Episode 7 Waterloo Road

-Richard.

-You sound surprised to see me.

-I thought you loved me.

Me and you, Ronan, we're over.

What?

Well, do one of you two want to tell him or shall I?

I told you, I deserve a smack.

Waterloo Road provides a lifeline for a great many people here.

I want another chance, Rob.

I told him to do the right thing and come clean.

Why would he do that when his father's so good at keeping secrets?

From what I've seen today there's something wrong with this school.

The buck stops at Karen Fisher's office door.

Why do I feel like we're being chaperoned?

I'm heading into town anyway,

then I'll go home and clean up after you two.

That'll be a first.

-You might want to do some shopping. We're out of pizza.

-Oi!

What is this? "Boys ganging up" day?

All right, don't rub her face in it.

So, what's this invigilating you've been on about, then?

-It's part of my training.

-Walking around a room watching us sweat?

Yes, and you'd better be.

There is no sweat required.

Cocky.

-Cocky, cocky, cocky.

-Good luck!

Yeah, yeah.

We're OK, aren't we?

Us? Yeah.

All set?

Glad to see things are working out so well with you and Naomi.

I'm very happy for you.

Oh, thanks for these. I'll take them with me.

Does Karen know about your meeting this afternoon?

She should do by now.

I expect that's why she's just invited me to lunch. Unless you know any different?

-No, but then she wouldn't tell me, anyway.

-Big exam day.

AS and A-level papers for the sixth formers!

-There's a lot more riding on them than we thought.

-Why's that?

The local authority are having a meeting today at three to discuss our status,

whether we're failing as a school or whether I'm failing as a head.

Is it specifically about Waterloo Road?

More specifically it's about Karen Fisher.

I've tried to help. I've given her loads of suggestions for the kids.

But she likes the sound of her own voice. She's bordering on self-obsessed.

I'm just preparing a report for them, how we move things forward.

-Possible layoffs.

-Redundancies?

-Only as a last resort.

Richard Whitman's problem lies with me.

So...what are you going to do?

Prove them wrong.

Does this school have a future?

Let's just say that a failing school in my catchment doesn't look good.

-What the hell are you doing?

-I've been trying to get hold of you.

-I've been ringing, texting. Why are you avoiding me?

-I'm not. What's the big deal?

Nothing.

Make your flippin' mind up.

What is it?

I messed up.

I mean, I've really messed up.

Why? Just tell me.

Look, don't hate me, Aiden...

I'm pregnant.

You sure?

My dad is going to kill me. I mean, I take it it's mine?

Yeah, course it's bloody yours! Me and Ronan are always careful.

I can't believe it!

Lads, get your energy drinks here, yeah? Go on, get your five a day.

Go on, it's got vitamin B, suitable for vegetarians!

Yes, girls, come on, how about an energy drink? No?

-How're you doing?

-I just want to stay in bed and forget about everything.

-Can't believe we've got exams as well. I just wish it was all over.

-Don't wish your life away.

-Sam would've wanted us to be together, wouldn't she?

-Tell him that.

Right, you haven't told anyone, have you? We say nothing to nobody, yeah?

We sort it out ourselves first.

Easy for you to say, my head's banging.

All the more reason to keep it quiet.

-We'll do the exam and then we'll talk, OK?

-How can I?

I've not had any sleep. I've been up all night worrying.

Keep it down, people'll start to realise something's up.

-OK?

-Is there a problem here, Aiden?

-No, miss. Just a bit of last-minute nerves.

-Are you sure, Vicki?

Yeah. Like he said, it's just exams.

-I can't do this.

-You can.

Once you get inside and it starts, it'll all come back.

Just focus.

The first person in your family to go to uni and all that, eh?

That's the thing. I can't remember anything. My mind's gone totally blank.

Quid. High-energy sports drink, packs a real "pick me up" punch.

Do I look stupid?

Those things have got more caffeine in them than a coffee shop.

-Well, you look like you need it.

-Do I?

Well, she looks like she needs it more than I do.

(SHOUTS) I mean, look at the state of her.

Look at me. You're fine.

-Trust me.

-All right, everyone, in you go.

I will sort this. OK? Yeah?

All mobile phones off.

Once you're inside, no talking.

Oh, I've booked that restaurant for your lunch. It's dead posh.

