Acting headteacher Jack Rimmer hires Oxbridge graduate Andrew Treneman, hoping he can improve their failing status and bring them back from the bottom of the league tables. Colleagues Tom and Lorna tie the knot - but the groom ends up kissing someone who isn't his new wife.
Adam is killed in a car crash on Waterloo Road, which also leaves Holly in a coma. Donte and Chlo are plagued by guilt for their involvement, and suffer malicious taunts from all corners of the playground. Izzie feels awkward after kissing Tom at his wedding reception, while he remains unsure about exactly what he wants. Andrew comes into conflict with Kim, but they soon begin to see eye to eye.
Pregnant student Zoe causes problems for Jack, while Andrew's new scheme to bring a little competition into the school backfires. Lorna considers having an abortion because of Tom's apparent disinterest in being a father, and Chlo visits Donte in prison, where they discuss what will happen if Holly wakes from her coma and reveals the truth about the crash.
Izzie's ex-husband Jimmy causes chaos at the school when he demands access to their children, and Tom confronts Lorna about her miscarriage. Meanwhile, the pupils set up a homework scam to gain more points in Andrew's new house system, but it isn't long before their devious plot is uncovered. Jack wonders about the sudden improvement in the grades gained by Steph's French class.
Lorna tries out a sexy new image in a bid to catch Tom's attention, while Head of English Grantly Budgen suspects one of his students may be taking drugs and approaches Andrew for help. Chlo takes drastic action to convince everyone she was driving on the night of the crash, and Steph stages a break-in to get rid of the suspicious coursework and avoid losing her job.
An education inspector pays a visit and brings bad news regarding the school's future. Jack decides the time has come to let Steph go, but his task doesn't quite go to plan when she threatens dire reprisals unless he rethinks his actions. Meanwhile, Tom and Izzie struggle to fight their feelings for each other and things come to a head when they find themselves alone.
The staff organise an open day in a bid to impress the inspectors, but events take a turn for the worse when gay pupil Rory starts a petition against homophobic bullying. Holly wakes from her coma, and Chlo rushes to her bedside in the hope of finding out what she remembers from the crash. Andrew asks Jack why Steph hasn't been sacked, while Lorna catches Tom and Izzie together.
Tensions run high as the inspectors make their decision about the future of the school, while Chlo's nerves are in pieces as she faces her day in court. Kim speaks to the committee about the terrible incident with Lewis, but they are less than sympathetic to her cause and she contemplates quitting her career - much to Andrew's dismay. Lorna remains heartbroken over Tom and Izzie.
Roger Aspinall clashes with Jack over plans to turn the school into a super academy. Kim has a romantic evening out with Andrew and Tom and Izzie get a huge shock.
When the community turns against the school Jack is forced to step in and help Andrew. Tom is determined to keep Lorna out of his life.
Mika becomes the victim of an Internet hate smear. To spend the night with Donte, Chloe lies. Jack and Brett become rivals.
An ex pupil mugs Steph. Jack and Roger clash when they disagree about the future of the school.
When a pupil is assaulted at the school the police offer some safety tips. Kim decides to set up self defense classes. Lorna is left reeling after receiving some bad news.
Tom's career and relationship is left in ruins after his indiscretion is exposed. After another attack is reported Izzie becomes protective of her daughters. Lewis encourages Maxie to cause trouble.
Davina is given the chance to prove herself in the classroom. A student teacher struggles to keep control. As Lorna attempts to come to terms with her illness she turns to Tom for support.
Davina decides to tell Jack how she feels about him. When a work experience placement goes terribly wrong for Jack and Kim, they are humiliated. Steph speaks up for Maxine which puts her reputation in doubt.
Jack discovers that he is up against Lyndsay Woodham for the position of head teacher at the school. Kim tries to find out why Dale Baxter is always playing truant.
Davina is forced to cover for Lorna after her illness forces her to walk out. Lorna tries to get Tom and Izzie's relationship back on track. Steph causes trouble.
Lorna's death effects both the staff and the pupils. A burger van starts selling junk food at the school gates ruining Jack's plans for a healthier diet for the pupils.
Jerry's ideas start to take place. The burger van continues to supply the pupils with more than just food. Kim decides to be honest with Andrew to stop him from leaving for Rwanda.
