Episode 28 Waterloo Road

-Nox Pharmaceuticals are criminals.

-Change the record.

Make the school fee-paying and you'll kill this community.

Well, taking Waterloo Road back under LA control is good for everyone.

-We won't let it happen.

-And just how are you going to stop it?

As long as the school keeps its head down, we'll be fine.

You should be ashamed of yourselves.

You needed to know.

On my wedding day!

If you leave with him tonight, then you are nothing to me.

Scope the factory. Security, CCTV. Everything.

Too busy to take your old job back?

Got the future all mapped out, have you?

Well, I don't know. I had a few thoughts in the church today.

Feel good being back in the hot seat, Mr Byrne?

Look, Nikki did her best.

Robert Bain. From the Education Department.

Are you expected?

Yeah, I'm here to see Michael Byrne and Lorraine Donnegan?

-Who's that?

-Give me a minute.

-Ah, he's here.

-Ah!

-Good morning.

-Good morning, how are you?

-Good.

-Thank you.

-This way.

You're welcome.

-How are you this morning?

-I'm very good, how are you?

-Excellent.

-Good.

-Just down here. On the left.

Can I get you a tea? Coffee?

Tea, please. Lorraine not here yet?

She'll be here, don't worry.

You know, I'm still surprised she's agreed to this takeover.

Why would you invest all that money then just walk away?

-That's multimillionaires for you. Milk? Sugar?

-Just milk.

Is your sister in yet?

Oh, no. But she's just texted to bump your finance meeting to 10.30.

-Why didn't you call me?

-I only just got the text.

Well when she does get here, tell her I need to see her immediately.

And two teas when you get a second.

Robert, I'm sorry,

it looks like Lorraine is running a bit late this morning.

I was wondering if you could wait, maybe till 10.00?

Oh, yeah, I've got a free morning. You could give me the tour?

The committee still want me to cross the Ts and dot the Is. Problem?

Robert Bain is here, Director of Education.

Just...something weird's going on and I just thought you should know.

Give me a call back when you get this message

and maybe just get into school. All right. Bye.

Lula, starting early?

Big day, Miss. Trip to Nox Pharmaceuticals.

How's things?

Yeah, it's getting better.

Ta-da!

-Are you really cooking tonight?

-Yeah.

-I thought you were joking.

No, I stole the recipe from Chalky's MasterChef book.

Tagliatelle carbonara.

-Oh, aren't you posh?

-Well, it's for Dynasty, you're worth it.

Dynasty!

You've not been answering my calls. No signal at your new gaff?

Just leave it, Mum.

I'm...WE'RE trying to get on with our lives right now.

Look, babe, I know things haven't been easy lately,

but come home. We can put things right.

-Things are right.

-What, with that little weed?

Kevin's been there for me. What have you done, eh?

He's stood by me. Believed me

I believe you too, babe. Course I do. I'm here for you.

Maybe if you hadn't turned your back on us, things might been different.

-Meaning?

-We would've protected you.

-And what, Kevin can't, right?

He's hardly Arnold Schwarzenegger!

Yeah, I know, but he's mine. And I love him.

Go on, let's get inside.

Aw, Dynasty, don't walk away, please. Come home.

I'm sorry, Mrs Barry, but she's already got a home.

This is you, isn't it? Turning my daughter against me.

You think you're better than everyone else, don't ya?

Looking down your nose, with your fancy words...

He hasn't said nothing!

-YOU leave my daughter alone.

-Mum? What are you doing?

I'm sorry, Mrs Barry, but I've got nothing against you.

It's obvious you think we're scum.

Yeah.

Aw. He's got egg on his face.

Very mature. Mum, get lost!

What have I done?

Dynasty's happy, Mum. Can't you just leave her be?

No.

You're not going home? Barry, you've got to stop her.

Go on, admit it, Lorraine's overcommitted.

Running this place must make a hefty dent in her bank balance?

Would you excuse me for a second?

Mr Byrne. I'd like a word about my Dynasty.

I'm sorry, Mrs Barry, but we're rather busy this morning.

Oh, really? Well, that's a shame.

After all my family have been through lately.

You couldn't just squeeze me in later? I can wait.

Promise I won't get in the way.

Sonya, can we see if we can accommodate Mrs Barry later on?

But you're really busy this...

Sonya, any time this afternoon will be fine.