Me and me mum looked through the window once.

Reckon we could only afford a pudding if we shared.

-I thought you were getting this fixed.

-Yeah, it's on the top of my list. Ish.

So have you called someone to come out and have a look?

I could pop it down to Resources if you want. Although my heels are killing me.

It can wait.

ALARM BLARES

Now what?

Right! OK! Silence, please.

Leave your belongings and make your way to the assembly point.

Not risking this lot.

There should be no talking.

Stop messing at the back. Line up!

-Sir, does this mean we don't have to do the exam?

-Dream on, Kyle.

My lot are present, and as correct as they'll ever be.

Ditto.

-It's a false alarm.

-Oh, surprise, surprise.

Well, something set it off.

Do you want me to talk to them? See who...

No, I think that's my job, don't you?

Sure...sorry.

It's Sam's tree!

Come with me. I've got something for you.

Can you oversee that?

-I thought I was meant to be doing some invigilating?

-Another time.

I really need you to concentrate on getting ready for Sam's memorial.

-I could really do with something going right today.

-OK.

-You stole it?

-I had to! Who d'you think set the alarm off?

Aiden?!

Right everybody, that was a false alarm, so back inside, please,

as quickly as possible.

I'm trying to help you out here, Vicki.

I figured a few minutes looking at this, it'll all come flooding back.

That's going to take some digging.

Nice of you to volunteer.

Think I can help.

Oh, thanks.

That's £1.50, mate.

-For the university fund, is it?

-Nah, think I'll skip that bit.

I'll be a millionaire by the time I'm 20.

Going to take a while at this rate, isn't it?

Have you seen enough?

Yeah? OK?

Come on, then.

Excuse me?

Where do you think you're going? You're not a pupil at this school.

Give that man a gold star.

Er, well do you want to tell me what you're doing here, then?

Name's Scout. I'm starting school here.

You can't just turn up at a school. It doesn't work like that.

Your parents have to get in touch and get you registered.

I'll tell you what, you're best off talking to my social worker.

I can give you his number if you want.

We're in the middle of something right now. Janeece? Have you got a sec? This is, um...

Jodi Allen, but don't bother calling me that cos I won't answer it. Scout or nothing.

Will you take her up to the office? I'll deal with her later.

-She's got a right gob on her.

-Please, Janeece.

All right, you lot.

In you come quickly and quietly, please. Straight back to your seats.

It'll all be over soon.

Let's hope no-one else pulls a stunt like that.

-Did you open these?

-No.

-Someone has.

-You're joking?

An exam paper's been taken.

Presumably by someone in this room.

Quiet, please!

No-one gets out of here until that paper is returned

and no-one will be able to sit the exam until we find out who is responsible.

I said quiet!

Now, I suggest whoever took that paper, owns up now.

It's a pretty rotten thing to do, don't you think? To your friends?

A lot of people have worked very, very hard for this exam today.

Think that's fair, do you?

Ronan?! What're you doing?

You need this more than I do.

It was me, miss.

And you can wind your scraggy neck in an' all.

Just go straight through.

Janeece, can you find the number of the exam board, please?

This is the new girl, apparently.

Mr Mead's dealing with her. Oh, and Miss Fisher, I've got that file.

I've been looking after it for you.

Why did you do it?

-I wasn't thinking straight.

-Clearly.

That's not good enough.

I don't know, a moment of madness.

And the real reason?

Right.

Well, I'm going to have to telephone your mother

and ask her to come in this afternoon. Do you understand?

-Well, that was a disappointing start to the exams.

-What d'you expect?

Doesn't do to get your hopes up round here.

Eh!

-Great, I'm starving.

-Oi!

Those are for staff.

I AM staff.

Shouldn't let people walk all over you like that,

-especially not some chit of a girl.

-It's only a biscuit, Grantly.

-Hmmm.

-Yeah, well, don't expect me to dip in for your leaving present.

What leaving present?

Er, Janeece. Janeece! Janeece, a word.

You've suddenly changed your tune.

I can't say anything because Mrs Fisher values my professionalism.

Well, then I'm sure Mrs Fisher

will be enthralled to hear about your lack of discretion.

Right, I didn't say anything, but next year

there's going to be redundancies.

Mrs Fisher's going to meet Richard Whitman at lunch to talk about it.

-Could have you done for assault.