New staff members join the team as the school opens for a new year. Jack faces a crisis when the staff threaten to go on strike. Chlo and Donte look forward to walking down the isle.
Jasmine exposes Steph's incompetence whilst dealing with a vulnerable child. Matt holds auditions for the school's musical production.
Jack finds himself in trouble along with the girl's football team when they attempt to raise some funds. Clo seems more interested in Brett than spending time with Dante. Things heat up between Jack and Steph.
Matt finds himself in hot water after Steph keeps quiet about a pupils secret. Davina and Jack take their relationship onto the next stage. Donte's attempts for a romantic surprise go horribly wrong.
Chlo is the talk of the school. Jack is made to offer the lead role in the musical to Aleesha. Davina hears a confession from Jack.
Jack finds his job on the line. Tom finds it hard being a father to the girls.
The staff meet the new head teacher who is on a mission to get rid of all the teachers who don't come up to scratch. Mika feels guilty about Clo's disappearance. Chlo is in danger and Tom races to find her before it is too late.
Eddie finds himself having to make a life or death decision after trying to prove to Rachel she is wrong about him. Chloe returns to school. Rachel finds her attitude putting a boy's life at risk.
Janeece discovers something bad during an archaeological dig and the police launch an investigation. Eddie is forced to face things from his past. Brett hears a secret from Mika.
When Rachel declares that the musical will also be performed earlier in the day for a VIP audience Matt panics. Eddie is shocked when his ex girl friend shows up. The extent of Grantly's personal problems are discovered by Tom.
In an effort to stop Bolton from leaving school Rachel organises a prison trip. Tom tries to stop Chlo and Mika from finding out that he is seeing Davina.
When one of the parents fancies her Davina feels flattered. Rachel's past catches up with her. Mika finds out that Tom and Davina have been having been seeing each other behind her back.
Rachel is forced to give in to the demands of a blackmailer to stop secrets from her past being exposed. Mika is shocked when she catches Tom in bed with Davina.
Jasmine ends up being the person suspended when she tries to break up a fight between two pupils. Things heat up between Brett and Mika. Stuart attempts to say sorry to Rachel but does he really mean what he is saying.
When Matt's mother shows up unexpectedly his secret is nearly found out. Eddie tries to convince Jasmine to fight to save her job.
Janeece is impressed by supply teacher Wilson and the two of the end up disappearing. Rachel is given an ultimatum by Eddie.
Mika goes against Tom's wishes. Rachel is determined to stop Eddie from resigning.
Rachel and the school attempt to stop a pupil from being deported. When Eddie realises that Stuart is mistreating Bolton he sets a trap.
Steph is determined to win back the funding for a new language lab after the money is assigned elsewhere. Davina finds herself having to make a tough decision.
The school faces a terrifying final day of term.
Rachel finds her attempts to improve conditions at the school compromised by the arrival a gun carrying teenager and his family.
Meliisa put her sister's job on the line as well as her own when she looses control during an adult learning class. Eddie isn't happy when he finds out Rachel ignores his orders and went behind his back.
A work colleague accuses Davina of being a racist. One of the pupils gives Tom a hard time.
The on going feud between Tom and Earl Kelly escalates. Melissa holds a speed dating event.
A drugs awareness day is held at the school. Governor Ralph Mellor wants Marley Kelly away from his daughter and expelled from the school and plots to make it a reality.
Matt becomes an emergency foster carer to Sam Kelly but it is harder than he imagined. Donte arranges an underground boxing match featuring Bolton.
Eddie and Melissa's relationship continues to progress but Philip has a secret that could change everything. Eddie has to deal with a difficult situation.
Rachel and Eddie are pleased by the report the school inspectors give the place. Earl, Maxine and Steph are dangered by a tragedy that happens.
Rachel decides to leave the school as Maxine's death is mourned. The staff and pupils attempt to get Rachel to change her mind about leaving. Bolton has an important decision to make which ends up affecting Rachel's decision to leave.
Bolton is given some pills from Rob to try and settle his match day nerves. The Kelly family find themselves out on the street. Eddie is shocked when he learns both Melissa and Rachel's secrets.
Kim Campbell returns to work at Waterloo Road as a new term starts at the school. Rachel holds a careers day at the school.
Grace's uncle pays a visit and ends up causing problems for Kim. Things heat up between Rachel and Eddie.