And get Mrs Barry a cup of tea for me? Please.

-Look, instead of us hanging about, why don't we have this tour?

-OK.

Miss, I couldn't sleep last night.

I'm just so excited about getting into the Nox lab.

I know how much you want the animals free again, but just remember,

this is about raising awareness, showing what Nox is doing.

I'm going to take my phone in so I can film inside.

OK, I'll see you on the bus, Miss.

-Lula, I'm not going.

-What?

They can't prosecute a child. But me?

Nox would make sure I didn't teach again.

The Barrys present a unique challenge,

but thanks to the PRU, it's one we're more than happy to take on.

I'm looking forward to seeing it in action.

..get a bit grimy, just stand them up.

-What's going on in there?

-I thought I was showing you the PRU?

Bob's your uncle.

Apologies for the interruption, Mrs Budgen.

Mr Bain here was keen to see what you

and your class were getting up to today.

Don't look too hard. I'm just making it up as I go along.

HE LAUGHS

Everybody, carry on with your shopping lists.

We're trialling a new initiative here today.

Mrs Budgen will use her extensive experience in the professional world

to help with life skills.

Well, well, very...holistic.

I couldn't believe it when Mr Byrne gave us the go-ahead.

They never had anything like this in my day.

We're using it as a bit of curriculum down time for the sixth-formers.

This lot might be whizz-kids on the internet,

but you give them a budget and a house to run? Ha!

-Well, I think what you're doing is great.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

-My pleasure.

That's what the private sector does so well - innovate.

Hygiene with an "I".

I'm so excited.

It's a trip to a pharmaceutical company, not Alton Towers.

-This trip is important.

-Why?

Why? Kacey, we need to make these people sit up and listen.

And who are these people, Lula?

Nox Pharmaceuticals. She never shuts up about them.

And this relates to Cathy's views on love, how exactly?

This means nothing.

What use is Emily Bronte

when there are things going on out there that actually matter?

-OK, I think we need to have a little chat.

-Why?

Outside. Now. Please.

The rest of you, get on with your work, quietly.

-I was going to speak to you after class but...

-But what?

But we've thought about it and after your poison pen letters last week,

we can't possibly let you go on the trip.

But I've said I'm sorry about that.

Ms Donnegan doesn't want any more trouble.

She is only interested in how much money Nox can make for her.

It's none of your business where Ms Donnegan invests her money.

The decision's been made.

You won't be going. I've got Mrs Collins coming in to see you instead.

No.

I don't want to see a psychologist.

This can't be happening.

It can and it is. Now back inside.

Now!

See, I think in Act One Macbeth's a war hero. He's brave, honourable.

Good point, Kevin.

And that is why Duncan came to visit in the first place.

Yeah, but Macbeth uses the visit to bump Duncan off.

So you think that Macbeth is a villain?

Yeah. In Scene Three, it's Macbeth who starts thinking about murder.

The witches never say to kill the king.

But they say he will be king, it's his destiny.

Yeah, but he could change that, though.

Could he? Isn't that what the play is asking us?

Is our fate set in stone or do we choose our futures?

But that's in the witches' prophecy. It can't be Macbeth's fault.

-She's good.

-Yes, yes, she is.

-PRU?

-Of course.

Thank you, Mrs Mulgrew.

Thank you.

Well done.

So what's happening with your new friend? I'm feeling suspicious.

We should talk. I thought maybe we could go out for lunch?

I'll hold you to that.

-I've got to...

-Go.

He never takes her out for lunch.

Maybe he's got something important to say.

Oh, she's been banging on about weddings since Ms McFall's.

Since the Additional Support Act,

we've struggled to sustain a referral unit.

Not something I'm proud of.

Well, we'll be happy to be a beacon of excellence for the other schools.

It's just so rare to be handed a school that's doing so well,

that knows exactly where it's going.

We've worked extremely hard to make a success of our PRU.

And it shows. I can't wait to thank Lorraine.

-Shall we?

-Yeah.

There's only one Year 12 group for English Literature, Mrs Barry.

So?

So, Dynasty and Kevin can't be separated

if they are both doing the same subject.

They're teenagers. They shouldn't be joined at the hip.

I'd like to get started as soon as possible,

the process is a little complicated, so...

I want to take my daughter out of this place.

-Mrs Barry, you'll have to wait.

-No. I've waited long enough.

I bet you don't send your kids here.

