us proud.

I'm sure the parents will see sense

and the council will act accordingly,

won't they, Selina? - Yeah, good luck with that.

- Careful. The drinks might be spiked.

- When exactly did you become so cynical, George?

- Birth.

- Sooner this place is put out of its misery, the better.

- Hmm.

Hey, Mum. You know Selina Doodah from the council, right?

- Yeah, pretty well, why? - Maybe you could ask her about

the architects who made the model. - Yeah, they did a great job.

- Clearly not that great. They got sacked for saying

they didn't think the new build should go ahead.

- Who told you that? - They did.

The council put pressure on them not to talk.

So I called the council and asked who the new architects are.

- What's your point, Guy?

- There are no new architects. No-one's been appointed. No-one.

You might want to ask your friend why.

It is Carrie's future after all.

- Hey, Kenzie. - If you've come to wind me up, forget it.

- No, I've not.

I was thinking about what you said.

Maybe you're right. Maybe it's time for me to do something.

- Like what?

- I liberated these from my dad.

- What for?

- Plan B. Direct action.

I thought I could chain myself to that stupid model in there

if your presentation doesn't... - How would that help? Idiot.

- I thought you'd be pleased. - Not by that!

Typical of you, it's a stupid idea.

- Look, I am trying, you know. - Yeah, well, try harder!

- Heya. - Where've you been all this time? - Getting changed,

grabbing some things. - Grabbing some things? What for?

- It's a surprise. Anyway, it's a shame you're not taking

the lead now Vaughan's back.

You would have been great.

Anyway, going to work the room. - OK.

- Peace offering?

- So did Vaughan read you the riot act?

- Oh, yeah. You bet.

- Care to explain?

- There's no point. You're not going to listen and so it doesn't matter.

- You nearly decked my husband, of course it matters.

- Husband now, is it? He was more of an ex yesterday.

- Rob said you were gunning for a fight. Is that true?

- We had a difference of opinion and I lost the plot

which seems to mean I lost the argument as well.

He knew exactly what he was doing, playing me like that.

Is that what he used to do with you?

- He was burnt out and frustrated with work and...

Yeah, he took it out on me. - How?

- Doing me down mostly.

Controlling me.

- Controlling you? That's changed, has it?

- He says it has.

- I ask because, from where I'm standing, he's controlling everyone

and most of all, you.

Lorna...

Lorna, I think you're brilliant.

And maybe he's right, maybe I am jealous.

But, please, take me out of the equation,

and don't let him go back to controlling you.

- Marco, can I have a word, please, mate?

You think you know her, don't you?

Little Miss Sweet-and-innocent.

But you don't. She's trouble.

- What are you doing?

- Me? Nothing.

- What are you doing? Get off me!

Help!

SHE BANGS ON DOOR

< Hey!

< Help!

'Sonya, have you got a minute?'

I just wanted to say sorry if Rob was hard on you yesterday.

He said he had words with you

and he felt bad about it.

- Did he? Oh, good. Cos he was a bit out of order.

I mean, I know I was in the wrong but he was pretty horrible to me.

He...he just sort of flipped.

- Just, the two of you seemed fine this morning.

- Yeah, well, he said sorry and said he'd help me apologise to everyone.

- And you let him?

- Yeah, it worked a treat, thank goodness.

So, me and him, we're completely fine now.

- Awkward question looming at one o'clock.

- Steph. Hi. Lovely to see you. - You, too. Can I just ask,

is there currently no architect attached to the project?

- We're currently considering a number of firms

to see which one's the best fit.

- What was the problem with the last one?

- Nothing to worry about.

Now, really, we should get started.

- Selina, you know I've wanted my daughter to go to Havelock

all along. Which is why I volunteered to help you promote it.

- And a fantastic job you've done.

You should think about standing for a place on the Council.

I could put in a word.

- I'd like that. But my daughter's education comes first.

- To which end, I'd better start my presentation.

- Er, good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to Waterloo Road.

Here to explain the potential positives of a merger with

Havelock High, will you please welcome Selina Wilson.

- SMATTERING OF APPLAUSE

THEY BOO

Sir? Oh, you've got to be kidding me.

Help! Hello!

Hello!

Oh, don't do that.

- So, a merger makes organisational sense,

in terms of economy and efficiency.

But much more importantly than that, it makes educational sense.

Improved facilities, higher standards,

better results for your children.

Thank you.

- She's slick, I'll give her that.

- That's one name for her. Kenzie can match her, though.

Actually, where is she? She should be here by now.

- Any questions? - Presumably the new build won't be finished

by the beginning of next term.

So what will there be in the meantime? - Portacabins.

A temporary measure, obviously.

- WOMAN ASKS SELINA QUESTION

What did Selina say about the architects?

- She said it was all in hand.

- And you believed her?

Mum, you and me are never going to agree on this stuff

but, please, for Carrie's sake, not mine.