When some traveller children enrol at the school problems break out. Rose's problems continue to grow. Janeece's boob job is the talk of the school.
Philip feels that he needs to lose his virginity. Flick discovers how Marley betrayed her. When the Home Office show up, Kim is worried.
A pupil decides to get revenge after Tom bring the army into the school. Tom puts his future with Davina in jeopardy to try and save the day. The Home Office investigation into Kim and Grace continues.
A school trip out ends in disaster after Grantly takes a dislike to a popular supply teacher. The pupils back at the school take their exams and Chlo has to make a tough decision.
Steph and Rachel find themselves clashing over a pupil. Donte attempts to convince Clo not to give up the baby.
Two mothers have a life changing day at the school. Kim is finally caught up by the Home Office. Chlo finds her pregnancy cut short.
A mystery illness hits the school on a fund raising day. Andrew Treneman shows up from from Rwanda to confront Kim.
The final of the choir competition is held on the last day of term. Rachel has to try and deal with a vengeful Flick's father. Rachel finds her relationship with Eddie threatened by the return of her sister who claims she is carrying Eddie's baby. Flicks's father goes on the rampage after Flick gets a restraining order against him. Andrew decides against going back to Africa. As the school performs at the choir competition Rachel's puts her life in danger to save the school. Waterloo Road manage to win the final of the competition.
Following the closure of a local private school there is an influx of new pupils at Waterloo Road which leads to clashes in the playground. Rachel finds herself clashing with new executive head, Max Tyler.
The new pupils continue to clash with the old pupils at the school. Bolton is accused by Amy of attempted rape and he is questioned by Kim. Paul ends up being the only person who ends up believing Bolton is innocent. Steph receives a bad appraisal. Kim agrees to go out to dinner with Max.
Danielle and Aleesha show up to school the Rose for wear after a night out drinking. Paul steals some ethanol so that Danielle can have some 'hair of the dog'. Steph finds the going tough working under Jo. To stop her lesson assessment from being spoilt, Steph hides a drunk Danielle in the stock cupboard. Paul and Bolton decide sell the ethanol to the other pupils but they are found out by Max. When Danielle's condition gets worse, Steph is forced to take her to the hospital. Kim and Max try to keep their relationship a secret.
Luke Pendle's home life is exposed which causes him to snap and feel the force of Max's fury. Steph dips out of her teaching course claiming she is feeling unwell. Kim attempts to organise the Waterloo Road Garden Project. Rose tries to help Tom with Josh. Rachel continues to try and help Lindsay. The friction between the girls from the two former schools continues to grow.
The school has an open day and both Max and Rachel are determined to show the school as a united one. Ruby changes the menu and puts the things she has purchased on her husband's credit card. When Ruby returns home she finds the bailiffs there and her husband is forced to admit to her that his company has gone bankrupt. Ruby ends up having a breakdown in front of the pupils and an LEA representative. Max is determined to make sure his affair with Kim remains a secret. Rachel catches them together and admits she has known they are seeing one another for quite a while. Rachel is worried that Max is using the open day to make her look bad in front of the school's governors. Rachel is shocked when she finds out that Max has a wife.
Christopher is worried when one of his best students Vicki begins acting strangely. When he discovers she has been skipping school to work as an exotic dancer he follows her to the club she works. He inadvertently puts his career as a teacher in danger after Vicki issues a threat to him if he tells anyone about what she is up to. Lindsay learns that wont be able to see her mother until the trial is over. Lindsay ends up admitting to Rachel that she had told her mother that her father had been abusing her on the day he was murdered. Ros starts a comedy club at the school. Josh is pleased when his mother and Tom get along over dinner but sparks fly when Georgia reveals details about the way he was conceived. Rachel needs to find somebody new to confide in because of Kim's growing relationship with Max.
When Amy, Siobhan and Michaela are accused of bullying Cassie, it seems the gang problem has returned to the school. Even though the girls say they have done nothing wrong they are sent to the cooler by Kim. After Cassie acts strangely she is taken to the hospital where the doctors believe she has some sort of disorder. Helen's flat is wrecked after some teens discover where she lives. Helen turns to Tom for help and she then considers her future at the school. Max is furious after Rachel tells Kim about his wife.
