Episode 23 Waterloo Road

My policy is to keep this place safe from him and any gang.

Is that some poncey way of saying you want to join forces?

-You'll be all right, OK?

-We need to get her to the hospital now!

The baby's critical.

Your new Head Girl.

And your new Head Boy.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

(You stink of it). Empty your pockets, now!

I won't do it again, I promise.

I'll make sure you don't!

What were you doing up and down the stairs at all hours last night?

-I weren't sneaking for a spliff.

-I should hope not. That phase better be well and truly over.

I've stopped smoking, Dad.

As long as you've learnt your lesson.

I've got an early meeting with Michael if you want a lift in?

I think I'll walk in, get some exercise. Got to go.

-Love you!

-I know.

Course.

Sure.

Look, I've got to go. Very important person to see.

Ciao.

Josh.

-You've been avoiding me.

-No.

It's not you, Grady. I've been avoiding everyone.

That doesn't sound like the party animal I know. What's up?

I've stopped smoking.

You know...there's more to me than just the weed.

-Friends, yeah?

-I just need time to get my head straight.

Sure. We all do sometimes.

Usually...

..a little smoke does the trick for me.

Relax, I'm only messing with you.

Grab a coffee.

Tom, thanks for coming in early. I need your expert eye.

-The candidates for the Head of English.

-Right...

I want you to assess their talents. There's nothing between them on paper.

Both interviewed well and both have ample experience.

-So, either of them would make a good Head of English?

-That's what I want you to tell me.

I've invited them both here today to show us how they handle themselves in the classroom.

You're a good judge of character, Tom.

I think you'll know better than me which of them is a good fit.

So you've invited them in for a teach-off?

Yeah. They're both up for it.

-I know I made a big mistake with Linda.

-Well, no arguments there.

So it's especially important I get this absolutely right.

I'll arrange your cover. You just have to observe Nicki and Vanessa.

Close of play, we'll get together, make a decision.

Great. May the best woman win.

-You know Mr Wilding's at the hospital.

-He might be in. I got him this. It's something for the baby.

-Like your hair. Reckon it'd suit me?

-THEY LAUGH

OK. Bad line, I know.

-Which one of you can show me the way to the staff room?

-I can.

Perfect. On the way you can tell me all about Waterloo Road school.

I want to know everything.

Right, you two, stop right there.

-Names?

-What's it to you?

Don't make me get the headmaster down here.

-Tariq Siddiqui.

-Kyle Stack.

Is this how you treat all visitors that come to your school?

-You really need to learn some manners. Try again.

-BOTH: Sorry.

-Good.

Right, you show me to the staff room, please, and be quick about it.

Won't have you disappearing on me again. I enjoy your company too much.

Grady, I can't.

-Give up again tomorrow.

-My dad'll kill me.

No wonder your head's in a mess with your murderous father on the loose.

Relax.

I'll protect you.

Feels better already.

I've got some proper gear coming in later,

something a bit stronger.

-Maybe we could meet?

-Yeah, I'd like that.

I mean...the gear sounds interesting.

Think we should introduce ourselves? One of them might be working with us.

No.

Let them stew.

It's all part of the interview process, kind of ritual humiliation.

Erm, excuse me, sorry. Do you fancy a cuppa?

Oh, coffee, black. Thank you.

I'd love a tea. Got any camomile?

HE CLEARS HIS THROAT

Oh, Sian, I've got your order.

Skin lotion, shower gel, shampoo,

toning cream and cleansing mousse.

-Vanessa Cooper. Here for the Head of English.

-I'm sorry. Nicki Boston, hi.

-I'm getting that...

-Not been asked to do this before.

Look, we're just two professionals doing our job.

Let's not make this some huge competition thing.

-I thought that's what it was.

-Morning, nice to see you again.

-Vanessa, Nicki.

-Hi.

-This is Tom Clarkson. He'll be observing you today.

Well, it's your own fault for being such strong candidates.

It's very simple. This morning you'll both be teaching Dickens' Hard Times and I'll look in

-to see how you're getting on.

-As for the pastoral care side,

-we'll test out some of your ideas during the lunch hour.

-Great.

I had a scheme at my last school. Older kids mentor the younger.

It proved really popular. The kids got such a lot out of it.

-Erm, Nicki, you had an idea for a School Cadet Unit, right?

-Yeah.

Cadets encourages fitness and team-building, discipline, and I'll use my own army experience.

-I'll look forward to seeing you in action.

-There's no mistaking that military bearing.

Yeah, I'd like to shake your hand.

