03x15 - Episode 15

[bunniefuu]

You're a liar! And you choose
to hang around with this!

Swing a punch at me.

Eh? I mean it, do it!

Koreshi punched me.

But obviously I don't know that.

What do you think this is, paint?

Striking a child is gross
professional misconduct.

You leave me with one option.

I'm suspending you
with immediate effect.

You're my only hope.
It's a shame I'm g*y then, isn't it?

Why didn't you say
anything before?

I've been asking
myself that same question.

You were bullied at school?
The opposite, I was a bully.

Flaming hell.

You see, this is how I know, that
none of them are going to crack,

because then they'd have to face Michaela
White, and that's never going to happen.

How many more times?
Totally professional, yeah?

Hey, it's not my idea to have
your kids crawling over my work.

It's Eddie who's keen. I wish you
hadn't let him bully you into it.

Funny as it may sound,
I did it to please you.

Well, next time,
just buy me theatre tickets, yeah?

So, what time are you
leaving for your mum's?

About five-ish. If you let it be,
this trip might actually be fun.

Yeah.

Missed call.

See you later. Yeah, see you.

Hey Mum, yeah,
I was just about to call.

Where are you?

Rochdale Station.

What? No, no, no,
I'm coming to yours.

Yes, I know you were coming to me.

But I couldn't face rattling
round at home, not today.

So I brought an overnight bag.

No. It'll save you that long drive.

No. Oh.

Sorry, Matthew, but I think

the taxi's here, I've got to go,

I'll see you in a mo.

♪ You're in denial

♪ You're in denial and I know

♪ Well what's my name?

♪ Well what's my name?
I don't know

♪ Baby you could telephone

♪ Maybe I could meet you
In the morning

♪ Call me if you're on your own

♪ And maybe I could meet you
In the morning

♪ You're in denial

♪ You're in denial and I know

♪ Well what's my name?

♪ Well what's my name?
I don't know... ♪

DOORBELL RINGS

♪ Maybe I could meet you
In the morning. ♪

Mum!

DOORBELL RINGS

All right, all right, I'm coming!

Shouldn't you be at school?
Shouldn't you?

Not asking me for a reference
for a different career!

The law? Yeah, well, I didn't
exactly expect your approval.

Too right! I'm not giving you
a reference for this.

I really want you back! And how are

you gonna do that? It's been a week.

Even the kid they were bullying's
not changed his story. I know.

Yes, so, what are the
chances Michaela will?

Eddie, I've been there, remember? Right now she
doesn't give a monkey's what you or I think.

All she cares about is losing face
with her mates. She'll never back down.

I know the odds are stacked,
but you can't give up.

Yeah, so what, we drag it all on and
get my face splashed all over the papers?

Look, I'm going to need
something fast.

If only to make my mum and dad think
that leaving was my decision. Mm?

You don't know, do you? Know what?
The Parent Governors.

They've called me in
for my hearing...

tonight.

ALL: Morning, Mr Clarkson.

They act like they own the place.

Our favourite pupils
on the prowl, are they?

I can't believe it's come to this. Jasmine's
stuck at home and this lot are here lording it up.

Well, we followed the rules. It's not
our fault they only favour one side.

A rookie like Jasmine, knock her
down, she just might not bounce back.

As if we're not
short enough as it is...

"And the Lord said..."

What's going on?
Why's there no light?

I'll make up the spare room. If I'd known
you were coming I'd... Matthew, stop fussing.

I'm sure I can throw a sheet on. Yeah, sorry.
You just caught me off-guard a little bit.

Well, if I'd waited to be invited
I'd have waited forever.

I began to think you were in
some sort of shack.

Well, hardly. No, can you afford it?
Mum, I can afford it.

Two bedrooms is handy.

Though I imagine by the time you

start thinking about a nursery,
you'll be somewhere more suitable.

Ah, that's a way off yet.

People still remember.

Your father's only been dead
for four years.

Oh, the truth is, I simply
couldn't face sitting, waiting

to see you today. That's why I came.

I'm just really sorry
that I can't get out of this trip.

Well, I wouldn't want you to, but
maybe you can show me round later.

You get that from your dad,
putting other people first.

You two always were alike.

You can get up to loads of stuff
in the dark!