-Don't tempt me.

We're OK to get started, I've spoken to the exam board.

Great. Let's get cracking.

OK, everyone, listen up.

The exam is going to go ahead as scheduled. You can turn over your papers now.

-I've finished, sir.

-You're sure?

OK. Off you go.

Pens down.

OK, that's time, everyone. Please stop writing and put your pens down.

Whoa! Steady!

Look, we don't have to do this now, you know. There's no rush.

Dad's right.

-We could at least wait until we've finished our exams.

-No.

We said we would.

She thought she'd lost this.

-She said I'd nicked it.

-Well, you'd better have it, then.

Finn. It might help.

How'd you work that out?

-If you want to talk.

-Well, it's not going to change anything, is it?

What have you got there?

It's a photo from that field trip.

I'll leave you to it all right?

I thought you'd done something stupid.

What, like you did, you mean?

-I can't let Ronan take the blame.

-Shut up!

Ronan screwed himself over. I didn't ask him to.

Doesn't even need his A levels. He's not going to uni.

How can you think this is OK?

Just one less thing to worry about.

Look. About the other...

It's a baby, Aiden. It's not a thing.

You know what I mean.

What are you planning?

I haven't had a chance to think about it yet, have I?

No. Of course.

But...

But what about university?

Just going to do what's right for me and the baby.

It's not really a baby, is it?

I mean, there're options. You don't have to keep it.

Don't you dare tell me what I do or don't want.

I've spoken to your mum and your social worker.

-At least they know you're here.

-Does that mean I can stay?

-I've still got to clear it with the authorities, but you'll be OK to sit in on classes.

-Boss!

Denzil?

-You OK?

-Yeah.

Just wanted the toilet, that's all.

Well, if you're on your way back to class, you can walk with us.

Hey! Pack it in!

Mr Chalk. A moment, please.

And if any of you so much as breathe, I will have your guts for garters.

Walls have ears.

WHISPERING: Redundancies on the horizon.

No names specified, but we've got to be on our guard.

That's bound to be me, isn't it?

Hardly a shining light, am I?

It's not just you that needs to worry.

-There's Chris, let's ask him.

-No!

He's senior management.

Are you missing someone?

Yeah, Denzil. Denzil! I wondered where he'd got to.

-This is Scout, she's new today and she's in your class.

-Hello, Scout.

-Is everything all right, Grantly?

-Fine, thank you.

We need to keep our powder dry.

Looks like we're going to be mates.

What's this place like, then?

That good, eh?

Scout, stop talking, please.

Sure thing.

-So, what's wrong w...

-Just shut up, all right?

Leave him alone. He's just lost his sister.

-Thanks, Em.

-Yeah, can we stop all the noise, please?

Right, then, Scout, can you work this sum out

instead of interrupting the class?

-Yeah, 53.

-I make it 72.

-You got the square root wrong. 53.

Correct.

How did you get there, then?

In my head.

Right, well let's try another one, then.

BELL RINGS

-Sam's top!

-What?

-It was in my bag!

Rob?

Oh.

Exam not go well?

Vicki's pregnant.

Aiden...

you are joking.

-Does your dad know?

-Of course he doesn't.

All he ever goes on about is me keeping out of trouble.

OK. So, he doesn't need to know anything right now.

-What about Vicki's family?

-She hasn't got anyone.

OK, well that's something. At least we won't have her lot kicking off.

How far gone is she?

How far gone is she?

A few weeks.

She reckons she's going to keep it.

Aiden...give her a couple of days to sort her head out,

then she'll see things differently.

He's going to kill me.

Not a word, d'you hear me?

We've got me, you, your dad to concentrate on for the minute.

That has to come first, yeah?

Right, come on.

You can't stop here. You've got to act like everything's OK.

Are you going to lunch meeting? It's a bit early, isn't it?

I know, I know. I just thought I could use some prep time.

Just give him the report and tell 'im like it is.

I'll be back for the memorial service.

Are you planning on saying something? One of us should.

-That's a good point, absolutely. I'll get onto that straightaway.

-OK.

Maybe Mr Chalk picked it up.

-It doesn't matter!

-Denzil, it obviously does. What is it?

It was Sam's favourite, all right?

I feel very proud

to have known someone as special as Sambuca Kelly.