The kids here might benefit from some army discipline.

-Though we prefer to talk to our pupils, not bark orders.

-That might be where you've been going wrong.

I'll leave you to it. I need to talk to Mr Wilding. We'll catch up later.

Take a seat.

There's been no change. I can't say when I'll be back in, Michael but...

That's really kind of you.

Yeah, thanks for the thought. Thank you, I appreciate it. Sorry it was work.

Is everything OK?

Yeah. They said they'd arrange cover so...

Dr Stoneham was trying to persuade me to take a break.

You could both do with some time off.

You go ahead. I'll be OK. I can't even think of sleep. Not with Martha like this.

You'll be in here with Year 12. And, Vanessa, you'll be taking my class, Year 13.

So I'll let you get settled in and I'll be along to see how you're getting on.

-Er, where've you been? You should've been here ages ago.

-I got held up.

-But where've you been?

-Nowhere important.

-Hi, there. Are you with me?

-I don't know. Am I?

-Yes, you are. My son, Josh.

I was going to suggest him as a volunteer for your mentoring scheme.

-Lovely. Are you going to help me out at lunchtime?

-Sure.

-Wonderful.

This way.

THEY ALL CHATTER

Right!

Stop that racket!

ALL: Ooh!

-I'm Miss Boston.

-Newbie!

THEY ALL LAUGH

THEY FALL SILENT

Everybody finished?

Good.

OK, I've been told that you lot are familiar with Hard Times, Charles Dickens.

Never heard of it!

-THEY GIGGLE

-Obviously something is very amusing.

-You want to share it?

-No.

-No?

-No.

OK, who can give me an idea of the themes from the novel?

You?

Um, it's just all factories in the old days.

-It was dead boring.

-From that penetrating analysis I can tell you've at least read the back page.

-Oh, so you're trying to say she's thick.

-No, it's just lazy.

-And it sounds like she's not alone.

-Well, this book is rubbish. What's it got to do with us?

Well, it's...it's set here in the north-west of England

and...some of you may have ancestors that worked at the factories and mills.

Are you trying to say we're all like poor people?! You can't say that.

THEY ALL START CHATTERING

SHUT...UP!

THEY TITTER

You two, stand up.

STAND...UP...NOW!

Right, get to the front of the class.

OTHERS LAUGH

Facing the wall.

Now, you so much as move...

..I will have you doing laps of the playground for the rest of the morning.

OK, right, for the rest of you, we're going to start again and this time you're going to listen.

-That's better. We can't get to know each other all spread out.

-Why the big smile?

Was I smiling?

His name's Grady, if you must know.

That's me.

I know Josh but I'll try and pick up your names as we go along.

Don't be fooled by the title.

Hard Times is actually a novel all about fun.

All right, I admit, it's not exactly side-splitting, but...

..can anyone give us some clues to Dickens' satirical strategy in this novel?

Josh...

-..kick us off.

-It's all about contrast.

Like the characters in the Gradgrind and Sissy Jupe.

One's about facts, the other's about the importance of imagination.

Head and heart.

That's excellent, Josh. Spot on. Thank you.

-He's just got a new boyfriend, Miss. He knows all about the heart.

-No, I haven't. Ignore her.

As long as your head and your heart are balanced, Josh.

That's the message of the novel. The contrast between, as Dickens would put it, "fact" and "fancy",

which, in your case, Josh, means if you fancy him,

make sure you've got your facts right.

There's really nothing either of you can do. Perhaps a change of scene?

-I'm not leaving her.

-Martha's going to be here for quite some time. Maybe weeks.

Matt, you've hardly slept since she was born. There's really no point making yourself ill, too.

Go on.

You need a break.

I'll give you a call if there's any change.

Yeah, a couple of hours wouldn't hurt, I suppose.

Dickens describes the factories as something fantastic.

Lights like fairy palaces.

OK, everyone, back to your desks. Let's try a little creative writing around that idea.

Josh? Where're you going?

-I need the loo.

-What's all this about a new boyfriend? You never said anything.

-It's early days.

-It's not really the best time, though, is it, with your exams coming up?

I'm glad you're so happy for me.

It's tomorrow night. Free drink if you tell them you're my guest.

-Hey, I didn't know your boyfriend ran a club night.

-Boyfriend?

-Hey, Josh, what's he doing here?

-Oh, you know Grady?

-Who d'you think Kev used to get the weed off?

-Finn, it's not like that.

-Get him out of here or I'm reporting him, all right.

-You getting all Head Boy on me? Chill out. He's OK once you get to know him.

-He's trouble mate.