Actually, if mine were still young enough,

I could think of nowhere better to send them.

And from what Michael's told me, his school's worked wonders with yours.

DOOR OPENS

I wouldn't believe everything you hear, Mr Bain.

And it's not his school. It's mine.

I can't believe that you haven't discussed this.

Robert, look, I'm sorry. I just wanted you here to help

explain to Lorraine our vision for the place.

I have a plan for my school.

Come on, Lorraine, this is your out. Work on an agreement with the LA.

Robert's very impressed with what we're doing here.

-And that's down to our independence.

-Do you really need the grief?

Mr Bain, I'm sorry, but Michael has clearly wasted your time.

Yes, he has. I don't appreciate being used, Michael.

-Robert, please...

-I'll make one observation.

Schools fail not because of poor teachers or badly-behaved pupils.

They fail because of a lack of clear leadership and direction.

And for what it's worth, I think

Michael knows more about leading this school than anyone.

Michael lives in a fantasy land where private money is dirty

and infects everything.

It's called the '70s, but I'm way too young to remember.

Lorraine, can we just...?

BELL RINGS

Did you get my voicemail? Can I help?

Just get him away from me for starters.

Lorraine, just listen to me.

HE SIGHS Give me a moment.

What's happened?

He wants me to give the school to the council.

What's that?

Don't pretend like you didn't know.

Come on. My office.

Did you know?

No. Mr Clarkson's just told me. I'm sorry, Lula.

Can't you talk to Ms Donnegan or something?

It wouldn't be appropriate.

You talk about saving animals, you talk about doing something to

stop their pain but as soon as it gets difficult, you back down.

There are some wars that just can't be won.

If Ms Donnegan says you can't go,

there is nothing I nor Mr Clarkson can do about it.

Talk, all I hear is talk.

You know what, I don't need your talk.

Shall we go in, Miss?

Wait. Five minutes. I'll be right back.

STUDENTS CHATTER LOUDLY

OK, quiet, listen up.

We need everyone to be on their best behaviour at the lab, please.

Remember, you're all ambassadors for Waterloo Road.

Now, Mr Singh and Mrs Abernethy will be supervising

and reporting back on any nonsense. OK?

-Harley Taylor.

-Yep.

-Kacey Barry.

-Yeah.

Richard Barnes.

What are you doing here?

OK, so let them have your normal phone, smuggle this one in.

For what?

Harley, film as much as you can, OK?

We need to see where they keep the animals, how they treat them.

Then you can post it online after the tour.

I've already set up the link.

-Lula, are you sure about this?

-Of course. Are you not?

Eh, yeah.

Good. Harley, don't let me down.

Please.

Ah, nice of you to join us.

I will keep checking the website.

Now we can get on the minibus. Quietly, please.

DOOR OPENS, CLOSES

I know about the council.

Lorraine told me. Well, shouted it at me.

It's immaterial now. Lorraine won't budge. The deal's off

She wants things her own way.

So she's still going to charge fees?

Well, she's digging her own grave.

I just wish there was some way to make her see sense.

Well, I can help you with that over lunch.

Be nice to get out for a bit.

Lorraine's stubborn.

I'm not sure you'll be able to make her change her mind.

No, maybe I won't.

But perhaps someone else will.

In a war, people get hurt. The butchers at Nox.

They need to pay for hurting the innocent.

Mr Clarkson tells me

this passion for animal welfare has come about very quickly.

Has anyone influenced you - a friend, a family member, a teacher?

I can read, you know. The internet?

I had enough. It was time to act.

-Coffee.

-Thanks. Got anything stronger?

Do you know, it feels like you're the only one

fighting my corner here. I owe you.

I support you, Lorraine, but I'm not against Michael.

What?! He went behind my back, he had no right to do that.

Have you ever considered the possibility that

you're both as bad as each other?

No. In my position, you have to know you're right all the time.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Michael, he said that I might lose my job if I didn't help him.

You've lost me.

Follow me.

What's going on?

Nikki, Sonya, could you leave us to it, please?

-What is this?

-Just look at the picture, Lorraine.

This is the newspaper report from the day we opened the school.

Breathing new life into a dying community.

Yeah. And?

We did that.

You and me.

The council were going to knock this building down.

Local kids were being bussed out miles to the new Havelock.

I don't see how any of this is relevant.

Tariq Siddiqui.

