I'm so sorry, my hand... it just slipped.
In school, I'm your teacher, all right? No, what you are is a prat.
It's time to stand on your own two feet.
Kim is going out with the boss...
and I don't mean Rachel Mason.
I don't want you for my father.
It's very simple, Max,
you're either divorced or you're not, which is it?
Waterloo Road happened, I don't know how much more of it I can take.
Don't play the victim, Rachel, it doesn't suit you.
I am an intelligent, successful woman.
I'm a good teacher and today is going to go smoothly.
COUGH
Morning.
Give me half an hour and we can drive in together?
I can't wait that long, I've got some paperwork to catch up on.
I'm going to jump in the shower.
I'll see you at work then, yeah? Yeah.
Kim. Max, if you've got anything to say, tell me in the management meeting.
Let's try and keep this professional, OK?
Miss, when's your next party?
Well, just check your diary and get back to me, yeah?
Check out Hopewell's ugly mug.
Can I see that, please.
Don't worry, Miss, it's not like anyone's seen it or anything.
Yeah, it's not like it's on half the mobiles in Rochdale.
Oh, what a space cadet.
Hey, you need to do better than that if you want to play for City.
Not like you to be in this early.
Yeah, well it's better than hanging round at home.
Things'll get better between you and your mum, you know.
Whatever.
Over here!
Morning. Good weekend, everyone?
Yeah, not bad, you know.
Shall we start?
As I'm sure you're all aware, Mr Walker from the LEA's coming in
today to assess Helen Hopewell's performance.
Yeah, since when do we need an outside adjudicator to inspect our own NQT's?
Well, I think it's fairer to get an impartial opinion.
Meaning you two don't see eye to eye on the subject?
I would like Helen to pull this off as much as anyone else but,
you know, with the party debacle, and all her other disasters...
I've got serious doubts.
How do you rate Helen's performance, Max?
Well, I think that she's got potential.
Yes, but as we have all seen this term, that potential hasn't come to fruition has it?
Isn't the point of getting an outside inspector so that he can judge whether she's up to the job or not?
You know, maybe none of us are objective enough to be able to judge the people we work with every day.
Is there any other business to discuss or should we wrap it up?
Er no, I've got something. The end of term's coming up,
I thought it might be nice to celebrate, show just how far the school's come since the merger.
Sounds good. Mmmm.
Yes, I think it's a great idea, Kim, leave it to me.
So, if we've finished...
Well, great meeting, everyone. I can't wait for the next one.
Ey! I've got a bone to pick with you, young lady.
Why? What've I done? Next time you decide to have a wild party, I would like to be invited.
Even if it is for the under 16s.
I had hoped all that would be forgotten.
Well, that's the thing with modern technology. Nothing's ever forgotten.
Ey, don't worry.
I'm sure having the authority and common sense of a traumatised dormouse
won't impact negatively on your LEA review.
Excuse me. Another one bites the dust.
It's just an inspection... we've all had 'em.
Mmm, but we can teach our way out of a paper bag.
Don't you think you should go after her?
Someone should check she's OK, yeah, looked to me like she was heading towards the Ladies.
I'm not saying you need to hold her hair back, just give her a pep talk.
I mean, this is your first term as the head of department, Tom.
I'm not saying this assessment's the be all and end all of everything
but if she fails it ain't going to look good, is it?
For either of you.
RETCHING
Are you all right in there?
Fine, thanks.
Must've had a dodgy prawn or something.
What, for breakfast? How very modern.
We all get nervous before inspections.
Especially when you're just starting out.
This is different.
I've made so many mistakes since I've been here.
Failing this inspection is the last excuse Rachel needs to get rid of me. Stop worrying.
Max has done so much to help me.
The last thing I want to do is make him look bad.
You know, Max only champions the best.
Today is going to be a walk in the park.
I've seen Rottweilers with less bite than the three of you in there this morning. It was nothing.
Nothing? Right. That's why you practically ran out the room.
Chris,
I told Kim.
Judging by the arctic conditions we endured earlier, I'm assuming she didn't take it too well.
No, she didn't. Well, she as good as accused me of lying and before I knew it, Max was...
Max was what? Erm...
Fine, if you won't tell me I'll go and ask him.
I really don't want to make a big deal out of this. I won't over-react.
Max came round. He came to your house?
And we had words.
And, well, he might've, you know, pushed me a bit. He pushed you?