She had...a heart

a mile wide,

-and a smile to match.

-And the mouth of a trucker.

Sorry I, er... I forgot my...

Well, it'll look great there.

Yeah. Yeah, it will.

So, Sam?

First time I met her she gave me a right mouthful

about not getting the basketball court open on time.

Sounds like Sam.

And the second time the same thing.

One of the reasons I like this school is because, er...

you treat the kids as individuals.

We try.

Just be honest.

Hey that new girl, Scout, she's bright, she is.

-I'll believe that when I see it.

-Bright or not, there's no point if there's no teachers to teach.

Why? What's going on?

Redundancies imminent, which doesn't bode well if we don't get good exam results.

-Well, they can't do that.

-Watch 'em.

Thing is, Tom, if I get made redundant, who's going to pay for Fleur's nursing home?

Well, it won't come to that, for any of us. We'll make sure of it.

-You worried for your job?

-Me?

Cross that bridge... IF we come to it.

So you think you can turn Waterloo Road around?

Well, interestingly...I've, er,

drafted some options here.

The way forward. It's all in there.

I'm not sure a document is going to crack it.

It's less about the "what" and more about the "who".

You mean me.

That's what you're saying, isn't it?

You need to embrace the concept of change.

Find a way forward.

OK.

If you were in my situation, what would you do?

-Me?

-Hmm-mm.

Well, I'd improve exam results, nail the budget, get more pupils

registered and prove to us this school's still a viable proposition.

We all want it to work.

I can do that.

I hear what you're saying.

Just let me try.

I've never doubted your commitment.

Are you willing to say all this in your meeting?

Well, I'll do what I can.

And let you know the outcome.

Thanks.

OK. Let's have it.

-What?

-The exam?

-Went well.

-Yeah, it was good.

Yeah?

Yeah.

Good. Good!

-I'll see you later.

-Bye, love.

Excellent.

Don't s'pose you fancy pulling a sickie, do you?

I wish.

See you later.

Thought you'd gone home.

Thinking about what to tell my mum.

It's all right.

She doesn't care about exams.

Why did you do it, Ronan?

Could ask you the same question.

This isn't right. I'm going to go to Mrs Fisher and tell her it was me.

There's no point. They've already failed me.

-But you'd worked really hard for it.

-So did you.

You tell Mrs Fisher now, you've blown it. University, everything you wanted.

Stop being so nice.

What is it?

I promise it's OK.

No, I'm going to put this right.

Vicki!

Ah, Karen, good news about Jodi Allen. She can stay with us.

Spoke to her mum and the LA, there's just the paperwork to complete.

That's great.

-So, come on, how did lunch go?

-Well, actually I'm a bit thrown.

-It went well.

-Great. So you think you've done enough?

I hope so.

Sir? Mrs Fisher?

Don't do this.

I have to.

Ronan didn't do anything.

He didn't steal the paper.

I did.

He's just doing it to cover up for me.

So, you smashed the fire alarm,

you waited until everyone had gone outside

and then you went back in and you took the paper?

-I don't believe you, Vicki.

-Nor do I.

You do realise we're going to have to fail you because of this?

But can Ronan re-sit the paper? He didn't cheat.

Then who was helping you?

It was me and Aiden.

I'll speak to Ronan. Do you want me to get Aiden up?

Why did you do it?

-Aiden was just trying to help me.

-Help you with what?!

You've got to tell me what's been going on, Vicki.

I'm pregnant.

Oh, Vicki.

Why didn't you tell me sooner?

Or another member of staff?

We could have helped you...

-..supported you.

-I'm sorry.

That was a nightmare. Did anyone else do the calculus?

No chance. I didn't get close.

Least that's it till tomorrow, though.

Just Sam's memorial left. Longest day ever.

-Don't do that, Amy.

-Do what?

Lump our exams in with Sam's memorial! It's not right.

-I didn't mean it like that. I can't say anything right, can I?

-What are you doing with all that?

Might as well lash it, it's just junk.

Finn!

It's Sam's.

It's just pens, man.

Eh, look.

I remember when she did this - when you first kissed.

And wasn't this the first time you went to the cinema?

Like I said, it's just junk.

The Scotchers are in your office.

Including that woman.

-Don't you mean Aiden's mother?

-Well, I've got a few other names for her, but yeah.