Dominic, you and Michaela, eh?

ALL: Oooh!

Like I'd want you anyway, dog-breath!

THEY ALL LAUGH

All right, all right, shut it!
Can anyone tell me what's going on?

Slight problem, deputy headmaster.

The whole school's dark.
Oh, great, that's just what I need!

Who the hell's took 'em? We did.

Mika? We're trying to

reduce our carbon footprint.

So we bought these instead.
Oh, have you now?

Course, what we'd really like is for you to
take that monstrosity of a car off the road.

D'you know you're emitting twice as much
carbon monoxide as other cars? Pretty selfish.

Well, it still doesn't give
you the right to do this!

This is a working school, not somewhere for
you to practise your infantile politics!

That's out of order, Sir!
We were told we could.

Didn't Miss Mason tell you?
Excuse me.

Morning. Morning.

All set for our little jaunt?

Mm, as I'll ever be.

Oh, come on Matt, crack a smile. At least
it gets us out of this place for a day.

Yeah. It's just bad timing.

Well, as they say,
a problem shared, eh?

Eddie, it was an off-the-cuff remark.
Mika was doing her eco-warrior bit

and I said, if she cared so much,
what were her and Brett doing about it?

Would've been nice to have been told. How
was I supposed to know what they had planned?

I half-hoped they'd use the School
Council. That's a bit beneath them.

And that's not the only thing you haven't
told me. What, the Parent Governors?

I only found out myself last thing.
Never heard of a phone?

I didn't want you charging
in and making things worse.

Do you think I could?
Michaela's lording it,

and the whole school's waiting for
a supply teacher who never shows.

The agency are sending someone over.
We don't need someone else.

We should be fighting
tooth and nail for Jasmine.

No, Eddie, what we are required
to do is remain impartial.

I'll remember to tell her.

Have you seen her? She's
after a reference, to re-train.

- Eddie, you've got to keep your distance. Is that understood?
- KNOCK AT DOOR

Hello, Wilson Bingham, replacement
supply, covering Ms Koreshi's class.

MUSIC: "Sky Starts Falling"

by Doves

♪ What am I supposed to be?

♪ Can't be sure
That the next one will see

♪ And as the sky starts falling
On the street outside

♪ The only thing that satisfies

♪ If the sky starts falling
On the heads outside... ♪

Matt, don't you think moving Colin's stuff
out without telling him is a tad drastic?

I didn't have a lot of choice, did I?
Colin knows the score, he'll understand.

OK, let's keep this orderly.

Here, sir, this mate of yours,
what is it that he does?

Venture capital. He finds the
money to finance new businesses, OK?

Sounds dead boring.
Well, you should've said, Maxine.

I'm sure I could've
rustled you up some extra French.

- CHILDREN CHATTER NOISILY
- OK, less decibels please, come on!

Right, this is Mr Scott, he's
helping our Step to Work initiative.

And hopefully, today will give you a better
idea of what it's like in the big bad world.

Only, first off, it's Colin.
Mr Scott makes me feel ancient.

Morning, Colin. So, what we have
here is a collection of small businesses.

People I've helped get started.
Like Dikran here.

Who's offered to lend a hand.
He runs his own business?

Profits last year in six figures. For
those of you struggling with the maths,

- that's a sight more than I earn.
- THEY MURMUR

OK, let's start.
Dikran, can you take them through?

Yeah, sure, um,
do you want to follow me, guys?

Can we talk? Yeah, sure.

A little bit of a problem.
Er... Mum arrived.

I thought you were going to hers?
Yeah, not any more.

She's in the flat? Spare room, yeah.

Nightmare, what a way to find out.

How did she take it?

She, erm... didn't.

She hasn't worked it out yet? Us

sharing a bed's a bit of a giveaway.

Yeah, we're not going to... cos...

I didn't have much of an option,

so I kind of...

cleared your stuff out.
You did what?

I'll put it all back as soon as she goes,
OK? You evicted me? From my own flat?

I've spoken to Simon,
you can stay at his.

You're palming me off onto mates
now? This keeps getting better! Be

fair, I mean, what else could I do?

Be straight with her. Oh, no,
sorry, that's what you are being!

Don't run on the stairs!

- Why d'you let him bug you? We made
him look an idiot - over those light bulbs.