- Can you reassure all of us parents that there is absolutely

nothing wrong with the proposed new build?

- Of course. It's all on track.

- So why are there no architects on board?

And why did the previous ones part company with the project?

- We didn't think that they were up to it. So we are in the process

of changing. It's all in hand.

- But you said... - Thank you and I'll hand you over to Waterloo Road.

- CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

- Thank you, Selina.

To make Waterloo Road's presentation we thought it only fitting

to turn to a pupil.

A pupil who has benefitted enormously from her time here.

Please welcome Kenzie Calhoun...

- APPLAUSE

APPLAUSE DIES

- ..who will be with us shortly.

- Kenzie?

What's going on?

- I told you, it was... Well, it was meant to be a surprise.

- What is all my stuff doing in your car?

How did you get it?

- I borrowed your keys.

Like I said, I thought we could go away.

- How dare you?

You had no right to take MY keys and go into MY flat.

- I was thinking maybe France instead of Spain. I've booked tickets.

- You've what? You have no right to do this. Any of it!

You've played Sonya, haven't you, to cover up the real you?

Is that what you've always done with me? - Babe, come on.

- You don't even want to save Waterloo Road, do you?

You don't care.

You just want it to be over with so you can get me back.

I can't believe I've been so stupid!

Marco saw through it straight away.

- Wait a minute, saw through what?

- You. How I've let you just come back in and take over.

This is what I ran away from, this is why I ran away,

and this is why I didn't talk to you about it

because I know you'd convince me otherwise!

- Oi, oi. You're not thinking straight, OK?

- I can't believe I fell for it again. I'm so blind.

- Blind. Stupid.

Same thing really.

How you made Deputy Head, I will never know.

I mean, honestly,

not exactly done much for this dump, have you?

Oh, don't give me that little girl lost look.

See?

Nothing's changed at all, has it? - Yeah, it has.

- Oi, what are you going to do? Run away again? I don't think so!

- Rob! - You're going nowhere. - Get off me! - Come on!

- Rob! Don't touch me! Rob!

- She was right here.

- Well, where'd she go? - Kenzie!

- I don't know, she ran off. We had words.

- Nice one(!)

I'm going this way.

- 'It has not been possible to connect your call.'

- Kenzie!

Kenzie?

- FAINT BANGING

Hey! >

Help! >

- Kenzie?!

- Help! >

Get an ambulance.

- Bad time for one of your pupils to play truant, isn't it?

- MURMURS OF AGREEMENT

- Perhaps.

But then again Waterloo Road has never been about sleek presentation

any more than it's been about statistics or exams.

Waterloo Road is about energy, and imagination

and, above all, heart.

- Hear, hear!

- Get in the car. - Stop! It's over! - Yeah, right.

- Yes. I'm not running this time. I don't have to.

- I'm here because of you because I want to be with you!

- You want to control me

but you've got no power over me any more!

You may not have changed but I have.

What are you going to do? Get angry? Lose it?

I don't care. You won't win. We're finished.

Once and for all.

- Hell we are. Get in that car. - It's too late. It's over.

What have you done?

- At the beginning of this term, I instigated the Second Chances...

- It's meant to be Kenzie up there, right?

- ..taking on pupils no-one else wanted. A range of pupils

that presented a very great challenge to us at this school...

- Pupils like me.

May I? - What are you going to do?

- I'm one of your second chances. Was it worth it?

Because now's the time to find out.

- Be my guest.

- Lock the doors.

- No, sorry, you can't use this one.

- Just two minutes. Take your seats.

- Hey, hey, where do you all think you're going?

We aren't finished with you yet. In fact, we haven't even started,

so you might as well all sit down.

- You can't lock us in against our will.

- Do you want to bet? - Vaughan, what is this?

- Um, this?

This is Waterloo Road.

- CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

- Full of stroppy kids like me

who aren't afraid to kick off when we don't get what we want.

Rightly, or wrongly.

Truth is, sometimes, not giving up is all you've got

and others got to hear that.

- So you were right about Rob. He's definitely an ex.

- I don't really care about this place.

But Kenzie, she does.

And she irritates the hell out of me sometimes.

But...

Well, she's my touchstone.

This was meant to be her, up here, to tell you what we're all about.

And to show you how far she's come, and that.

But this is your chance...

your chance to tell this lot exactly what we're about.

Not with fancy PowerPoints or speeches.

But what's in here.

So c'mon, guys, let's hear it.

- Waterloo Road took us in when we had nothing and no-one.

- They've been amazing.

We'd be on the streets or locked up if the school hadn't have done that.

- This place is my home.

It always has been. And it always will be.

- The truth is I don't know where I'd be if it wasn't for this place.

I didn't have the best start.

And then, when my mum died, I thought that was it.

But Waterloo Road was here to pick up the pieces and turn my life around.

And now everything's great.

- It's not just about education.

It's about the people you meet.

And the friends you make for life.

- I took a few wrong turns as well.

Did some pretty stupid things.