I don't believe this. I knew that Max had a temper, but...
Are you OK? Yeah, I'm fine.
A bit shaken up. Don't really want to be in a room alone with him.
Well, you won't be. Not till I've put him straight about a few things, anyway.
No, no, no, I really need to deal with this myself, Chris.
You know, we've got a school to run here.
The last thing I need is you and Max at loggerheads.
He shouldn't be coming round to your hou...
Thank you for the offer, but no.
Don't make me pull rank on you.
Here we go, an inspector calls.
Ros, Ros, have you done that essay for Clarkson yet?
Where's the rest of them? Who?
Can't remember the last time I saw you without your year ten cheer squad.
Yeah, well maybe I'm sick of hanging round with them. They're just kids.
I know. How come it's took you so long to realise that?
All right, why you being so moody?
Just cos you don't want to hang round with them any more,
doesn't mean you can pick up where you left off with me.
Mr Walker? Hello, I'm Rachel Mason, head of the school and this is, Christopher Mead, my deputy.
Lovely to meet you both. Right, I'll leave you to it.
OK. Shall we go? Yes.
I told you, I want it to be a surprise.
I'm gonna take you out tonight for a pizza, treat you.
You can't afford that. Been saving up.
Don't you two ever get sick of sucking face?
Yeah, we're talking here. Yeah, and we need to talk about tonight.
I've seen these wicked shoes and I need everyone's opinion.
She can't tonight. Uh, who asked you?
Well, the pizza'll still be there tomorrow night.
Morning, Miss. Thanks for the party and that.
We had a great time, didn't we?
We can go shopping anytime.
I don't get you sometimes, you'd think some lad was more important than your mates.
Uh, hello!
Are we invisible or what?
Helen, Mr Walker from the LEA.
You must be Miss Hopewell.
Would you like to wait in my office? Yes, of course.
Yeah, OK. Mr Davis would you mind leading the way to my office?
Yes, of course, this way. Thank you. Thank you, I'll be right behind.
(Helen!) Sorry, it's just... when he came over,
I didn't know what to say...
Hello would be a good start, wouldn't it?
Look, you're not doing yourself any favours getting in a state like this.
Why don't you go and get a cup of tea from the staffroom, try and calm down a bit, you know.
Yeah. Yeah, erm... OK, thanks.
Thanks, Rachel. That's all right.
Miss Hopewell looked like she was gonna puke on his shirt then.
Yeah, must be dead important.
What do you think? Hot off the press, I'm making this a priority?
Yeah, it's a good idea.
Used to be a tradition at John Fosters.
No reason why it shouldn't work here too.
Nope.
This was the sort of thing you were talking about, yeah?
Yeah, yes, it's just the kind of thing.
Oooh, you're moving into pastoral care, are you, Max?
You'll be running this place single handed.
It's all Kim's idea,
a good way for the kids to let off steam.
Chris, you used to help out with the show at John Fosters, didn't you?
Yeah, but I've got a lot on my plate at the minute. I don't think I'll have time to help.
Oooh, don't worry, Max, because, you know, I can do it, if you want a hand.
Excellent, thank you, er, the auditions are this afternoon.
I need some judges to separate the wheat from the chaff.
Well, it's supposed to be fun, there's no reason why we can't keep the standards high.
Any other volunteers?
Not like you to take an interest in extra-curricular activities, Max.
Oh, I wouldn't say that.
Sorry, Grantly, have you got something to say there?
All right, everybody, listen up, I'm only gonna say this once.
Clearly you've all been informed about me and Max.
Cheers for that, by the way, Steph.
Ey, they didn't all hear it from me.
Well, just so we're all reading from the same page,
you can stop your gossiping, because it's over.
Me and Max are no longer together.
So why don't you all stop behaving like kids and get back to being teachers?
Ooh, someone woke up on the wrong side of no-one this morning.
Shut up, Grantly.
Thanks for volunteering.
You and Ruby are doing the auditions.
Kim, I'm so sorry. There's nothing worse than gossip, especially when it's not the whole story.
You're lucky that I didn't tell them the whole story.
Cos it wouldn't do your reputation much good, everyone knowing you're still married, would it?
You sounded pretty definite in there.
About us being over.
Max, don't look so down in the mouth about it.
I mean, it's not like you're single, is it?
DOOR OPENS
Hi, Miss Hopewell. Just said hello, didn't mean to scare you.