You do know you've blown any chance of getting into university?

-I'm only doing my A-levels because you told me to.

-It's my fault again.

It's just an exam, it's not worth getting worked up about.

These exams are important for Aiden's future.

-Don't you get snotty with me.

-Drop it.

-It's all right Rob, I can defend myself, thank you.

-Sorry.

I just want to know why.

-Did Vicki make you do it?

-No!

-I think we should go.

I'm afraid there's still a lot to discuss.

Don't take that tone with me. He's my son. You can't keep us here.

And this is my school, and I think we need to sort this out.

Sort what out?

Perhaps Aiden can explain for himself.

It's his business, and if he doesn't want to, that's fine.

-Come on, Ade.

-Aiden?

Karen?

-SHE SCOFFS

-You ask your son, not me.

Why did you have to tell them?

It wasn't fair on you.

And how's this any better? Now we're both disqualified.

-I don't care about me.

-Well, I do!

I didn't mind, you know. I wanted to do it.

I miss you, Vics.

-Can't we just...?

-Don't.

Mr Mead said Aiden took it for you.

Why? What's going on?

Come on.

There must be some reason why he'd do something so stupid.

It's not like you need the help, is it?

I'm really sorry, Ronan.

I'm pregnant.

His?

I mean, who does Naomi think she is?

Rob should know what his son's been up to.

Maybe she wants Aiden to tell him himself.

maybe it suits her for him never to know. What a day!

We've got three pupils not sitting their exams,

one of them's pregnant and all on a day

when I'm supposed to be convincing the LA that we are worth it!

-This a bad time?

-Can it wait?

Yeah, right, OK. I'll speak to you later.

How did your exam go?

Fine...I think.

What?!

-When will you two tell me what's going on?

-Leave it, Rob.

-You proud of yourself?

-Ronan, please not now.

-Enough. Let's go.

-It wasn't enough nicking my girlfriend, was it?

-You had to get her pregnant as well?

-GASPING AND MUTTERING

What? Is this true?

I said is this true?!

Rob, don't.

-I'm sorry, Dad.

-You sorry bloody idiot!

-I wasn't thinking!

-Too bloody right you weren't thinking!

-Not with your head at any rate!

-Rob, stop this now!

-I warned you about this. You promised me!

-Stop!

Get home!

Get home...the lot of ya!

-This doesn't have to be a big deal, Dad.

-What?

Mum's right - she can have an abortion.

-What have you been saying to him, you stupid woman?

-This isn't her fault.

Get out of my sight.

No, not you, Naomi.

I need to talk to you.

-You all right, Ro?

-No.

-You haven't heard yet?

-Heard what?

Vicki's up the duff.

She's pregnant?!

By Aiden.

He doesn't want a baby. Why would he?

Is that your answer?

What, you get a girl pregnant and get rid of it,

and then just move onto the next, with no responsibility whatsoever?

I seem to recall we weren't very responsible about those things.

Yeah, but we didn't walk away, did we?

And I didn't turn my back on either of you.

They're teenagers.

These things happen.

Are you serious?

"These things happen."

Why don't we go home, all of us?

-Talk this through?

-I can't do this.

-What do you mean?

You haven't changed one bit, have you?

I was a mug to even think you could.

-Always looking for the easy option.

-Please.

-You're a lousy mother...

..and the most selfish person I know.

Aiden's better off without you and so am I.

You're wrong.

I'd do anything for you two.

So you'd be happy living with a caretaker and playing grandma to an illegitimate child?

I didn't think so.

It's over.

Are you all right?

Yeah, just needed a bit of space.

I know I should've come to you sooner, before I messed things up.

Vicki, this doesn't have to mean giving up on your education. I know it's early days,

but have you thought about what you're going to do?

I can't imagine not having it.

In that case, you have to be realistic.

-Everything about your life is going to change.

-I know.

Mum... Mum, wait! Where you going?

I'm leaving. It's over, me and your Dad are finished.

-But you can't leave! Where will you go?

-Somewhere as far from here as possible.

But what about me?

Come with me.

-You're old enough.

-What about Dad?

What about him?

I want the three of us to stick together and just sort things out.

-That's not happening I'm sorry. I've tried.

-Why did I have to mess things up for us?!

Think about it, yeah? I'm going to go and pack my stuff up.