Big deal, he's still murdering
the planet with that tank of his!

So what do you want to do about it?

Dunno. But if he thinks he's getting
away with calling us infantile...

Jasmine's a determined woman. Sshe's
going to walk before she's pushed.

I tried to talk her round, but...

Maybe if Davina had a chat.
Well, she's away, remember.

Listen, there's something else
she told me. In confidence, right?

It seems when Jas was a kid, she
chucked her weight about as well.

Yeah, well, maybe that's something
we shouldn't shout about, eh?

Otherwise we'll play
right into Michaela's hands. Mm.

I learnt enough about bullies
from Mika. Mika?

Yeah, last year, she had a
spate of being bullied herself.

I'll see you later.

I tell you mate,
Michaela's dead up for it.

Get in there!

Oh, you're weird!

OK, time to get your hands dirty.

Dikran and I have prepared
something for you to do.

Er, yeah, what I do is make
promo films. Online stuff.

It's about getting recognition
for new bands, products, whatever.

Buzz-marketing.
Letting the customer find you.

Which is what we're going to do
for Waterloo Road. Ah, cool.

I've done the filming.
That's our source material.

Can't guarantee it's any good,

but... OK, let's crack on, shall we?

OK, and obviously we can add music to it,
and you can choose the music yourselves...

This first image... Come with me.
..as you can see...

Hey, I didn't plan this, did I? You
had long enough to stop it happening.

How many times have I pleaded for you to tell
your mum? The time was never right, was it?

So instead, today happens,

and your first reaction is to panic.

What else am I supposed to do?
Rub her nose in it?

I didn't mean that.
It's what you said. Matt,

today was a gift-wrapped chance.

Why don't you come round?
Like... as a mate.

Look, just let her get used to you. Go on about how
Man City need a decent midfield? Like real blokes?

Shh! You really think adding another
lie will make telling her any easier?

Cols, I'm trying, please.

No, I'm coming home,
and I'm sleeping in my own bed.

Now you're being ridiculous.

Shouldn't you be with the others?

What am I to you, Matt? I went along with the
charade with your mother, thought one day...

But it's not going to happen, is it?

One of the basic effects
we've got is the fade,

so if we just pull it back very slowly,
look in the middle two screens...

Is that your legs, Janeece? There

you go, change and go back again.

CHILDREN CHEER

Excellent, OK, so we're looking
at about 90 seconds max.

Now remember, this is all about
hooking the viewer, yeah?

Yeah, I know what I saw,
it was a right hissy fit.

Well, I don't know about them,
but I'm having a great time.

Glad someone's enjoying today.
OK, anyone any questions so far?

Can I ask summat?
How come you and Mr Wilding met?

I don't think
that's very relevant, Maxine.

Well, what I mean is, are you just
mates? Or, are you, you know...?

And just when I thought
you might be growing up!

Hey, I'm only asking, seeing as
they both like musicals and that.

- THE CHILDREN LAUGH
- Are there any serious questions?

What? Are you?

So they know, big deal!

This isn't 1950. People accept it.

Schools aren't like that.

Kids work on figuring out your
weakness and then going at it.

Then stop thinking that way and
start being proud of who you are.

Me? I am. I'm really proud of us.

What I said earlier, about...

rubbing her nose in it, that's
not what I think, you know that.

Then why's it so hard to be honest?

You mean with Mum.

It's just not that simple.

What's the alternative? Go on lying?

Don't you think I hate this?

Then let's do it.

♪ And I'm dealing with dilemmas

♪ In my now so stressful life

♪ And I'm drinking stronger spirits

♪ I made my home here on the floor

♪ And I'm losing all ambition

♪ And goals

♪ I'm going all out

♪ I'm thinking you're just as bad

♪ No sleeping at night

♪ But I'm going from bar to bar

♪ Why can't we just rewind?

♪ Why can't we just rewind?

♪ Why can't we just rewind? ♪

- We feel if we had a bit more time, we
might be able to sort this out - in-house.

No, it's not a stalling measure!

Oh, I wouldn't want to inconvenience
a Governor's holiday plans! Thanks...

for nothing!

No joy? Even if they had said yes,
I don't know what I could've done.

Michaela and her little g*ng
don't look like breaking ranks.