Can you go, please, Amy? I'm busy.
Who was that guy you were talking to earlier, Miss?
Was he here to inspect the school or something?
Not the school, no.
Is he here to inspect you?
Are you nervous?
I would be.
Don't worry about it, though.
You'll be all right. As long as no-one starts acting up or anything.
Well, if only wishing made it so.
Do you want me to tell everyone not to mess about?
What?
I could, y'know. They'd listen to me.
I don't think so, Amy.
Oh, come on, Miss. Not like anyone would know.
And it's only for one day. Don't see what the harm is.
And what do you get out of this?
50 quid should be enough.
And you could, er...
you can,
you can really make the whole class behave?
I've only got 20 quid on me.
You're just lucky I like you.
What's your talent then? And mouthing off doesn't count.
Take it seriously, why don't you.
If you're so clever why don't you sign up?
No problem. If anyone in this school's got talent, it's us.
Being repellent to the opposite sex isn't a talent.
Cow!
Don't worry about her.
Oh, for heavens sake. There must be 50 names here.
See you at lunchtime, Sir, and we don't expect any special treatment.
Yeah, I mean, we know you can spot talent when you see it!
Hey, I've just came to wish you luck with the inspector.
It's just a formality, no biggie.
I know, but it might've seemed like I've been distracted lately
but I am your Head of Department so if there's anything you ever need.
Tom, relax.
Mr Walker seems like a nice enough chap.
Today's going to be a breeze. Trust me.
Great.
The merger must have really changed the landscape around here.
New pupils, new teachers.
I like to think Waterloo Road can handle anything thrown our way.
Still, it can't have been easy. Two schools under one roof.
Yeah, but we're one school now and we seem to be doing OK.
But you still felt the need to bring in an impartial inspector to assess Miss Hopewell's performance?
It's left here, Mr Walker. Thank you.
Here. Keep your lot quiet, yeah?
Or what? This is easy money, right? Don't wreck it.
Quietly, guys, please.
Hopewell must be so desperate.
THEY CHATTER
You two, shut-up, some of us are trying to learn here!
Glad to see you're all ready to work.
Let's get down to it, shall we?
Today I want to talk a little bit about the different ways in which we use language.
Now, I don't just mean speaking or reading.
What I mean is what we intend to do to other people using the tool of language.
OK, Helen?
Carry on, Miss Hopewell. Don't mind me.
Since when can anyone just wander in here?
Amy, turn to the front, please.
Mr Walker's here to keep an eye on me, not you.
Yes, Miss Hopewell.
Persuasive language? How's it used... anyone?
Yes, Sambuca Kelly? To change someone's opinion.
Excellent. Yeah, well done.
BELL RINGS
Sit tight. Won't be long.
Well, if Miss Hopewell's anything to go by, you've got yourself an extremely good school here.
Well, glad you think so. Course I never had any doubt. I did hand-pick Helen myself.
Yes, she was in control, calm, seemed to relate well, articulate well.
Sounds like future Head of Department material to me.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Still, credit where credit's due.
Would you like to break the good news to Helen, or shall I?
DOOR OPENS
Oh, my God, I failed, didn't I?
You did really well, Helen.
Aren't you a bit old for video games?
No, it's for Josh, not me.
Things aren't too good at home, he needs something to put a smile on his face.
You know, me and my Maxine, whenever she was in a mood or one of us was a bit down,
we'd curl up on the sofa, with a big bar of chocolate and have a good old moan.
Somehow I don't think me and Josh curled up on the sofa
plaiting each others hair is gonna be any good to either of us.
Why don't you do boys things with him, eh?
Kick a football about, make mud pies or whatever.
It's not what you do, it's the spending time with him that's important.
They're kids, they'll never admit it, but often that's all they want.
I passed! Well done.
God, I am so relieved.
Check which way the water's running down the plughole.
The world's upended itself. I passed!
Someone's happy.
I've just got to go and check on my next class.
Well, it's about time we started seeing why everyone at John Fosters was so mad about her.
Well, I'm not sure they were.
I thought she was a bit of a star at the last place.
I'm going to take my coffee and walk away from that one. Hey, come on.
I mean, you said yourself, I'm new at this Head of Department thing.
If you know something about Helen, it might help me to help her.
I just know that the Head of Department at John Fosters didn't really rate her.
Wouldn't have employed her to make the tea.