Not from where I'm standing.

-What's up with him?

-Grady, if a teacher finds you in here...

Who cares? What they going to do? Come on, let's us two get out of here.

Denzil, who believes in facts above all else?

No, lose two points. Not quick enough. That puts you all back to zero. Scout, same question.

Mr Gradgrind,

-and...I nominate Phoenix.

-Good. Two points.

-What's Gradgrind's problem, Phoenix?

-He doesn't know how to have fun. I nominate Em.

Two points. What do we call the kind of thinking that emphasises plain, practical living?

Erm... Er... U-uni...

U-uni- Uni... Unilateralism?

-LAUGHTER

-Everyone?

-ALL:

-Utilitarianism.

-Utilitarianism.

OK, thank you very much! I haven't told you to leave yet.

You only got six points so you must do a lot better. All right, you can go.

-What happened with these two?

-They got a little bit over-heated so needed to cool down. You can go.

Interesting approach, with the quiz.

-Seemed to get results.

-That's the idea.

I was going to wait till later, but...

What's all this for?

Dunno. Early Christmas present or something. Just open it.

Finn, it's beautiful.

So are you.

You're here. Excellent. Got your first official assignment as Head Boy and Head Girl.

Come in.

We're updating the school website and we'd like you to record a message for it.

You've both taken on quite a responsibility as Head Boy and Head Girl. You're role models.

So perhaps a message of introduction about being a pupil at Waterloo Road?

-What d'you think?

-Brilliant, Miss.

-OK. We'd like to get it up by the end of the week so take the morning.

I've cleared it with your teachers, OK.

That's always the biggest challenge. Getting them to read the novel. I don't think I'd be a teacher

-without books like these.

-I'm the same. I love Dickens. I've read this so many times

but I still get excited to teach it.

There's a big literacy drive at the moment.

We've the book club and several other initiatives to try

-to counteract the rise in gang membership.

-The Cadet Unit could definitely help there.

Can't help feeling a good book's all anyone really needs.

Matt?

-Hey.

-Hey, it's good to see you.

-How's she doing?

-Martha. We've named her Martha.

She's... Yeah, she's hanging in there. There's nothing anyone can do but wait.

I feel for you, mate.

We weren't expecting you back. Are you sure you should be in?

Yeah, they said I should take a break. I thought I may as well try and catch up on some marking,

keep myself occupied. They'll call me if there's any change.

Well, if there's anything we can do...

Martha's a lovely name.

Thanks.

This is strong. What is it?

The best, innit? Direct from Amsterdam, top-grade skunk.

Grady, what's going on between us?

My head's spinning.

This makes it stop.

All the pressure, school...

So...

-..what shall we do now?

-Don't know.

You know I really like you.

Makes wishes come true.

Eh... You've had the free sample.

Business is business.

My legs aren't working.

Well, it's a good job we don't have to go anywhere, then, innit?

I can smell that from here! Stay right where you are!

How did you get on with the two-for-one offer at the weekend?

Well, Candora Cosmetics are replenishing the stock.

Ah! You sold out? God, that's brilliant!

I've still got a few left over but sounds to me like we did very well, all told.

Very well indeed.

SHE GASPS

£800 in cash in there, all thanks to Candora's lotions and potions.

All ready for the launch of our book club, Grantly?

Oh, chomping at the proverbial bit, Mr Byrne.

Oh, Miss Croft kindly helped me with the books.

Well, I'm not sure you'll be needing them.

I didn't want to tell you until I was sure, but we have had a donation.

E-readers...

Courtesy of a literacy charity.

There are 3,000 books on this, Grantly.

Oh, come on! Join us in the 21st century. You might even enjoy it!

Every finger-stained page, every crease, every folded corner

is a reminder of when I read it, how and where it impressed me.

You can't reproduce the honourable scars of a well-loved book on one of those.

Well, if one of THOSE encourages these kids to read, I'm all for it.

Use them.

Books are our gateway to other worlds.

They transport us from our mundane reality

at the turn of a page.

Meanwhile, the inexorable march of progress rumbles on.

Seems we no longer turn pages, we twiddle knobs.

-But these are cool, sir.

-Cool they may be,

toys they most certainly are not. The school expects you to look after them.

Sir, I'm never going to read a book this long in a week.

Well, you won't know until you try, will you?

-How's it even work?

-It's easy.

There's a list of all the books you can read.

Err. I prefer to see books on shelves. Try Moby Dick.

"Call me Ishmael." It's not the same as paper and print.

But you can turn the pages like a normal book.

Yeah, but...