Helen pays Amy to make sure the class behave whilst she is being assessed. When Helen refuses to give her anymore more money Amy tells Rachel what has been going on. When there are rumours about Max's relationship with Helen he becomes determined to get rid off her. Helen decides to quit and leaves a compromising video with her and Max on for Rachel to see. Chris is shocked when he finds out that Max has being actly threateningly towards Rachel. Lindsay decides not to be part of the girl gang anymore. Rachel is shocked when she watches the video. Max tells Kim he is getting a divorce and convinces her to give their relationship another go.
Rachel goes with Lindsay to her mother trial's but things don't look good. Lindsay admits the truth to Rachel about what really happened the day her father died. After Max hears Steph warning Kim away from him he decides to try and get her fired from the school. Jo ends up backing Steph. When Phillip refuses to help Max they clash and Phillip ends up getting hurt. Rose decides to finish things with Tom. After Rachel returns to the school she gives Steph her job back and an out of control Max trashes her desk.
The governors arrive at the school to see how the merger is going. Max decides to use the day to try and persuade them to fire Rachel. When Rachel realises she cant work with Max anymore she offers her resignation.A talent contest is held at the school to celebrate the end of term. Grantly is upset that nobody has realises he has been teaching at the school for 25 years. Phillip is warned by Max to keep quiet about what happened. Kim is shocked when Phillip admits the truth to her.
Rachel is determined to start the new term on a positive note but an incident with a young pupil makes her realise it's not enough to just educate the the pupils. When one of the pupils is snatched by her estranged father Rachel finds herself in danger.
Ruby is is reluctant to take anti-depressants as her problems continue. When she takes some pupils to a local farm things don't go to plan. The farm is run by pupil Craig's brother and is in deep financial trouble. Mark had asked Craig to cancel the trip but he hopes that Ruby will convince Mark to sell the farm before it is too late. Josh gets sprayed in the face with some dangerous chemicals when things get out of hand after alcohol is drunk by some of the pupils. Ruby is able to bring back the brothers closer again and they decide to do what is best for both of them in the future. Ruby ends up being forced to share her problems with Rachel. Chris and Kim's peer mentoring scheme causes all kinds of problems. Chris offers to go with Kim to her ultrasound on the baby.
Kim clashes with Chris when he introduces an Advanced University Preparation scheme for Ros. Kim thinks that everyone should be able to take part in the scheme. After Michaela stages a protest wanting to be allowed on the scheme, Rachel ends up opening it up to everyone. A new chef is employed by Rachel to double up as Waterloo Road's healthy school coordinator leaving Ruby feeling put out.
Tom plans a party for Josh's birthday. When the whole school learns about Lauren's large birthmark on her back she steals hydrogen peroxide from the science lab to try to bleach it away. Rachel isn't happy when Ruby uses a clothes swap scheme at the school for her own advantage. Rose isn't happy with the ideas Adam is planning on introducing. Steph makes a connection with Oliver.
Chris finds himself being pushed to breaking point by Finn. When Sam and Bolton end up in trouble they grow closer.
Finn continues to cause problems as he persuades Josh and Amy to join him in smoking a legal. Tom is furious when he finds out the truth about Josh hallucinates in class. A humiliated Josh ends up spiking his father's drink with the drug. When Tom drives Kim to the hospital he ends up being involved in an accident and is left fighting for his life.
One of Jo's pupils develops a crush on her and she is shocked when she kisses her. Jo tells Rachel what happened and Ros declares to Jo that she loves her. Ros formally accuses Jo of acting inappropriately when she tells her the feelings are reciprocated. Rachel finds herself forced to suspend Jo who questions her future at the school. Steph wants Ruby to move out after there is tension between them. Adam attempts to help Ruby stop taking the pills she is becoming addicted to. After clashing with Adam, Rachel makes an important decision about her future.
Kim and Chris find their professional and personal relationship comes under pressure when they take Year 10 on a trip to an art gallery. Kim is jealous when Chris's girlfriend shows up and suffers from what she thinks are Braxton Hicks contractions and ends up collapsing in pain. After Cris rushes her to the hospital she has to undergo an emergency Caesarean section. When Adam offers to help Ruby move into her new flat her crush on him grows.
Ruby's husband John announces he wants a divorce and things don't improve at work when Rachel adds to her workload by putting her in charge of organising the school prom. Ruby is upset when Adam announces that he is marrying Rachel and she ends up trashing the wedding cake he has made. Rachel ends up discovering the truth about Ruby's dependency on pills. Sam and Bolton ask different people to the prom in an effort to prove they don't like one another.