I won't leave until you get back.

-What's up, bro?

-I lost Sam's top.

Grab another one, she must have had hundreds.

It was her favourite!

I can still smell her on it.

-Look, mate, it'll turn up.

-She'd be furious at me for losing it!

Oh, no, she wouldn't. She'd tell you to stop stressing.

Let's go to this memorial, eh?

-Hey, Lauren?

-Hmm?

-Still got that box?

-Er, yeah. Why?

I was thinking about what you said, and it's not junk.

-We should bury it next to the tree. It'd be like she's really be there then.

-That's a lovely idea, Finn.

I think you keep that, Finn.

I reckon she'd want you to.

Cheers, mate.

Oi!

Get off that! That's my sisters', you silly little cow!

Denzil! Hey, that's enough!

Where did you get this from?

It was on the floor after maths.

I must've dropped it.

-I didn't know.

-The next time you find something, you hand it in, OK?

What would've happened if I hadn't been here?

I'd've stopped him, sir.

I'm asking you.

I'm sorry, I don't know what got into me.

Let's get the tree sorted, yeah.

I bet you're happy Dad's ended it with Mum.

He needed to know, Aiden.

Your dad has to be a part of it because you're going to need him now more than ever before.

-I need my mum, too.

-Of course.

The difference is my mum's leaving and wants me to go with her.

Well, running away isn't going to solve anything.

My mum barely stood a chance with Dad

and now you're butting in. No wonder she wants to leave.

-Aiden, wait!

-Karen?

Richard wants to talk to you.

I...

presume this is about the meeting?

Mum...have you got a sec?

Chris, can you take Richard up to my office? I'm sorry, I shouldn't be a moment.

Yeah. Come with me.

-Whatever this is, couldn't it have waited?

-No.

-Mum, I need to speak to you now.

-Let's go in here.

Is it your exams?

Have they got too much for you?

Because we can sort that.

Mum...

..my period's late.

Two weeks.

It's Aiden's.

How can you be so stupid?!

We've talked about sex, protection!

You silly, silly girl!

Mum, I know, I am sorry, OK?

-I didn't know what to do, I had to tell you.

-Have you done a test?

What am I going to do?

Maybe you should've thought about that before you jumped into bed with the local tomcat!

-We'll talk about this later.

-Why not now?

Well, let me think!

Perhaps it's because I've got Richard Whitman from the LA waiting for me in my office,

or maybe it's because I had to disqualify three pupils from their chemistry exam.

Or maybe it's Sambuca Kelly's memorial service that I had to prepare for.

Or the fact that TWO pupils have told me that they're pregnant.

So, excuse me if I don't have time to chat!

Why is it this place always comes first?

Don't you dare twist this on me, girl.

I've said we'll talk later...

and we will.

And crying won't fix it!

Richard, I'm sorry I'm late.

Did Janeece offer you a drink?

Several times, but I didn't come here to drink tea.

So how did the meeting go?

We had a long and frank discussion and the decision was unanimous.

It gives me no joy to serve a warning notice on this school.

-On what basis?

-We believe there's been a total breakdown in management.

So this is about me?

And what about our meeting at lunch?

-I thought we'd talked a few things through.

-Karen, you are meant to bean experienced Head,

but you asked my advice on how to run your school.

That, on top of all the other failings, left the Council

with no confidence in your ability...

-You had this planned all along.

-Clearly you're very upset.

It's understandable.

I'll give you some time to digest the news, and then be in touch as to what happens next.

Is everything all right? You look a bit...

What is it, Janeece?

Oh, er, you're needed - it's Sam's Memorial.

Tom!

Would you mind reading my speech at Sam's memorial?

Why, what's the matter?

I... I just don't think I'm the right person to do it, that's all.

Karen, of course you are.

Oh, I don't know.

I'm not really sure whether I'm cut out for this, to be honest.

Hey, when we lost Sam the way that we did...

..I learnt a lot of things.

One of which being that you don't just give up when the road gets bumpy.

You know what she'd say?

She'd say, "Stop being a stupid old cow

"and get your arse in gear."

We've got to carry on.

We're still here.

-Better get my arse in gear then, hadn't I?

-Yeah.

I feel very proud to be here today,

proud to have known someone as special

as Sambuca Kelly.