..can you fold the corners like a normal book?

-Let's have a look.

-Look, you do yours and I'll do mine, OK?

It's not finished yet.

Beginning to think you'd rather do this than spend time with me.

Best bit about being head boy

is getting to spend time with head girl.

"Waterloo Road isn't just about exams and homework,

"it's about the teachers and friends you'll make.

"It's about the stuff you don't learn out of textbooks.

"It's just a great place to go to school."

-Will you do mine?

-I don't think so.

So, how come you get to play with all this cool stuff, then?

-Or are you too busy playing with each other?

-Jealous, Kyle?

No. I don't go out with skanks.

-What?

-That's cos even the skanks are scared

-of what they might catch off you.

-Do one.

If you know what's good for you.

You know, you want to be careful where you're throwing your orders.

You might be golden boy in here, but, on the street, you're nothing.

I'd watch your back if I were you.

Don't like the smell in here anyway, stinks of teacher's pets.

Don't let that get to you.

As if. I can handle the likes of him.

BELL RINGS

Erm. Book club starts next week

and then every other Monday.

Kept falling asleep in the waiting area.

Got woken up by the cleaners a couple of times.

The nurses'll think you've moved in.

Mr Wilding. I got this for you and the baby.

Just to let her to know that I'm thinking of her

and willing for her to get better.

-That's really sweet, Naseem. Thank you.

-I hope she likes it.

I will open it with her later, OK?

PHONE RINGS

Hello.

-I've got to go.

-What's happened?

-It's Martha.

-Do you want me to come with you?

-Woah, woah.

What is up with him?

I think something's happened to the baby. Here, let me help.

Thank you, Daniel.

There's only 60 books in there,

but there's 3,000 in this.

And it's as light as a feather.

-Do you want to swap?

-No!

I've got to do this. Come on, I've got to get it finished.

I just don't want us to get too carried away.

Well, maybe it's time we did.

Are you saying what I think you're saying?

You've been really great, waiting for me.

Are you sure? Like, are you proper sure?

Don't try and talk me out of it

It's just that, like, things'll change, that's all.

If there's a chance that you're going to regret it,

-then I wouldn't want to risk it.

-Finn.

I just want it to be special.

You know, it will be my first time.

It will be special. It couldn't not be.

-Rosie! What's happening?

-She's developed an infection.

We're running tests, we've got her on antibiotics.

They think it might be meningitis.

Well, the tests are ongoing. But, erm, that's a possibility.

Look, she's not very well, Matt.

What's he doing here?

This doesn't mean she won't get better.

Because she will.

I know she will.

Martha Grace, may Christ protect and defend you.

Go on, babe, action.

I'm Trudi Siddiqui and I'm head girl at Waterloo Road School.

I'm here to tell you about the announcements for today of all the...

What are you...? Finn! St...

Hi, I'm Finn Sharkey, I'm head boy and I'm here to talk to you about...

What a load of rubbish. Honestly, get him off! Get him off!

And that, behind the camera, making all the noise, is...

-my very own head girl Trudi Siddiqui.

-Turn it... Finn!

I had it a minute ago, I know I did.

My classroom.

Get out...!

-There's over £800, there.

-It belongs to somebody.

-We should hand it in.

-Finders keepers, innit?

No-one will notice if we just take a bit, like 50 quid.

It just don't feel right.

Phoenix, it's not every day we trip over £800.

Whoever had it should've looked after it, in the first place.

Go get us some more drinks, Denze.

We need to think about it, don't we?

And get some more chips.

We'll put it on the tab.

-Everything going OK with the mentoring workshop?

-Absolutely.

I've got a lovely mixture of pupils.

I'll drop in later, see how you're getting on.

Burger, please, Maggie. Cadets had their marching orders?

Well, I could do with a few extra.

Trying to round up a few of the older kids.

Get the soup, please?

Tom, you know that kid with the dark hair.

That's my son Josh. He's doing Vanessa's workshop.

-Oh, I see.

-If you need a hand.

-No. I'm fine, fine. Thank you

-LAUGHTER

# Teach me how to dougie Teach me, teach me how to dougie. #

-Yes, mate.

-All right. You lot need to burn off some energy.

You've just volunteered yourselves for the cadets.

20 minutes, in the main hall. Bring your marching boots.

Ahh.

We're dougie-ing.

I love being a student at Waterloo Road

and I'm sure you would too.

So, why not come visit us soon?

Brilliant, well done, guys.

I will get it uploaded and it should be online later today.

Thanks for that.

All set for tonight at mine?