After Finn proposes to Amy that they make the ultimate sacrifice to stay together their relationship takes a terrifying turn. Rachel and Adam's wedding day arrives.
Karen Fisher arrives at the school as the new head teacher. She is determined to bring change to the school making it a safe and vibrant place to learn.In her personal life though she is dealing with a recent tragedy. The finds her first challenge is dealing with the arrival of the the Kirbys, sixth former Jonah and 13-year-old genius Ruth who were both previously home-schooled by their father. Ruth ends up running away and the police launch a search for her. Chris Mead finds himself in the middle of a professional crisis after meeting a girl at a club who turns out to a sixth-form student and Karen's daughter.
Karen's husband, Charlie joins her at the school when he starts work as a supply teacher. Harry thinks his father is having an affair after seeing a strange message on his phone. Harry is surprised when new Spanish teacher Cesca answers the phone when he dials the number. Karen refuses to believe Harry when he tells her his suspicions. Jess isn't happy when Chris avoids her.
A new sexual health initiative is run at the school which includes a confidential emergency contraception service. Some of the staff and parents aren't happy with it though. Ronan and his girlfriend, Sarah, are worried as the condom they used split as they had sex, but while Ronan wants Sarah to take the morning-after pill, she's too scared to ask the nurse for the pill. When Jess also needs the pill she ends up persuading Vicki to get it for her. After the nurse refuses to give Vicki the pill when she realises it is not for herself, Vicki and Jess end up in an argument and Vicki blurts out about Jess sleeping around in front of Chris. Karen and Charlie acknowledge his affair and Charlie wants to try and save their marriage.
The Fishers find it hard to stay united on the annual celebration of Bex's birthday. The arrival of a new, gay student causes confrontation and ends up unearthing some difficult truths at the school. Ruby and John discover that they are running out of options and turn to interviewing potential surrogate mothers. When hope seems to running out they are surprised by the identity of the final applicant.
Janeece and Ruby end up coming to blows over the subject of motherhood. Marcus's first day at the school nearly ends in disaster when his approach to teaching ends up uncovering a shocking secret about Ronan's home life. Tom sees his son being picked on by Finn and he is able to persuade him to help out at his lunchtime self-defence class which just ends up adding to Josh's humiliation. Josh is later able to confront Finn alone and hopes they can be friends again.
Cesca finds herself being drawn into a complicated situation that could put an end to her career. Ruby is concerned about Grantly's slovenly behaviour. Ruby is also facing her own problems as Janeece and John's friendship blossoms.
Harry's bulimia condition gets worse with the stress of being bullying and his parent's separation. The tension Jneece and Ruby increases. The school stages the Interschool Debating Contest.
Vicki's home life continues to get out of control. Grantly's stubbornness ends up compromising his abilities as a teacher. Janeece begins to reconsider her decision concerning the baby.
A CCTV classroom scheme ends up backfiring when the cameras are turned on the teachers. Grantly finds himself being helped by a familiar face. Janeece finally ends up confronting Ruby with the truth.
The final day of term arrives at the school and a mysterious hooded figure shows up at the school which ends up having dramatic consequences for the Fisher family. Grantly ends up reaching breaking point as he makes a big mistake in the classroom and learns the cost Fleur's care will be.
There are new staff and students as the new school term starts as well as the launch of a controversial scheme to separate the boys and girls. Bex Fisher continues to keep secret the details of her disappearance as she returns to school.
Janeece finds herself becoming caught up in a complicated mother-and-daughter struggle at the school. An attraction begins as Cesca teaches Jonah Spanish. Grantly's appearance causes attention among both the staff and pupils.
Karen tries to piece together the mystery surrounding her daughter's disappearance. Cesca continues to test the professional boundaries with Jonah. Nate ends up feeling the wrath of his father over his friendship with Josh.
Ruby's political views find her in trouble after a new Polish caretaker arrives at the school. Cesca is finding it even harder to resist Jonah's charms. Janeece and Ronan clash over a stolen test paper. Bex attempts to return to normality despite Hodge being around.
Harry's need for attention ends up veering out of control after he steals Karen's phone and causes problems among the staff. Chris and Karen have their hands full with a business initiative contest. Tom struggles to readjust after he returns to work.