A lost kid that we turned around.

His parents could never have afforded to pay for his education.

Jodie Allen. Now in her first term of teacher training.

Look at the slogan, Lorraine.

From the estate to the campus. We did that for her.

Kevin Chalk.

Up to now, he's spent most of his time in the care system

yet he's the brightest kid I've ever had the honour of teaching.

Liberty Gordon, Jade Fleming, Phoenix Taylor,

the list goes on and on.

All kids whose parents have no money that Waterloo Road has

sent on to better things.

Michael. Cut the schmaltz.

You stab me in the back, and I'm supposed to thank you for it?

Lorraine Donnegan, aged 15.

She couldn't have paid for her education.

Let our kids keep their school.

Tell me a bit more about your family. And the pastor.

You told her?

-I had to.

-You had no right!

Lula, please. Mr Clarkson briefed me. It's nothing untoward.

It was in the past, OK?

That's not really what I'm getting at.

Sometimes we bury things from our past. Things we want to forget.

I should not have sent those letters. I know I was wrong.

So you understand that actions have consequences?

Yes.

I behaved badly and I wasn't allowed to go on the trip with

the other pupils.

Lula, will you meet us halfway? Help us find a way forward?

Yes. That would be good.

So we'll set up some more sessions and take things one step at a time.

Sounds like a plan.

OK, you can go to class.

Thank you.

Well?

-All right. I'll see you now.

-About time too.

Right. I want to send a letter out to all parents

and then I want you to call an urgent staff meeting.

-Why? What are you going to do?

-It's none of your business.

And I don't appreciate you giving that article to Michael.

I never. He had it already.

Lorraine, I think you should listen to Michael about the council.

Please don't be pigheaded.

Who said I was being pigheaded? Now just type, will you?

Right.

Dear Parent.

It is with much thought and consideration

that I'm announcing today that Waterloo Road...

I want them separated.

Dynasty and Kevin's relationship is absolutely

none of the school's business.

If you have a problem with who your daughter is seeing,

I suggest you take it up with her yourself. At home.

Well, that's just it, see. She's not at home.

She's shacked up with Little Lord Fauntleroy in some flat

that one of your teachers gave him.

Mrs Barry. Dynasty could do a lot worse than Kevin.

What are you trying to say about my daughter?

This conversation is over.

-You'll regret this.

-I doubt it.

I'm about to talk to the staff. You coming?

That head teacher is a jumped up little plonker.

So nothing came of the timetables then?

Looks like Mr Byrne got rid.

Never underestimate my mother. There's always a Plan B.

Everyone. Can I have a moment? This won't take long.

Michael's convinced me that my fee paying plan won't work.

What are you telling us?

So from tomorrow, this is no longer Waterloo Road,

but the Lorraine Donnegan Institute of Excellence.

What? What are you talking about? Is this a joke?

You swayed me, Michael. Kids like Kevin and Tariq.

They can't afford a private education. So they're all out.

You can't do that.

Just did.

From next term, there will be a 100% fee paying enrolment.

Every pupil will get the benefit of my expertise

and when that generation is out there making millions,

you can all pay me the respect I'm due.

I know some of you won't like my plan.

So this afternoon, I'll be in the deputy's office.

You can either sign up or collect your P45s.

Is she for real?

Just give me a minute.

Blimey. Where did you learn how to type?

Isn't my fault.

Someone was leaning over my shoulder, and putting me off.

I'm going out for lunch.

When I get back, I'll clear my desk.

But can she really change to fee paying? Just like that?

Yeah. It's her school.

After us all trailing up here to keep Waterloo Road alive, she's killing it.

What about the schoolhouse? The kids? Where are they going to go?

Clearly not a priority for Her Majesty.

Well, it's obvious what you're going to say to Lorraine.

I don't know what I'm going to say to her, I don't want to

work in a private school but trying to find somewhere new...

The Lorraine Donnegan Institute for Excellence,

where profit comes before people.

Let's go.

-Oh, what?

-Just don't.

PHONE RINGS

Hi.

What?

Two of them?!

-You're joking?

-What's wrong?

Right, I want them all on that bus and back here immediately!

-I'll be waiting for them. The little cow.

-What's wrong?

Lula Tsibi and her little gang of saboteurs have gone way too

far this time.

Drinking at lunchtime? That's not like you.

Nothing else for it.