Well, maybe Max saw something in her that he didn't?
Max Tyler has always been very supportive of his staff.
That's just the way he does things.
Yeah, I'm sure that's it.
Rose. Hey. You couldn't do us a favour, could you, love?
Make us up two packed lunches for later?
Oh, you're too good to queue with the rest of them, are you?
I've got a field trip planned, just me and Josh.
How does cheese no pickle grab you?
You're a star.
And you're not going to tell me where you're going? An old Clarkson family haunt.
Amy. Look, you really shouldn't be in here at break time.
Just came to see if you're pleased with how the inspection went.
Yeah. Yeah, our little arrangement seemed to work well, thank you.
But you really should be going.
50 quid a week and you won't get any trouble off anyone. Ever.
No.
We agreed that this was a one-off.
Doesn't have to be.
My mum's dead tight and, well, a girl's got to look good, hasn't she?
Amy, I can't give you any more money.
Miss, you need me.
You passed one inspection, so what?
You need help on a daily basis. Think about it.
Every day, kids running wild, no-one learning anything, Mason on your back the whole time.
D'you really think no-one's going to notice? It's not going to be like that any more.
There are people in this school who believe in me and I'm not going to let them down.
Miss, don't be daft! Why don't you just hand it over?
Why are you making such a big deal about it?
Amy, I said no.
And I meant no.
BELL RINGS
Er, guys, straight to your desks, please settle down!
So, get any more money off Hopewell then, or what?
Well, there's no point not telling us,
she won't keep paying if we don't keep quiet.
Why don't you just tell them, Amy?
She got nothing. Hopewell wouldn't give her any.
She's not gonna get away with it.
Oh, yeah and what are you gonna do?
Well... So much for big tough Amy, might just have to get a paper round like the rest of us.
Stick to following Lindsay round, eh? Least she gets stuff done.
I'm gonna get Hopewell for this. Why can't you just leave it?
We're going to teach her not to mess with us. Amy, no!
What'd you mean no?
I don't want to. But we're a gang.
Yeah? Well, maybe I don't want to be any more.
Yes? Miss Mason? Amy, yeah, come in.
How can I help you?
There's something I need to tell you. It's about Miss Hopewell.
You may as well give up everyone.
Cos the stars of the show are in the building! Whatever.
Josh, I need to borrow you.
Catch you up in a sec, yeah?
You're going to need these. Come on.
I hope you're planning on auditioning after doing all the hard work.
Mr Budgen said we won't have to audition.
Said if we help out with the judging, we'd get a free pass.
Did he? Mr Budgen, could you come here a minute, please?
Problem, is there?
Mr Tyler asked us to judge the auditions, not the sixth-formers.
It's called delegation and it's also called me eating my lunch in peace.
Nice try. I am afraid that we are going to be judging the auditions, it's on Mr Tyler's request.
But I've been practising my Simon Cowell all morning. And it's a yes, from me.
But I'm afraid it's going to be a no from me.
Let us not disappoint the little children, Ms Fry.
You ought to be licking my boots for this.
No. Because when I say I'm going to do something, I do it.
Can't all four of us can be judges?
Oh, yes, fine. That includes you, so sit down.
She's gone mad.
Let me guess...Amy. She always has to take things too far. Why can't she just leave it alone?
I don't know what you're going on about.
This morning, Amy had this idea...
I don't want to know. Look, I want to be with you, not Amy.
Come and find me when you've got time for someone else.
Judges only, the queue's outside. Look, I'm sorry, all right?
Is that meant to be an apology?
Well, I want us to be mates but I'm not gonna beg.
I've gone out my way so many times for you.
And you just turn your back and run off with your stupid gang.
Yeah, well, I said I'm sorry.
Maybe I don't believe you.
Right, ready?
Who's first, please?
Where are we?
My grandad's old allotment.
I spent most of my evenings up here as a kid.
I thought you might be interested in where the Clarkson men used to spend their time,
now that you are one.
Here you go.
Just give it a chance, eh?
Cheese, no pickle.
Don't say I never spoil you.
Second thoughts, might as well stay for a bit, now we're here.
I'll say this for you, you're definitely a Clarkson.
TUNELESS # Somewhere over the rainbow
# way up high. #
Next!
HE MAKES NOISES
How crude! Next!
Can you just get off, please.
Is this your card?
Next.
There's something about this allotment.