The truth about Bex's disappearance is finally revealed after another pupil discovers a shocking secret. It ends up sending shockwaves around the school and Tom's recovery is tested to the limits when he's forced to deal with the follow on from what has happened. Jonah issues Cesca with an ultimatum.
The school is buzzing with talk of Finn and Ronan's up coming illegal party. Cesca ends up making a life-changing discovery that ends up turings her world upside down. As Bex makes plans to run away with Hodge, her sister pleads with her not to go.
There is excitement at the school as the fashion show gets under way. Ronan's attempts to improve Vicki's self-confidence take an unexpected twist. Cesca and Jonah end up making a decision which will change their lives. Grantly and Ruby end up forming a creative partnership.
Cesca hands in her resignation to Karen. Adanna reveals her latest plan to unite the sexes at the school. Denzil takes part in a life-threatening stunt. Ruby and Grantly's writing partnership is under threat from creative differences.
The day of the school pantomime arrives and there ends up being drama both on and off-stage when Finn gets Kyle kicked off the cast on purpose. Cesca and Jonah decide to get married. The latest stunt pulled by Denzil ends in tragedy.
The new term at the school ends up getting off to a noisy start after Karen shows up and discover sthe alarm going off and her new site manager, Rob Scotcher, taking a casual approach to the problem. After a pulpil at the school abandons and then reclaims her baby, Karen is concerned her, the child and the secret that she's trying to hide.
Martin Dunbar ends up being called a pervert by his classmates after he is caught poring over a lingerie magazine and hanging around the girls' changing rooms. Chris thinks it is just normal boyish behaviour but the truth is much more complicated. Sambuca and her mum end up having to face a harsh reality after they discover the truth about has been causing the headaches she has been suffering with. The sixth formers attend a Careers Fair. Jess and Aiden continue to grow closer as Vicki attempts to hide that she is jealous from her best friend and boyfriend.
After Amy finds out she has a stalker she feels like a celebrity but after things begin to get personal she decides to take her own revenge. After Eleanor reveals who the stalker is, her handling of the situation causes problems for Karen. The sixth formers turn the cameras on themselves for an English project. Rose and Tom can't find the words to tell Sam that there's no cure for her cancer as her friends struggle to come to terms with what is going on.
New girl Evie Prior shows up at the school but something about her story doesn't quite add up. She is soon upsetting the rest of her classmates and causing problems for Karen. Evie attempts to empathise with Finn, who's devastated by girlfriend Sam's terminal illness. The school ends up being forced to deal with the fallout when the truth about Evie is revealed. Eleanor and Daniel have their appraisals as Karen sits in on their classes and finds room for improvement for both teachers.
Karen's new community café prepares to open for the first time and she's invites the Director of Education along for the grand opening. Twins Shona and Rhona cause problems in class after they're caught in the middle of a custody battle between their mum and gran.The twins' gran takes matters into her own hands as the court makes its ruling. Rob's estranged wife, Naomi, warns Karen off her husband in a bid to win him back. Vicki finally sees Aiden's true colours and ends up being forced to admit what happened to Jess and Ronan.
Sam wants to meet the father she's never known before she dies and gets help from Lauren and Finn. Karen wants to promote a positive image of the school and hires Linda Wickes to help put a positive spin on things. Richard Whitman, the Director of Education, shows up unannounced, and he disapproves of both the PR launch and Karen's professionalism.
The sixth form prepare to take their exams and with Richard Whitman on a personal vendetta to see the school close for good there's a lot riding on the exams going well. Sam's memorial service is held and everyone is on edge.
Karen begins to doubt Chris's judgement after he attempts to help newcomer Scout. Chris discovers that she's working as a drug courier and he ends up stepping in to try and rescue her from her family. Possibe redundancies sees the staff concerned about their jobs. Eleanor Chaudry is still spying on the school and Richard Whitman has plenty of inside knowledge that he could use to see the school close for good.
t's decision day at the school and the staff await the Local Authority's decision on whether the school will stay open. Eleanor feels the preusure as she realises the consequences of her actions and Karen discovers what she has been up to. Chris creates some healthy competition between the staff and Year 10s as they help with a local community garden project.