Not exactly fighting talk.

What's the point?

I thought I was building something here,

asking all those teachers to join me in Greenock.

And for what?

It's a disaster.

Not just for the school, but for the whole community.

I'm handing in my notice, and I'll do it properly this time.

You're the best thing in that place.

The PRU, the exam results, university acceptances?

It's all because of you.

You should be proud. I am.

Michael?

I meant what I said. About moving.

Yeah, I know, we...we can go anywhere.

Yeah, but that's just it, Christine. I'm not sure where I want to go.

We can decide together.

-Christine...

-We're a team, aren't we?

We're there for each other, we get on, we have a laugh?

Yeah. Of course we do.

You've been my biggest champion.

You know how much I care about you.

Don't...

Look, this isn't easy, all right?

Maybe we've just been there for each other.

-I am still sober...

-That's not all because of me, is it?

We've both been feeling guilty.

You with your drinking and me about my father.

Maybe it's just been an easy fit.

Don't you dare.

I know you probably don't want to hear it,

Michael, but I love you. There, I said it. I love you.

Just a shame you're too wound-up to hear it.

Excuse me.

-A large glass of white wine, please.

-Christine...

For me.

-You!

-Get off me!

I know it was you behind things at Nox.

I don't know what you're talking about.

I poured my heart and soul into this place and for what?

For the likes of you to throw it back in my face?

Well, no more.

This is my school and I want you out of it. Got it?

Oh, and just so you know, I'll be increasing my shares

in Nox Pharmaceuticals as of tomorrow.

You can't do that!

Just you watch me!

Thank you.

Did you have it all planned?

Lunch in a fancy restaurant, let her down gently?

It's not like that.

You really shouldn't have bothered, I'm obviously not worth it.

Christine, I don't think that's a good idea.

SHE SIGHS

You were the one that gave me focus. How could you do this to me?

I'm sorry.

-I do...

-What? Love me?

But let me guess, you're just not in love with me?

I wish I could find the right words.

Christine, you're an intelligent, passionate woman

so I'm not going to lie to you.

You'd see right through me. In fact, I think you already have.

I'm sorry, Christine, but I don't love you.

Just trying to be honest.

No, no, no. You've said quite enough already.

Lula?

There's no video. And Ms Donnegan, she knows.

Sorry, Miss.

We wanted to talk to Lula.

We'll never get the chance now! How could you be so stupid?

I could kill you right now!

-Stop it!

-I told them EXACTLY what to do.

How could they screw it up?

Are you happy now? Leaving the animals to be tortured?

Enough! Lula!

Is she giving you grief?

No. It-it's fine.

You two. Cooler. Now.

I heard all about your little phone japes at the lab. Move.

These animal rights protests are getting out of hand.

-You do know that Lula saw a counsellor this morning?

-No.

If there's anything wrong, I need to know.

There's nothing wrong, Tom.

Good. Well, wish me luck. I'm off to resign.

Have you made up your mind?

I haven't got a clue what I'm going to do yet.

Hey!

-Shouldn't you be in class?

-Just going, sir.

Right, I want an employment lawyer on speed dial, just in case.

This lot are precisely the type to get legal with me.

Cheers.

I don't care how much it's going to cost.

This time next year,

the school is going to be paying for itself anyway.

Lula?

I assume there is a class somewhere bereft of your presence.

Make your way to it immediately, please.

You can't tell me what to do.

Excuse me, young lady, but I think you will find that I can

and I just have. Now, off you go.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Audrey. Take a seat.

Thank you.

Right, let's get to business. In or out?

I'm going to stay.

What with Grantly and everything, I need this job.

-I don't even need to ask, do I?

-Correct.

I just don't know what to say. This is so sudden.

Actually, I'm sorry

but I think I won't be requiring your services next term.

It's not complicated.

It won't be the same without Michael's leadership.

But I suppose Waterloo Road... Sorry,

the Lorraine Donnegan Institute of Excellence

would be rather handy for me.

Your home economics? Well, it's a gimmick and the schoolhouse

doesn't quite fit into my plans going forward.

What about the kids who are living there already?

Some of them have nowhere else to go.

So I take that as a yes then?

Good.

No hard feelings, Tom.

The feeling isn't mutual.

All the best.

Um, Lorraine's seeing people in the deputy's office today.

Yes. Yes, I know that. It's you I've come to see.