The rest of the school are
too intimidated to go against her.

What, so that's it?
What, Jas just resigns?

That means it could be his lucky day. Grantly
reckons he's trying to make an impression.

Mm. Ask me, he's sniffing around
for something more permanent.

There isn't a vacancy.

Anyway, I hate to add to your
good mood, but I've just taken

that off the front notice board.

Mika, I'll have a word. No, I will.

Eddie, you kicking off will just make
her dig her heels in even harder.

It's funny. What is?

Something Jasmine said
about Michaela.

She said the only things
kids listen to is each other.

I am fed up having my car ridiculed.

I can recommend a good crusher, sir.

Shut up for once,
Aspinall, and listen,

because what I'm offering
you is a deal. Like what?

The Head wants you to use the School Council
as a platform for your future eco-complaints.

No way!

The only thing we'll accept
is your car off the road!

Yeah, why would we waste our time with
that? The Council never gets listened to!

Maybe because, until now,
the Council didn't have any backing.

You?

And why would you support
anything we've put forward?

That's where your part
of the deal comes in.

First off, I want the Council
to establish credibility.

So, send a report to the Head on
something that she can't chuck in the bin.

Bullying. This is to do
with Miss Koreshi, isn't it?

If you like, but think about it.

If we tackle bullying, we all win.

Before you know it, the Head's
lauding the Council to the Governors,

another example
of how inclusive we are.

And then WE can bring forward
stuff WE'RE really into?

Like banning cars
from school property?

Think about it.
But I need an answer today.

OK, so what's anybody learnt?

Well, I hope we haven't wasted
Colin and Dikran's time.

I mean, I'd hate to think there wasn't
going to be interest in other trips.

Is that not to be scared at
starting up our own business.

Yeah, and like, not to be put off
by other people, and that.

Exactly.
If it's what you want, go for it.

The only things in your way
are things you put there yourself.

OK, I'm sure we'd like to thank
Colin and Dikran, so...

APPLAUSE

Right, let's get you lot on the bus.

What are you doing now?
Well, what d'you think?

I weren't letting no-one else say they
found out about Mr Wilding first, was I?

That's where you're wrong. I already
knew. Just didn't think it mattered.

No snogging in the back!

Hey! Sorry, Miss.

Hey, Chlo, I'm gonna see a band
tonight, dunno if you fancy?

Er...

Sorry, I can't.

Well, if you fancy another night?

You OK? Yeah.

Listen, I'm sorry it all had
to happen like this. So am I.

I don't think it's best
to do anything tonight.

I'm driving Mum back tomorrow.
I will tell her then, OK?

And if the moment's
still not right?

I need you to decide. I need you

to swear you'll tell her tomorrow.

I'll try, OK?

In which case, I'll clear the rest of my things
out. I'll be gone when you get back. Come on!

It's not what either of us wants,
but nor's this.

What're we getting these for?

We don't do normal lessons.

So Mr Budgen said.

Why can't we do photocopied sheets? That's what
supplies usually do. Not this one. Health and Safety.

- I'm worried you'll lick all the ink off and go off on a trip.
- LAUGHTER

- I thought we'd have a go at a bit of Shakespeare. Blokes in tights?
- MOBILE PHONE BEEPS

Yeah, blokes in tights,
blokes in make-up,

blokes pretending to be girls.
Oh, yeah, all of human life is here.

MURMURING

Hatred, jealousy...

- SHE WHISPERS:
- From Maxine, about Wilding...

..But you know what, Shakespeare can be
boring, but it's not going to be with me,

- I'm going to make it relevant, you're going to
understand it. There we go, - if you open it on page 30.

Look, I'm not saying we trust him,
just give it a go.

I'll catch you up.

..He's g*y!
Any idea what's stirred this mob up?

What a shift! One minute OK,
the next flamin' hyper.

I noticed that as well.

So how come Clarkson didn't tell you
about Wendy Wilding?

Look, whatever it is you're
on about, I'm not interested.

Unless... he's one and all.

One what? q*eer.

I mean, your mum,

she was always a bit dykey, maybe
they were just covering up for each other.

Look, whatever it is you're flaming
on about, leave my mum out of it!

Or what? What, so you hide
behind your mates, do you?