Everyone is geared up as the school gets ready to face an independent inspection. After the lead inspector finds out that Chris has allowed a pupil to spend the night at his house, it's Karen's job that's ends up being on the line. Jess issues Eleanor with an ultimatum. Scout and his brother Liam face being taken into care with their mother still missing. Scout ends up deciding to take matters into her own hands and run away. With the police, Chris and a drug dealer in pursuit, its harder than she thought though.
Charismatic superhead Michael Byrne begins his first day in charge at the school after being brought in by the education authority to turn the school around. Michael is still bearing the scars following an attack at his previous school by the knife-carrying Wayne. Michael is shocked when his ex-pupil is acquitted of attempted murder and he vows to get revenge. Phoenix and Harley Taylor start at the school and the day begins in tragedy after they discover the death of their nan. The brothers decide to keep her death a secret so that they wont be sent back to live with their abusive father. The pupils find themselves being confronted by an influx of trouble-makers from the nearby estates.
Jez and Sian Diamond plan a dinner party so that they can try to get to know their colleagues better but the unexpected arrival of Jez's estranged children, Madi and Zack throws everything up into the air. Michael's A-level recruitment drive sees him at loggerheads with Grantly. Scout's enthusiasm for the guitar touches Matt. Vicki ends up being inspired to retake her A-level sciences, but after Ronan throws a surprise house-warming party it highlights the differences between them.
Michael unleashes his new secret weapon on the school who is the new Head of English Linda Radleigh. Grantly is not happy that she was appointed without the job even being advertised and Tom atttempts to placate him. Linda agrees to keep an eye on Emily James on the day her sister, Lindsay, is due to be released prison. After Emily manages to give her the slip, Linda is soon back on her trail. Jez announces a new lunchtime Fit Club and Michael attempts to get closer to Sian over drinks.
The schhol is involved in a rugby clash with St Mary's and Jez, under pressure to deliver a victory that he's promised Michael, turns to ex-pro Ken Watling for help. Things end up coming to head between Vicki and Ronan and after Vicki hurts herself, Sian becomes suspicious that Ronan is hitting her. Phoenix is happy after Nelson gives him with a moped for his birthday.Professional boundaries end up being crossed for Linda and Michael when she makes him an indecent proposal.
Scout is pleased after Mia, a mid-twenties MS sufferer, offers her the position as a live-in carer. Matt organises a special orchestra project but is not pleased after Michael insists that Tariq is included. Michael attempts to keep his distance from Linda. He is concerned though when Sian accepts Linda's help to input the grades. Linda ends up confessing to Sian about their tryst. Michael finds his world being rocked even further by the sudden arrival of Wayne.
After Madi is mugged on the way to school, a furious Jez responds by beginning boxing classes. They are short-lived though when Zack floors Harley and Michael intervenes. Tariq is attempting to recruit prefects, but Michael changes tack after seeing Tariq's ju-jitsu moves on Jez and wants him to give self-defence classes instead. Michael finds himself under pressure after concealing the CCTV footage of what happened with Wayne.
Michael is appreciative of Sian's support after a newspaper article lets it known what his salary is. He ends up confiding in her about his house being broken into, but is shocked after video footage of his fight with Wayne is emailed to him. Tom is not happy after he finds out that a teaching assistant called Greg has been brought in by Linda to assist him. Rosie tells Matt she's pregnant and ends up coming up with the idea that they draw up an agreement of what is expected.
Margaret Harker, the wife of a local entrepreneur, is at the school to decide whether to make a sizeable donation. Michael finds it difficukt to keep focused after he finds out that it is Phoenix who has been emailing him the video footage. Sian informs Michael that Linda knows about their affair and he finds it hard to keep up his professional façade in front of Margeret. Freddie is hoping to make a full recovery after his heart transplant as he returns to mainstream school. He soon becomes an easy target in class. Ronan and Finn attempt to repair their broken hearts by planning to get some girls at Phoenix's house party but things don't go to plan.
Viv O'Donnell, a local radio DJ superstar, hosts her live radio show at the school. Everybody is excited about having a masterclass in radio journalism from her except her daughter Andi who shies away from her mum's limelight. Sian and Michael end up getting up late, having spent the night together in a hotel. Jez steals Sian's car keys to check her GPS, only to find out that she has lied about where she has been. After confronting Sian, she ends up admitting the truth about the affair she has been having. Trudi gets a hard time from Finn after it is accidentally revealed that her dad has marriage plans for her with a family friend.