Doesn't matter what's going on in the rest of the world,
up here, it's just peace and quiet.
You sound like an advert from the fifties.
Maybe I should've bought you that video game, eh? What?
You was gonna get me a game? But, oh, no, you decided to bring me here instead?
Yeah, I did.
Anyone can buy you things, can't they?
Only I can show you where you come from.
And this is it, is it?
This is it.
This allotment, that old shed..
..my mum's house.
You being my son has a lot more to do than just you and me.
You've got a whole family out there you haven't met
and I intend to make you feel a part of that
if I have to drag you round Rochdale every lunchtime till you're a grown man.
Don't I get a say in this?
No, you don't.
So us Clarksons, not related to any footballers or multi-millionaires?
I had a cousin who played reserves for Wigan Athletic.
No, we're not high flyers.
You can live with that, can you?
Yeah, I can live with that.
I don't mind pickle for the next time.
Who choreographed that?
I'd rather not say.
Never, ever do that again.
Do you understand? Yeah, all right!
Has anyone got a pen handy?
Or a pencil, anything that I can lobotomise myself with.
Wonderful. Just what we need a perfectly innocent musical instrument murdered in cold blood.
This is my favourite piece.
Can you play gangsta rap on the flute?
Shhh!
SHE PLAYS "Summertime"
That's between you and your wife.
What did you think, that you could just get divorced and I'd forget about all the lies?
I don't expect to be forgiven.
I know you well enough to know that promises and gestures aren't going to get me very far.
Because of what we had...
..I don't want to be married to someone I'm not in love with.
That's not enough for me any more.
You made me see that.
So you accept that it is over between us, then?
I'll never accept it, because it's not what I want...
..but I respect your decision.
The fact that you're your own woman is one of the reasons why I fell in love with you.
I can hardly be surprised if you won't put up with what I've done.
I love you.
And I've ruined what we could have had.
I'm going to have to live with that.
Are you serious?
You're going to get a divorce even if we're not together?
And for the record...
..I'm sorry if your getting involved with me has compromised your position at this school.
Sorry. Can we just have a minute, please? Actually, no.
Amy Porter's just been to see me and I know why Helen passed that inspection.
MICHAELA'S FLUTE PLAYING CONTINUES
Michaela, that was... Fantastic.
Hiya. Oh, if it isn't Waterloo Road's star teacher! Well done!
I just came to say thanks for earlier and I'm sorry if I got in a bit of a state.
And, hey, what do you reckon to an after-school book club?
Oh, yes, well, mention it to Max.
Oh, there'll be no stopping you now!
Helen, Rachel needs a word in her office.
Actually there's something I want to run past you, if that's OK.
Now, I know book clubs can be a bit fuddy-duddy... Now, please.
These days, even those that can't teach, teach.
Now, Grantly, just cos Helen shows more aptitude for the profession than you.
Well, being Max's little pet project doesn't make her a good teacher.
Could have got the job the old-fashioned way for all we know.
I mean, through a rigorous application process, of course.
Still, it wouldn't surprise me. We know how he likes to mix business with pleasure.
Idle gossip's one thing, Grantly, but casting aspersions on Max's professionalism...
You ought to be ashamed of yourself.
So, Helen, you didn't pay Amy Porter to keep the class quiet during your inspection?
No.
I mean, she did offer.
But I didn't accept! That's what this is really about.
Amy wanted money, I wouldn't give it to her and now she's out to get me.
It's vindictiveness, pure and simple.
Amy hasn't got the best track record when it comes to telling the truth. The girl's a compulsive liar.
Surely we're not about to let her ruin a young promising teacher's career?
This is a serious accusation. But I'm telling the truth!
No-one's saying you're not. Unfortunately it is your word against Amy's.
I'm going to need to investigate it.
My hands are tied. I'm sorry, Helen, I'm going to have to suspend you
just until I can complete the investigation.
Surely we don't have to go as far as to suspend anyone.
Common sense can prevail, can't it?
Fine.
But you're not to teach any pupils until this is sorted out, am I clear?
Mr Tyler's so keen on keeping you in the school and you can stay in your classroom and catch up on marking.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Right, I want you all to split into pairs
and to describe something to your partner.
It can be a place, it can be a person, anything you want, but no English!
I don't have a partner, Miss.
Right, well, OK, come up and work with me.
Grab a chair.
Must be your lucky day, Siobhan.