But they didn't turn their back.

They got me help.

And now things are much, much better.

- Waterloo Road has helped me

understand what being a part of a family really means.

Cheers, Dad.

- I was really badly bullied.

But people here rallied round to help me.

And it made the difference. So I don't blame the school.

Or the person who did it to me.

I'm a much better person now and that's thanks to Waterloo Road.

- It's not just about bricks, it's not about models

and fancy presentation.

Ultimately, it's a lot simpler than that. It's about...

..trust.

We trust each other, we trust this school.

We don't trust you.

- Well, I've just about had enough of this.

Either you let us out or we call the police.

- I think you've made your point,

everyone, but it's time to let the people out.

- The sooner this merger goes ahead the better.

- Couldn't agree more. This lot have convinced nobody.

Doesn't make any difference.

- KIDS CHANT: - Save our school! Save our school!

- That's right, Audrey, you give them hell.

- I'll do no such thing.

I'm joining them.

It's like 1968 all over again. Save our school!

- ALL: - Save our school! Save our school!

Save our school! Save our school!

Save our school! Save our school! Save our school!

Save our school! Save our school!

- SHE SIGHS

- What's happening back there?

- Police. Ambulances. Paramedics. You know, average day at Waterloo Road.

I wouldn't worry about it. It'll be history soon.

- You were great inside.

Although I don't think you're about to win any popularity contests.

- Yes, well, nothing unusual there.

Hard to imagine, I know, but I was never overly popular at school.

Generally survived by heckling from the sidelines.

I'm always more comfortable on the outside,

like the pith of an orange.

- Well, you're mine now.

- Although the real irony is

that there is something wrong with the new build, isn't there?

I mean, don't get me wrong. I don't care.

But you were saying the other day that the Council was in debt.

Presumably, that's why you're having to sell Waterloo Road?

- Well, George, seeing as I can trust you, yes.

The sooner the better. - Why the rush?

- The land at Havelock is sinking.

And there's no way the new wing can be built on it.

Portacabins are fine but they'll be there for years. Put simply,

we have to sell this place because we need the money.

- And before anyone realises the new build will never happen. - Exactly.

We sort our finances, and then, and only then,

questions will be raised about the land,

decisions will be reversed.

- By which time the Waterloo Road students

will all be at Havelock. And a crammed Havelock with no extra wing.

- Well, it's not ideal but it's just the way it has to be. - Yeah.

Although, I'm not so sure.

Especially given that I have been recording this entire conversation.

Yes, I'm afraid the kids got to me, too.

- I know, I know. But what choice do we have?

God, I mean, if this gets out...

OK, right.

- SHE SIGHS

- Vaughan, can I have a word?

- Now?

- If you don't mind.

I just thought you should all know, you've earned yourself a reprieve.

You get to keep your school open.

- CHEERING

- Really? - Really. You've stopped the merger.

It's not going to take place.

Waterloo Road will carry on.

- Why? How?

- Let's just say your pupils persuaded us.

- CHATTER, LAUGHTER

- So, where did you find her?

- Freezer.

Yeah, I know. I don't know what she was doing.

There's something I need to say.

- Yeah, yeah, all right, no need to spell it out.

Be good to her.

You deserve each other.

- So did you miss me?

- Like a dog misses mange.

- How are you feeling?

- Never been better.

- Oh, good.

Maybe we should go for that meal that you mentioned.

- That would be nice.

- Anything to confess, George? - No, no.

Well, if a gentleman can't have his secret...

- Gentleman now, is it?

- Well...

not every day you save a school

and let the pesky kids take the credit.

- Yes, and how did you manage to do that exactly?

- I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to divulge that kind of information.

- But you were pro-merger. What made you change your mind?

- More of a "who" than a "what," really.

- I take it you and Selina are...

- Dead in the water? Yeah, which saddens me more than I'd expected.

That's the problem with finding out you have a heart.

Things hurt.

- Oi!

Less of that.

- Penny for them?

- I was just thinking about Grantly.

- To Grantly.

- Cue the music.

- PARTY MUSIC PLAYS

- 'I've made some stupid decisions in my time

'but I've never given up on a kid.'

- 'I don't want to be the school freak show. You know, the girl

'everyone looks at because she was dumb enough

'to get herself pregnant.'

- 'Play games with me again, Sambuca, and your whole family will suffer.

'You're vermin.'

- 'Finn Sharkey, I start today. Lucky old Waterloo Road, eh?'

- 'Number one, they're not allowed to kill you.

'It's against school rules.'

- 'Well, dear, I suggest you teach me

'something I don't already know, then.'

- 'I heard it was an opportunity for me to have a say

'in the future of MY school.'

- 'Can we expect a terror alert every morning?

'Perhaps a fire bomb tomorrow, or an acid attack?'

- 'I'm your worst nightmare. Cheques payable to Carol Barry.'

- 'Turned up for a week's cover, ended up staying 25 years.'