I'm going to be staying on here

and a lot of our friends are going to be leaving.

I just think it's important we clear the air and stick together.

I'm so sorry, Audrey. For everything.

Do you know what is worse than a broken heart?

No.

Two.

Do you know? We're going to make one hell of a team

once we clear out the dead wood.

I won't be part of it, Lorraine.

You haven't got the first idea about teachers, about what makes us tick.

Especially not a teacher like Michael Byrne.

It's his lifeblood and you're destroying it.

His passion, his vision.

His ego, more like!

And the Lorraine Donnegan Institute of Excellence isn't about yours?

So you'll be wanting your P45 then?

You just don't get it, do you? This school?

We're trying to build lives, not put bums on seats.

-Hang on a minute...

-Save it!

You talk about the business of education,

but you just, you don't get it.

And it seems there's no teaching you either.

Just take it and go.

You'll be leaving with Michael?

You've got one half of that right.

What?

I am leaving. But...Michael...

I couldn't care less what he does.

Something happened?

You were right all along.

He was always going to put his beloved job first.

You've split up?

Christine, I'm sorry.

Don't pretend you have a heart, Lorraine.

Everybody knows you haven't.

Is it true that you're kicking us out, Miss?

Guess it was only a matter of time before you gave up on us.

But it don't matter, everyone does.

I'm not everyone.

LULA SCREAMS

We can't go attacking people! That's the opposite of what we believe!

You are a fake.

You don't have the courage to do the things that need to be done.

What have I done to you?

I lost control of what I was doing. You're vulnerable.

What do you mean?

Mr Clarkson told me about the counsellor.

-I am fine!

-Lula, you need help.

I don't care what people think of me, OK, I'm not crazy!

Did Lula put you up to this? Running riot at the lab?

She did but we think it's Miss Fairclough telling her to do it.

Mr Clarkson. We need your help!

What's happened?

It's an accident. I'm fine.

I did it. It was me.

What?

Don't listen to her. It's my fault I put her up to this crusade.

I don't understand.

The anti-vivisection protests. It was down to me.

Her campaign was my campaign.

I thought I could control the situation,

but everything's gone wrong.

You need help, Lula. Mr Clarkson will help you.

Won't you, Tom?

I'm more concerned with what we're going to do with you.

I came to the school with a vendetta against Lorraine

and her investments.

I shouldn't have involved you, Lula, I'm sorry.

Lula, go to the pastoral care office. Now, please.

But, sir?

Go on.

I think we better go to the police, don't you?

Whatever you think, I deserve it.

Well, Lula is my priority at the moment.

But I'll drive you to the station,

and you can explain everything to them.

Am I the bad guy here?

You really want me to answer that?

This place is putting years on me.

And I offered you a way to change it.

That's what I love about you, Michael. You never give up.

No. Not when it comes to protecting the futures of my pupils.

Our pupils.

Does this mean?

Call Bain.

Let's make a deal.

DOOR OPENS

Mum?

I just wanted to say,

if you and Mr Byrne are getting married, it's cool.

He's good for you. You're happy and, well, you deserve it.

What's wrong?

KNOCK ON DOOR

Mrs Mulgrew? Mr Byrne would like to see you in his office. Now.

Thank you for joining us, Christine.

Er, is it OK if I call you Christine?

Yeah.

Ms Donnegan's changed her mind.

Waterloo Road is going to be taken over by the local authority.

Leading a school in transition is always difficult.

It requires careful handling

and the respect of both the pupils and their parents.

-And the staff.

-Exactly.

I agree. So what?

I would like you to be the acting head teacher, Christine.

-Michael is the head here.

-Michael is stepping down.

Anyway, he's too much of a maverick for our LA taste.

You were Michael's recommendation.

Christine?

It's...

I'll need some time to think about this.

Of course. Go and have a cup of tea, talk it over with...

Actually, no, I don't need time. You've got the wrong person. Sorry.

Michael's treated you abominably,

but you'd be a fool not to take this chance.

I'm not up to it, Audrey.

Oh, yes, you are. What's the alternative?

Crying in your cups all day?

You step up to the mark.

You take this biggest challenge of your life.

Christine.

Do you think that makes it OK to treat me like this?

Throw me a bone, make me head teacher

and everything will be all right?

No, I recommended you because I think you'll be a great leader.

You know I would never compromise the children's education

by recommending a second-rater.