Miss, how do you say, "Siobhan Mailey likes hanging out in the park with boys"?
How about you describe something else, Amy, and leave Siobhan out of this?
Miss? How do you say, "Siobhan Mailey never says no"?
That's enough, Amy!
Luke Pendle's good at French isn't he, Miss?
One more word and it'll be straight to the cooler, madam.
Carry on!
Max...
Max, there's something you need to know. And what would that be?
Some people, naming no names...
OK, it's Grantly Budgen, right. He seems determined to ruin your reputation.
And I'm not talking about gossiping about you and Kim. This is a whole other matter.
I wouldn't pay much attention to what Grantly says. I certainly don't. And neither do I.
But other people might.
There's a suggestion that your interest in Helen is something other than professional.
And that only got her job here because you and her are special friends.
It's ridiculous, I know, but you know these things, they have a habit of going around.
Some people are not as professional as you and I, Max.
The last thing I want is your fine standing in this school to be compromised.
Thank you, Ruby, thank you.
BELL RINGS
Thought you could just walk away, did you?
You didn't have to say all that in front of everyone.
Maybe I just wanted to give you a taste. A taste?
What are you on about? A taste of what it would be like with no mates. So what's it gonna be? In or out?
Oh, just ignore her, Siobhan.
The two of you will be best friends again by morning.
Might have a problem with Helen Hopewell.
OK.
She's incompetent and it'd be best for everyone if she left Waterloo Road as soon as possible.
She passed the inspection?
People are talking, gossiping about why I appointed her.
You appointed her because she was right for the job...didn't you?
This is awkward for me.
I've just put my neck on the line defending Helen to Rachel Mason
and now I find that my motives are the talk of the staffroom.
This is about protecting my professional reputation.
Well, if it's all above board, I don't see how a bit of gossip can do you any harm.
It's complicated.
Complicated.
How?
There was an indiscretion.
What kind of...?
You didn't sleep with her?
I know it's unprofessional, but let's not pretend it never happens.
You gave her the job because you were sleeping with her.
Chris, I need your support on this.
Let me get this right.
You've been sleeping with this girl
and now she's become a liability, you want me to help you get rid of her?
I'm doing what's right for this school.
No, you're doing what's right for you.
Was threatening Rachel Mason for the good of this school as well?
Were you lying to Kim about your wife for the good of this school?
I agreed to keep the details of your marriage quiet
so you could maintain your professionalism, not dupe a colleague into having an affair.
That's none of your business.
I'd like to keep it that way, but I am the deputy head
and you're starting to run this school like your own personal empire.
Well, if I am, it's because I care.
And because this place is sorely lacking in leadership.
Yeah, yeah, I used to believe that.
I used to think that your problem with Rachel was professional,
but it's becoming more and more obvious that this is personal.
You are the executive head.
You have other schools to be looking after, yet here you are, every single day.
What are you still doing here, Max?
Apart from dragging more members of staff into the mess that is your personal life?
You'd really stand by and see Helen Hopewell wreck my career?
Ruin everything I've worked for?
Whatever's happening, whatever trouble Helen's causing for you, you've brought it on yourself.
Then I suppose I'll have to deal with it myself, won't I?
I suppose you will.
And, Max?
The next time I hear about you threatening a teacher in their home,
even if they don't report you to the board,
I will.
Where've you been all day?
Around.
Totally blanked me earlier.
Siobhan's being a right cow. You'd think she was too good for us all of a sudden. Who cares? You what?
Amy, you're just a daft little kid playing games.
Got Hopewell sent to the Head's office earlier. Wasn't playing games then, was I?
And what happened?
Yeah, exactly. Nothing.
You think what you do matters? It doesn't. What I do matters. You're a spoiled little brat
who's never had to worry about anything and everyone knows it.
You're wrong. People are scared of me.
They are.
Grow up, Amy.
It's about time someone put her in her place.
I know I've been horrible.
If my mum was here, she'd have had a few words to say.
I just want her to be proud of me.
She will be.
We need to talk.
I know. Look, Rachel's had it in for me from the start
and she's going to use this Amy thing as an excuse to get rid of me,
so you've got to do something about it Max. Put your foot down.
I'm not going to do that, Helen.
I don't care if you risk your own career.
But you're not risking mine.
Do you have you any idea how embarrassing it would be for me if people find out
you gave Amy Porter that money?
You knew.