We've got the house to ourselves.

-Look, you know if you change your mind, it's cool, don't ya?

-Yeah.

Good.

Your bill. Three burgers, six portions of chips,

six drinks, four cakes, and three Mars bars.

Keep the change.

Thank you very much.

-You shouldn't have done that.

-Why not?

Won't make a difference to them. Won't even miss it.

Yeah, to us, that money could mean everything.

I could get a new pair of trainers.

Have you seen state of mine? They've got flippin' holes in.

What's up, mate?

It's this stupid book I've got to read for book club.

You know how long it takes me to read one.

I'm never going to do it in a week.

Just going to look an idiot.

Oh, come on, Phoenix.

Leave it with me, yeah? I'll talk to you later.

OK, dictionary definition.

Mentoring is the imparting of knowledge and support

from those that have experience and skills to those that haven't.

Sharing our problems and learning from each other's experiences.

Hey, how's it going?

No Josh?

Um, I'm afraid Zack's lost his mentor. He hasn't turned up yet.

Well, I saw him earlier. I'll go and find him.

Oh, miss, he's here.

Finally. This isn't a very good start, Josh.

You're supposed to be setting an example.

What's up with you?

Josh, you'll be with Zack,

so try to think of an experience you had at his age.

We'll be sharing them later.

Now, I thought we'd start with a few trust exercises,

get to know one another properly, OK?

So, everyone in your pairs, stand up.

This first one's a proximity test.

Face one another about three feet apart.

I don't think he's right, miss.

Come on, Josh, nothing to be nervous about. That's it, three feet.

Have you been smoking again?

Miss, he's not very well, he needs to go see a nurse. He's not well.

Whatever's the matter, Josh?

-I don't feel too good.

-No, you don't look well at all.

Oh, my God! Oh!

Josh! Josh, come back here.

Miss, are you OK?

-I know you're stoned.

-Leave me alone.

You're in no fit state to go to class.

You're coming with me.

What you doing?

I'm going to show you how we used to deal with stoners at the barracks

You can't do this.

You've got to be kidding.

The one thing about the army is it teaches you

how to take care of your own.

You want to smoke drugs? This is what they do to you.

Remember it. It's going to feel a lot worse before it gets better.

-I'll report you

-Yeah? You want your dad to see you like this?

Or the head teacher?

Right. Get changed.

Yeah, sure. We can get this uploaded for you.

What is it exactly?

It's Finn and Trudi's messages for the new website.

-It should all be on there.

-See you.

-Thanks.

Kyle, got a job for you.

What exactly is this for?

Cos if we don't, she'll have us stand in a corner.

Yeah, for a whole week.

WHISTLE BLOWS

OK, if I can have you in four lines of six,

starting on the red line in the middle, there. Come on, move.

I still don't feel too good.

This'll make you feel better.

Come on, get in line. At the front, there.

So, the idea behind this cadet force is to encourage teamwork, OK?

Confidence, self-discipline and the development of leadership skills.

All right. It will be challenging, it'll be educational,

it'll get you fit, but you can be sure it'll be exciting and fun too.

-Yeah, when's the fun bit?

-LAUGHTER

-You've got to work for it.

-LAUGHTER

OK. First up, we got a basic drill.

Then we're going to move on to a smart formation march.

To stand to attention, watch me. Feet together, eyes front,

back straight, arms down your sides

with thumbs on the seams of your trousers.

All right, on my call. Attention!

MUSIC: "Pharaohs" by SBTRKT

OK, come on.

Quickly!

OK, just keep it together. I want you to work hard and sweat it out.

All right! Together on the beat. And march.

One, two, three, four.

ALL: One, two, three, four.

Oh, cool. Where'd you get them shoes from?

Oh. I'm breaking them in for someone.

Right.

That were close.

What's all this, then?

I just got myself a few presents. I got you a pair as well.

And I got you this sick MP3 player.

I don't get it.

I think it's got one of those talking book apps.

I reckon you could listen to one of those books from book club

in about a week, even if you can't read it.

Oi, any of you lot seen Josh?

Um.

-I think he's with Miss Boston's cadets.

-Where have they gone?

Er, they were going towards the estate, I think.

Right, well, if you see him again, any of you,

you come and find me immediately, understood?

Oh, I've looked everywhere.

I just, oh! I feel such a fool for bringing that amount of cash

into this den of thieves.

That money was going towards the cost of Fleur's care home

like every other penny I make.

I'm sorry, Grantly.

What am I going to do, Maggie?

I mean, I'm a month behind with the payments already.

That cash was going to sort me out.