It is the final day of term and things begin badly for Michael after he discovers a threatening note on the dashboard of his car. Jez's unexpected arrival during the staff briefing ends up ruining any chance that the prize-giving will be the focus of the day. Grantly lets Michael know that Jez will be making a formal complaint to the governors about his affair with Sian. Jez takes Madi and Zack out of class to take them to Ireland. Wayne slips in to school with revenge on the agenda and Michael finally gets a chance to confront his stalker.
It’s the first day of the new term and Sian, who is covering for Michael, has her work cut out after the school is infiltrated by a local gang called the DSC. Tariq’s efforts to turn over a new leaf are tested by the arrival of new pupil called Mason who soon makes it clear that he expects Tariq to join the DSC. Jez is the prime suspect in Michael’s hit and run, but with his marriage back on track he’s worried that Sian will find out he was with Janeece.
The head boy and head girl elections are being held but Lauren has other things in her mind as she sets her sights on starting a modelling career. After she attends an audition, she is told that she’s not right for them and that surgery could help her. She ends up thinking of a moneymaking scheme to raise the money but Josh makes her reconsider her decison. Trudi ends up clashing with Michael over his anti-gang measures. Josh’s drug problem sees him getting into serious trouble with Tom.
Josh’s promise to give drugs for good ends up being tested after his former dealer Grady gets in touch and his drug problem begins spirals out of control. Tom is furious after he finds drugs in his son’s pocket and their relationship becomes tested. Tom has to oversee the selection process for the new Head of English and the two candidates, Vanessa and Nicki, are soon put to the test.
Zack believes that Jez isn’t his real father and decides to have a DNA test reformed to confirm his suspicions. Jez is upset after he finds out, but discovers that he shares Zack’s paternity fears. Jez ends up telling Zack that he loves him no matter what and the pair grow closer. After Josh’s behaviour starts to become increasingly erratic, Nicki urges Tom to get some professional help. Matt is concerned that he could lose Martha after he finds out that Rosie is moving away with Alex.
Grantly manages to prove that he will do anything for Fleur after her health deteriorates. Trudi's world ends up being plunged into crisis with the shock discovery that she is pregnant. Nicki encourages Tom to be honest with Josh about his problems.
The school fun run is held and Jez’s star athlete, Mercedes, has been training hard in an effort to impress him. After she’s injured on the run she manages to persuade Jez to take her home and after misreading the signs, she attempts to kiss him. Jez’ s life begins to unravel and Sian later reveals her true feelings about their relationship. Trudi comes to a decision about Finn. Grantly returns to work, justy a week following the loss of his wife.
Josh is finding it hard to cope with the workload as the exam season begins at the school. With no medication his mental health starts to spiral out of control and he becomes obsessed with an old plague pit under the schoo'. After some of the girls play a trick on him, he begins to believe that spirits are attempting to contact him. Janeece’s wedding day arrives and nothing seems to be going right. Jez ends up moving out and Trudi and Finn both make a potentially life changing decision.
Shelby is desperate for alcohol having spilt her secret stash of vodka on the morning of her art exam. She manages to make it to the exam, but without being able to get her fix she finds it hard to concentrate. Shelby ends up suggesting to Madi that they go to the pub to celebrate her birthday. Alan Dixon is atthe school to conduct a review for the Local Education Authority. Jez ends up realising that he needs to prioritise his relationship with his children. Janeece ends up taking some drastic measures when she finds it hard financially. Finn manages to fall further under the Murray gang's influence.
Scout is about to marry asylum seeking pupil Danilo and she is having doubts but her mother persuades her to go through with it. Scout becomes jealous after Danilo flirts with Em and ends up calling the wedding off. Danilo is able to convince Scout that he does like her and he thought she didn’t like him. Phoenix tries to persuade Scout not to go ahead with the wedding. After Danilo fails to show up to football practice, Phoenix ends up letting it slip to Tom about the wedding and there is a race against time to find the happy couple. Finn finds himself being pressured into committing an act of retaliation on Tariq’s gang. Lorraine continues to chase Michael about her job offer.
Josh ends up being involved in gang fighting and ends up on the receiving end. Waterloo Road in Rochdale may be closing, but Michael has big plans to keep the school alive in a new way.