Because I know you.
You can't teach, Helen.
You could never teach.
But...
But I thought you said I had promise.
Promise?! We both know why I gave you this job,
and now I'm going to take it away from you.
It's always been about you, hasn't it?
Your reputation,
you know, making sure that anything we did never impacted on your career.
Well, OK, go on, then.
Go and see Rachel, tell her I did it. See how ridiculous you look then!
You're not a good teacher, Helen.
Have some pride and go.
No, you mean sneak out the back door to prevent you being humiliated.
You think, after everything we have been through, you can just bully me into leaving?
That'll be your word against mine, won't it?
And somehow I think my word carries more weight than yours.
Yeah, except it's not just my word, is it, Max?
I've got the disc. Remember?
Yeah.
Yeah, maybe I'll give it to Rachel Mason.
Or maybe I should give it to Kim. You wouldn't dare!
I'm not going anywhere, Max.
I'm going to do my job and I'm going to be good at it.
I'm going to prove you wrong, Max. I don't need you.
Fine, because we need someone to cover Miss Johnson's PSHE class. Year ten.
You'll find a few familiar faces in that class.
You can handle that, can't you?
Oh, look who it is, little Miss Moneybags.
Lend us some cash, Amy? Oh, wait a minute...
Oh, that's right. She hasn't got any!
Where's Miss Johnson?
I'll be taking Miss Johnson's class today.
Nice one. She's dead mardy. You're a well better teacher, Miss.
Wow! Crawl out of her backside, will you?
Can't. Miss Hopewell's one of my favourite teachers.
Just leave it, yeah? We've got a right bond, in't we, Miss?
What's this? The kids that have the x-factor?
No, it is a list of all the teachers who are going to be taking part in the school show.
Now, I've paired Waterloo Road with John Fosters, cos it's all about cohesion, isn't it?
Bagsy not being the back of the horse.
No. No way. I can't. Of course you can.
Believe me, you couldn't be any worse than the kids. Michaela White?
She practically had Grantly in tears with her flute solo.
What did she do? Poke you in the eye with it?
No, do you now what? She was amazing actually. Wasn't she, Grantly?
She might have carried a tune.
But a delinquent with a flute is still a delinquent in my book.
You old sod!
Now, listen, dust off your tap shoes, everyone.
Because this show is going to be a success.
And you're all getting involved!
So, er, any volunteers to read?
Sam, how about you?
Well, she's the one with the hand up, not me.
Fine. Amy, take it away, please.
Once there was this teacher called Helen Hopewell
and she was proper rubbish and she knew it.
On the day of her inspection, she woke up totally bricking it. Don't, Amy.
Cos you know you can't even control a bunch of kids on your own.
OK, that is enough!
What the hell was that?
You trying to look like you're in control? OK, stop this, Amy.
Stop it right now!
Why'd you become a teacher, Miss Hopewell?
Amy, this is boring, sit down.
You know, I really don't think that is any of your business.
Why did you become a teacher, Miss?
Well, um...
I...
Speak up, we can't hear you!
I become a teacher because I liked school.
You liked school?
What's to like about it? I liked my teachers. Saddo.
What's the matter with you, Hopewell?
I thought it might be nice to be like them one day.
D'you know how pathetic you sound? "I liked school. I thought it'd be nice." You're like a kid!
How'd you think anyone could ever respect you?
It was never gonna work, Helen, you should've realised that from the start.
You see, you've got to be an adult to be a teacher.
And you, Helen. You're just a sad little no-one without a clue.
OK, stop it! She's gonna cry if you don't shut-up.
Do you wanna cry, Miss? Do you want to go home to your mum?
Tell her what a bad day at school you've had?
Amy, this isn't funny any more! Just look at her.
Come on, Miss, I was only joking, yeah?
Miss?
It's all right, Miss.
Just get off me!
Are you happy now?
MISS HOPEWELL SOBS
Come in.
Sir, you're gonna have to come. It's Miss Hopewell.
All right, you lot, keep working.
Helen?
Back to your seats! Now please!
Helen...
That's it! I've had it. Helen... No, I'm leaving!
I know you've had a bad day. That's an understatement!
Helen? I'm leaving. What the hell's going on?
Max asked me to cover Miss Johnson's class and I can't do it!
Is Amy Porter in that class? I'm not cut out for this!
Whatever happened, you are not being driven out by a pupil.