I just don't know how much longer I can afford to keep her there.

Right.

Buck up, lad.

There's no point in moping, hmm?

Somebody has got that money and all we've got to do is find out who.

-Hm?

-You're right.

Yep, it's in the building somewhere.

I am not going to rest until I find out where.

It's better now, miss, you can hardly smell it.

Vanessa?

Oh, Tom, I'm afraid Josh is ill with something.

He was sick in class. On me.

He was what?

He was behaving quite oddly - falling all over the place.

-Where is he now?

-He just ran out.

-Towards the changing rooms.

Right. Thank you. I'm really sorry.

-Sound off!

-ALL: One, two!

-Sound off!

-Three, four!

-War - ter - loo Road.

-Waterloo!

-Fog lifting yet?

-Yeah, I'm feeling better.

Good. You just needed to get your heart pumping.

Come on, keep your legs moving.

Get you in a fit state, then we'll have a chat.

I just don't know any more, Sian.

We've been here before. He swore he'd stopped smoking it.

Well, maybe there's something more to it.

Josh is a good kid at heart.

Don't jump to conclusions before you've spoken to him.

It's all lies and broken promises.

I'm going to take him to Michael.

It's the only way I can make him see what he's doing to himself.

-Sound off!

-ALL: One, two.

-Sound...

All right, all right, all right. That's enough.

We don't want to get done for breach of the peace.

Take five minutes, get a drink.

Josh, babe. Love the PE kit. Sexy.

-Who's that?

-Just a friend.

-A friend like me?

I never said I was exclusive.

-I like all my clients to feel special.

-Is that all I am?

I'm a businessman. In my business it pays to be considerate.

What did he say?

-He say that he loved you, that he wanted to be with you? It was all for the money.

-Stop it.

You led me on.

-Listen to me, little boy.

-Oi.

-You do not want to mess with me!

-Oi!

Come on. You OK?

All right?

Rhona, Shona!

I need a few moments with Josh so, you're in charge.

If you can get that lot back to school and I'll follow you in a bit.

-OK.

-Yes, Miss.

'Hi, I'm Finn Sharkey, I'm head boy and I'm here to talk to you about...

'What a load of rubbish.

'I'm here to tell you about the announcements for today.

'of all the... Finn, stop it.

'Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

'Honestly, get him off. Get him off.

'And that, behind the camera, making all...'

Matt, quick.

She's responded really well to the antibiotics.

I think she's turned a corner.

She's going to be all right.

Oh.

You are a miracle worker.

Your daughter's a little fighter. She did all the hard work.

-BELL RINGS

-OK, everyone, find yourself a seat.

What was so urgent you had to go out at lunch time?

How many do you think we're going to need?

They were on offer, man.

Right then, today's all about a beautiful, tragic love story

set to the music of poetry.

Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath.

It's a real roller-coaster, so hold on to your hats.

Mr Budgen, what are you doing?

We have a thief amongst us.

Right, you lot, turn out your pockets and open your bags.

-Woah, hang on, sir, what's been stolen?

-Money.

A great deal of money. My money!

Now, someone here is concealing a felony and I will know who.

Open those bags.

These students have human rights, Mr Budgen. Where's your proof?

And what about the rights of the victim?

I've lost £800 and someone here knows where it is.

Open your bag, Sharkey.

-What's in there is nothing to do with you, sir.

-Open it!

You, stop!

Don't you start on the younger ones now.

What's all this?

Sorry, sir?

Where did you acquire this little lot?

Ah, Phoenix got it for me. It's top quality.

And where could I find Phoenix?

Open it.

It was only a present for my little brother.

Mmm. And a very expensive one. Rather like these, for instance.

Now, where would you find the money for them? Hm?

MUSIC: "Ritual Union" by Little Dragon.

There must be nearly £500 missing from this envelope.

-Where's the rest of my money?

-Sir, it wasn't just him.

Show me.

Thieves, the lot of you.

-If we'd have known it was yours, we'd have given it straight back.

-What you did was a criminal offence.

You stole my money and now, you're going to pay back every penny.

Well, we can take it back to the shops, you know, get a refund.

We're wearing most of it. You can't return used stuff.

Yeah, but, sir, how do you expect us to get this money back?

The same way I did, young man. By working for it.

Otherwise, I shall take the whole, sorry story to the police.

How much dope do you smoke?

And that guy. I saw you with him earlier. He sells you it, right?

-So?

-What's his name?

Grady.

He hurt you, I know.

I don't like being took for a ride.

You think this is all his fault?

It was your choice to take the spliff.