The job is yours, Christine. Please.

Mrs Collins will be able to see you again tomorrow.

Ms Fairclough and I are going to the police station after school.

What Ms Fairclough did was wrong. She knows that.

And I think you do too.

-What's going to happen to her?

-She's going to get help.

But you need to concentrate on your future, Lula.

What about the animals?

Well, I'm not saying turn your back on the cause.

But there are other less extreme ways of getting your point across.

Maybe we could organise a class debate.

See if we can't convert the non-believers.

Esther?

BELL RINGS

Everyone, I know the bell's gone so thanks for staying behind.

We've all been through the mill over the past few weeks and the

priority now is to restore stability so we can all do what you do best.

That is to learn and to teach.

Mr Byrne and I are leaving the school.

STUDENTS GASP

But, Mr Byrne, you can't leave. You're the best head teacher ever.

Don't go, sir. Stay.

Please, sir. Stay! Stay...

CHANTING Stay, stay, stay, stay!

Stay, stay, stay, stay!

OK, OK, calm it down, calm it down.

Take your seats, come on, thank you. Take your seats.

No, really, thank you, I'm very flattered.

But the school's being taken over by the local authority and

I suppose I got too used to things to let someone else take control.

Now I'd like to thank Miss Donnegan, personally.

Without her vision, her energy and her tireless commitment

and let's face it, her money, we would not have a school at all.

THEY APPLAUD

And because County Hall probably won't, and because I want to,

I'm going to keep on funding Mrs Budgen and the school boarding house.

THEY APPLAUD

It is with great pleasure that I can tell you

that your new acting head will be Mrs Mulgrew.

-Did you know?

-Effective immediately.

-Don't you think I would have said?

-Where is she?

-Michael's office.

I'll be leaving you soon, but before I do, I want to say a few words.

You've all achieved so much this year and I know that

under Mrs Mulgrew's leadership,

you'll go on and achieve so much more.

I'm proud of you.

But Waterloo Road isn't about who sits in the head's office.

No, it's about you guys.

And your classrooms. The PRU. And in the staffroom.

You're the lifeblood of this place.

Pupils and teachers.

You're what makes this place tick.

I'd like you all to remember that.

Mr Bain here thinks that you could be the best school in the county.

I know that you already are. Thank you.

THEY ALL APPLAUD

Ah, here we are. Never miss a photo opportunity, Robert.

Right, all get in. Come on! Get behind us! That's it.

Ready? Right!

Three, two, one! Smile!

It's done.

Don't go.

I'm sorry.

Lorraine?

-Hi.

-Hi.

Did I just do the right thing?

Yeah. You always do.

Except with us, eh?

Ancient history.

-I'll see you around.

-I better go.

Lula!

LORRAINE: Yeah, thank you very much. I can't wait.

Are we OK?

I think we will be.

What now?

-Babe...

-Mum, I don't want to hear it.

I got us on the Julian Noble show.

I called them, told them our story. They want us on.

They think Julian can help us sort out this mess.

You have got to be kidding.

What? The whole country gets to see

what a car crash of a mother you are on TV?

Win-win, I'd say. Right enough. We're in.

-No way.

-Good

Bring it on!

Mum?

Come here.

Just me and you again, Connor.

Me, you and this place.

Michael?

Were we a success?

Well, we built this place up from nothing.

These kids have got a safe place to learn and grow so,

yes, I'd say we were a success.

What's next for you?

Make lots and lots of money. You?

Another school.

If you ever decide you want a proper job, call me.

No, no, Lorraine, there's only ever been one proper job for me -

running a place like that.

Want a lift?

No, I'm all right.

Bye, Lorraine.

Bye.

ENGINE STARTS

I don't think that you and your mum having

a scrap on the Julian Noble show is going to be the key to our future.

If she wants to go on telly slagging me off, then bring it on.

You again?

Imogen can finish out the week and then I'm moving her to Havelock.

-It might be a boycott, I'm afraid.

-About what?

Me.

Our next guests are a family from Greenock who've stopped

communicating because as Mum, Carol, says,

"My daughter's boyfriend has poisoned her mind."

CROWD GASP

What's your problem with me?

I think this school needs strong, clear leadership.

I'm not sure you've got the thick skin required for the job.

We've tried every treatment possible,

and now we have to discuss taking him off the ventilator.

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