Will you listen to me?! I did it, all right?
I gave Amy that money and I lied about it and I'm sorry!
I really am sorry. I just wanted to do well.
And it's not Amy's fault. It's mine.
And it's my decision to leave.
Helen!
Rachel, you've got to let her go. No, Tom we can't.
What are you gonna do? Give her another last chance?
Amy!
Amy, I know the truth about that money.
Have you any idea the kind of trouble you're in?
You're very lucky you've not been excluded.
I'm still considering whether to suspend you.
You should be ashamed of yourself, the way you treated Miss Hopewell today.
It was vicious. How was I to know she was going to kick off like that?
You knew exactly what you were doing. She's a teacher.
If she'd just said no when I asked her for the money. That does not excuse your behaviour.
If I ever, ever see you going after someone vulnerable again...
..believe me, you're going to regret it.
Is Miss Hopewell gonna be all right? If she's not, we both know who's responsible, don't we?
Oh, dear.
There is no day that can't be made better by a large G and T.
You're not still in a huff, are you?
I've got a big mouth, it's hardly news, is it?
It's not the best apology I've ever heard, Steph.
Well, let me make it up to you.
You and I will go out on the town tonight, just us girls, and by the time I'm through with you,
Max Tyler will be nought but a notch on your bedpost.
I found out that he's still married.
And I was mad. >
I still am.
But then I was sat here and all I can do is think about him.
I love him.
And now he says that he's getting a divorce.
And is he serious?
Yeah, he seems to be.
Well, if you love him and that's what you want...
Just be careful, Kim.
It's never straightforward with the married ones, even if they do leave their wives.
And make sure that you do everything on your terms.
Thank you, Steph.
Do you know what this is?
Should I?
It's a parting gift from Helen.
Parting? You mean, she's decided to leave?
Please tell me that you didn't give her the job just because you were sleeping with her?
It was a one-off a long time ago.
A mistake.
Before you even came to this school.
You didn't really care about her future, did you?
It was all about keeping your reputation intact.
You must be thrilled.
You've been waiting for an opportunity like this to bring me down.
All I have ever wanted is for us to work together.
You're the one who made it very clear that that's impossible.
What exactly do you intend to do with this information?
Oh, you're worried that people are going to find out how unprofessional and revolting you are?
I wouldn't lower myself.
Are you going to you tell Kim?
Whatever I want to do with this information, it will be my choice.
Rachel...
please.
I am head of this school.
You'll do well to remember that.
So are you going to tell me where you went on this little excursion this afternoon?
I took him to see my grandad's old allotment.
Show him some Clarkson family history.
That's nice for you two having some time together.
Yeah, it was. Sat on a rusty deckchair surrounded by weeds.
With your boy next to you.
You all right? Hey, shall we turn you into a footballing legend, then?
Your dad could teach you a thing or two.
Always going on about his football days, aren't you, love?
You up for it? I'm up for it if you are.
Does the sandwich girl do oranges at half-time as well?
You think I've nothing else to do?
No, go on. I'll see you later.
You sure? Yeah, have some boy time.
Come on, I'll race you.
Come on!
Still up for shopping tonight?
Why would I want to spend my time hanging round with you?
Cos we're mates.
Aren't we? No.
And do you know what?
I'd rather be somewhere else.
Hey. Hi.
I brought us some dinner. Oh, nice one.
Actually it's just rubbish from the vending machine, but best I could do at short notice.
So do you want to go for that pizza next week?
Amy's not gonna be there, is she?
From now on, it's just you and me.
Hey, we need to talk.
Have you seen Rachel? No, it's not about Rachel.
It's about us.
I want to give it another go.
Seriously, Kim, that's wonderful.
There is a condition.
I like people to be straight with me.
Yeah, I need it.
So we can draw a line under what's happened
but I need you to you promise me faithfully that there'll be no more lies between us.
No, no lies.
You know everything there is to know.
Come here.
It means we can be together. That's what you want, isn't it?
I just want to try and take this one step at a time.
It sounds like you're suggesting that we get rid of her.
Just let her cool off for a bit.
I didn't have you down as the jealous type.
And I didn't have you down as a back-stabbing Judas.
I snapped, there was a knife on the side, I picked it up and I,
I must have stabbed him.
Rachel won't stand for this.. Rachel can't save you.
I'm not answering any more questions.
Lindsay, were you there? No, no, I wasn't.
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