The first day I met Sam,

I was new to the school,

and at the time, Sam seemed to me

to be one of my biggest challenges.

She was full of attitude,

was opinionated

and very mischievous.

And that's putting it politely.

At first,

I tried to control Sam.

Big mistake!

Sam was wonderful because she knew who she was...

..and she'd fight for what was right.

She taught me

what Waterloo Road

is all about.

Life has a habit of throwing up some very big challenges

to each and every one of us

when we least expect them.

And it's how we deal with them that matters.

Sam never ran away from anything in her life. She faced things head on

and I know

that I'm not the only person here today

who will miss her

more than words can ever say.

APPLAUSE

Lauren...

and Amy...and Finn...

over to you.

Hey you, come here.

We'll get through this, you know.

I don't know how, but we will.

-What if I forget about her?

-No, that's never going to happen.

You OK?

Yeah, I am if you are.

-It's beautiful, isn't it?

-It is.

-Look, we'll pop round later, see how you're doing.

-You know...

I think you two should have some time together, just the two of you.

You sure? It's no problem.

Yeah, I'm fine. I've got Denzil and Prince to look after me.

You know where we are if you need anything.

-Thanks.

-Mrs Fisher.

Got a bit of a proposal for you.

Go on.

Well, I know that the school is struggling a bit, and I...

well, I'd like to help.

English masterclass,

courtesy of yours truly. Open to years ten

and eleven on a Saturday morning.

That's sounds like a great idea.

Starting next term.

I will be here,

er, teaching,

-as usual next term?

-Is this about the redundancies?

There are no redundancies.

But thank you very much for your offer of a Saturday school, I'm sure it'll help the school.

-It was beautiful.

-Thank you.

That file was confidential and you shouldn't have read it.

-Yeah, but...

-Sorry to interrupt. ..Do you have a minute?

-That was a nice speech.

-Thank you.

I've told Naomi it's over.

It was never going to work...

..and I was just too stupid to see it

and I am sorry.

I don't care about Naomi, Rob.

Not after today.

Jess is pregnant.

She just told me.

And yes, before you ask,

it is Aiden's.

You need to sort that boy out, he's out of control.

Aiden? Get down here, now!

Mum's gone.

She left without me.

-She didn't even say goodbye.

-And what, you were...

-thinking of going with her, were you?

-I had to, Dad.

I've let you down,

I've let everyone down.

-We could've worked things out.

-Look, just hang on a sec, son.

Let's get one thing straight. Your mother, she didn't leave

because of me, or because of you.

She left because of who she is

and what she is.

D'you understand what I'm saying?

Is...

-Is this what she did last time?

-Yeah.

Oh, yeah.

OK, Aiden, there's something else you should know.

Jess is pregnant...

and it's yours. Her mum just told me.

-I'll put some stuff into a bag and I'll just go.

-You're going nowhere.

I'm really sorry, Dad.

What about your job...

this place?

I have ruined everything.

Well, I, er...

D'you know what, I don't know what's going to happen,

but I do know one thing...

..you're stuck with me.

Jess? Can I have a word?

Yeah. ..Catch up with you guys later?

Jess, about what happened earlier...

I don't think I handled it very well.

What's it going to do to you, Mum...

..when this lot find out?

No matter what...

I'm here for you.

-See you later.

-Yeah.

Karen?

Why didn't you tell me?

Tell you about what?

About the Warning Notice. I've just spoken to the Governors. They've been trying to get hold of you.

I was going to when we'd finished here.

This just seemed a lot more important.

Hey, you know that I'm behind you, don't you?

-And the rest of the staff, they will be as well.

-What if they're right, Chris?

What if Waterloo Road would be better off without me?

Don't be ridiculous. We are going to fight this.

I just don't want to let anyone down.

Well, you give up now and you will do.

All right.

Fight's on.

You're a failure, this school is a failure

and it will be closed.

I thought we were going after Karen Fisher?

-Eleanor, you can't back out now.

-You going to deny it?

-She's up the duff as well.

-You're disrupting the whole school.

-You know that?

-You can stuff your school!

She slept with MY boyfriend behind MY back!

Don't you think she's had enough punishment?

Oi! Can we lose them?

-You're not serious?

-I need that grass back.

Our priority has always been our pupils, pupils like Jodie Allen.

This is her last chance,

and I'm suspending you.

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