I thought Grady liked me.

This isn't really about him, it's about you.

And that you're trying to blot out your problems by getting high.

And that everything just got ten times worse.

So, honestly, how much are you smoking?

Just a bit.

-A lot. Too much.

-Yeah.

So, stop blaming everyone else and take some responsibility

cos I'm not always going to be here to sober you up.

What's going to happen when we get back?

I think you know the answer to that. Come on.

Right, all in. Face the front, eyes to me!

-Quick.

-Where's Miss Boston?

-Oh, she left us in charge, sir. Why?

-She sent you back alone?

-Josh got in an argument with some bloke.

-Then he started fighting.

-Where are they now?

Not far behind us.

-Oi, you've got some explaining to do.

-Dad.

You've had enough chances, now you're going to get treated like any other pupil. Get inside!

-Tom, wait

-What was he doing on this march of yours apart from fighting?

He was in a bad state. I was trying to sober him up.

You knew about the drugs?

What? And you didn't come and tell me?

-This just gets better.

-Maybe you should talk to Josh first.

Don't tell me how to deal with my own son.

Haven't you got a class to get to? We'll talk later.

You didn't have to be like that, she was only trying to help.

Why, Josh? After everything that we've been through.

-You promised me.

-Of course I promised, I had to.

Then why are you still smoking this crap? Tell me!

We used to talk about everything.

How can I talk when you act like this?

-So, you'd rather talk to Nicki, would you?

-She doesn't judge me.

She made me see I don't have to use drugs to solve my problems.

Well, it's Michael's judgement you need to be concerned with now.

You've had enough chances to straighten out.

You stay there.

Yeah.

So, how are the candidates doing?

It's not about that. Josh has been smoking cannabis.

-He was stoned in school.

-He was what?

Off his head.

He ruined Vanessa's mentoring workshop and he got into a fight on the cadet march.

A fight? That doesn't sound like Josh at all.

Well, a few weeks ago, I'd have said the same thing.

Now, I just don't know any more.

I know this puts you in a difficult position, Tom.

But this school has a zero tolerance policy on drugs.

Instant exclusion, police involvement and no exceptions.

I don't want any special favours, Michael.

I know how serious this is and Josh should know it too.

-He gets treated like any other kid in this school.

-OK.

This is not what I had in mind when I asked you to do this.

Look, miss, that's not right. You saw what we did.

That is you two on the screen?

You're head boy and head girl, what did you think you were doing?

-You're supposed to be setting an example.

-Sorry, miss.

I didn't take you out of lessons so that you could mess around.

Obviously, I will have this taken down and the real footage uploaded.

But you need to start taking your new roles seriously.

Being head boy and head girl comes with responsibility, OK?

Off you go.

-I've never been so embarrassed.

-I know.

Look, it's cool for you to come round tonight if you're still sure.

Josh, give me one good reason

why I should let you stay at Waterloo Road?

Or would you rather waste your life and your talent?

You want to stay at this school or not?

Come on, you heard Mr Byrne.

Yeah, I do.

It's just sometimes I can't cope.

It's like there's so much pressure and expectation everywhere.

And smoking drugs helps, does it?

Go on.

It's just, when I smoke, all that disappears.

I know it's wrong, but...

it makes everything easier.

And where are you getting the drugs? Is it someone in school?

There's this guy. Grady.

I thought we had something.

Right, because of him, you thought you'd jeopardise your whole future?

But...

I've tried to stop, I promise. It's just so difficult.

-Why didn't you say something?

-Because if it's not school, you're not interested.

Right, we both know that I should be getting the police involved,

but because of your honesty thus far,

you've avoided a criminal record.

But don't think for a second that you've got away lightly with this.

We're going to exclude you for a week and when you come back, you'll be on probation.

Every lunch hour, you'll help out around the school.

-Picking up litter, scrubbing off graffiti, whatever's required.

-Yes, sir.

Make no mistake, if you betray my trust again, you are out for good.

Understood?

Understood?

Yes, sir.

Now, go.

-Wait for me in my office.

-And while you're out there,

you can write down this Grady's details for the police.

-You OK?

-Yeah.

I just wish he'd come to me.

I had no idea that things had got so bad between us.

We can talk about the new Head of English candidates later,

-if you feel you need more time.

-No, it's fine. We need to sort it.

Although after everything that's happened,

I can't see either candidate is a serious contender.

Well, I understand your reservations with Nicki but Vanessa?

She didn't spot a pupil on drugs

and I don't think she's got the kind of experience

that would cope with the challenges of this school.

And, presumably, having the right kind of experience isn't a criticism we could level at Nicki?

Well, she just plays by her own rules.

I mean, she's demonstrated that very clearly.

What? You don't agree?

Well, however you look at it, she saw a problem with Josh

and dealt with it.

Well, she should've come to me.

You don't think she could be a good fit here?

No, I don't see it, I'm sorry.

-BELL RINGS

-Right.

They will work hard and I will get my money back.

If you're really short, then I could lend you.

No. I wouldn't dream of it. No, you've done more than enough.

I, yeah, I wanted to thank you for your support today.

It's been very agreeable

having someone to share my troubles with again.

-Are you trying to say you've enjoyed having us around?

-Oh, erm.

In short, yes, very much.

Sorry, hope I wasn't interrupting anything.

I should be getting off, anyway.

She seems nice.

Maggie. Do I sense a little romance in the air?

I'm a married man, Daniel.

Now, that might not mean anything to you,

but when I said the words for better or for worse, I meant them.

-Would you like me to withdraw my application?

-I'm sorry?

Well, I presume I haven't got the job,

so it will just save you wasting paper

on a formal letter of rejection.

It's a shame. You know, I think this school needs me.

It has the kind of challenges I've always relished.

You know, it's got problems.

Failing students, discipline, drugs.

Yeah, not to mention the gang issues.

I think I have exactly the right skills to deal with that. But you've made your decision, so...

Yeah. And you haven't got the job. I'm sorry.

Well, thank you for an interesting day.

Perhaps we could let Vanessa down a little more gently?

Vanessa, come in.

Nicki looked upset.

Seems a bit unfair to take that as a good sign, but...

Vanessa, today's experiment hasn't proved to be very successful.

We've decided not to go with either candidate.

I see.

Well, if it's not to be, it's not to be.

I'm sure you'll find the right person.

Well, thank you for your interest.

-I'd better go and find Josh.

-Sure.

-I'm sorry it hasn't worked out, but I'm sure I'll see you again.

-Onwards and upwards.

Look.

As you're not going to be my boss, do you fancy a drink sometime?

-Sorry?

-I'm asking you out.

Oh, right.

You've got my number. Call me.

Oh, I thought I'd missed you. You couldn't give us a lift, could you?

Only I came in on the bus and I need to pick up some Candora stuff

-on my way home.

-I'm in a hurry.

What's the matter with you? You go straight past the depot

-Stand aside, please. I am going to see my wife.

-Grantly?

Have you got Grady's details for Michael?

-I feel like a grass.

-Hey, you don't owe this bloke anything.

You've been very lucky today.

Josh, this is your future that you're playing with.

I don't know what's going on with you any more. I'm worried.

-Don't, Dad.

-I just want to help you.

-Tell me what I can do. Anything.

-OK, I'll try.

What's up with her?

You!

Oh, it's Grady.

Stay in the car.

Go on, Captain Nicki.

Ah, look at that.

Your little drug dealing secret's out in the open.

Rhona! Call the police, please.

-Get off.

-Shut up.

-Well, that was quite something.

-Yeah.

I think I might've made a bit of a mistake with Nicki.

Well then, maybe you'd better apologise.

Guess you're right.

Hey. I wanted to say I'm sorry.

For what?

Blaming you for something that's my problem.

You know what you were saying about the school needing you.

Forget it, it was disappointed bluster.

No, I think you're right.

Well, judging by what I've just seen and what the kids think of you,

I really believe that there's a role for you here.

You want me as Head of English?

Well, I don't need a bodyguard.

I could give you a few days to think about it?

Think about? When do I start?

Feels like you already have. Welcome to Waterloo Road.

-I'm Janeece.

-Craig.

Look at me!

-Where did you get that?

-Your boot.

I'm doing a paternity test. I don't think Dad's my real dad.

You know what, you've been a dad for all of five minutes

and now you reckon you know it all.

No. But I know I'll never take my child for granted

Well, at least, now it's all over,

we don't have to spend any more time together.

Huh, ha, every cloud.

-I am reporting you. I'll get you struck off.

-Matt.

What you doing? You're going to set the fire alarm off

-Calm down, you big girl.

-No, put it out.

You need to get him to a GP as soon as possible

Why don't you just stick to basic first aid

and leave the psychology to the people

-that know what they're talking about.

-Josh, what's going on, mate?

What you doing?

It's, OK. Hey, mate, you...it's OK, eh, it's OK.

He was freaking out, hitting the fire alarm when it was already going off,

I wanted to go after him but...

Oh, man.

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