Well, that's all you're there for.
Er, shut it, you!

Like with Miss Koreshi.
You lie to cover her back.

Only don't kid yourself, she'd drop
you straight in it to save herself.

- You are really asking for it!
- Well, now's your chance, this is nothing to do with you two.

Why not just leave
it between me and her?

And have you go mouthing
off to Clarkson? No way!

Come on, girls, she ain't worth it.

Tell your mates,
any incidents of bullying,

they're to report it to the Year Rep in
time for the School Council meeting.

Did you get my text?
Can you believe it?!

The Lion's Den.

It's not like it can get any worse.
Colin ended it.

And you just let him?

Why don't you ring him?
Better still, go and see him.

And say what?

That he was right? I'm a coward.

So, this is
what a coward does, is it?

Comes into teaching, knowing that one
day you're going to face this? Come on.

"Ooh! Who, dear?
Me, dear? No, dear!"

- Determined to get detention, are you?
- Take no notice, sir.

Anyone gives you a hard time, let me know and
I'll get people to do some serious damage.

Violence isn't the way, is it, Janeece? Missed
out on a proper little minder there, didn't you?

Look, this is something
I should handle myself.

It don't matter, we'll laugh.
Don't be a woman, like Wilding.

What are you up to? Nothing.

Stay here. I'm not going in there with
him! Told you we shouldn't... Shut up!

Who did it? What? You're looking

at an exclusion! Empty your pockets!

Me? Do it, now!

I didn't even do it. I got nowt.

Here, hide this.

Right, Langley, Dom. No... Do it!

Sir, you can't... Shut it!
Cooler, now. Sir.

We'll see what the Head
has to say, shall we? Sir...

What are we going to do now?

This is so unfair!
Why is that? Because it wasn't you?

Dom, you were left
carrying the can... literally.

Please, sir, I didn't even...

Right, I'll give you a choice.
You tell me who did it, you can go.

They'd k*ll me. You don't know
what it's like. Fine, your choice.

Please, no. Just... Them things
that got wrote, I don't think them.

I know there's nothing wrong with
you. Yeah, but you were still a part of it!

I had to be.

If I'd have gone, then...
they would have wondered why.

What's that supposed to mean?

Cos...

they might think things... like...

Like what?

Like...

that I was g*y as well, sir.

I know a lot of kids
are being intimidated.

But I've got Mr Lawson's assurance that anything
you give him will be treated in confidence.

Right, I'll start.

Today, Michaela White
tried intimidating me.

And I was scared.

And the easiest thing
would have been not to speak up.

Amber?

How long have you known?

I'm not sure.

Anyone else know?

HE SCOFFS

I'm not sure how best I can help.

I just wanted to say that...

With you being...

I thought you'd understand.

Mm.

I'm hardly the best person
to give advice.

What did you do when you first...?

Nothing.

You won't tell no-one?

No, of course not.

I don't intend to
punish you either, all right?

Go on, get out of here.

Been an eventful day.

You in the mood for a talk?

Any choice?

Matt, I...

I can imagine
how you must be feeling.

Really? It's not your private life
being bandied around, is it?

No.

But that doesn't mean
I can't put myself in your shoes.

And I would like to offer my help.

Offer it as a friend.

Anytime.

I don't know why he let me off,
all right? He just did.

g*y blokes always know what to wear.
And they smell nice.

Whoa, hold on, how can you need
to snog blokes to use deodorant?

Here you go.

Having the head on your side
must be a plus.

You think?

What if I let her down?
What if... I can't hack it?

And without Colin, I'm not sure
I want to stay here anyway.

Oh, come on, Matt,
you love your job.

Yeah, it just might be
easier somewhere new.

And you think this situation won't happen
again? You've just got to sort it out.

The only way of doing that
is by hurting Mum.

"Eggs get broken,"
as my mum used to say.

There'll be time
to sort that later.

I've got a free next period.
I'll be back by the Year 10s, OK?

I'll cover for you if you're not.

I completely forgot, Mum wants to be
shown round the school.

Hey, Mum.

You promised anonymity. Some of the
kids only 'fessed up cos of that.

Don't worry,
Michaela will not find out.

Then I'd say we delivered.

So...

about your car, then.

What about my car?

Well, next meeting, we mean to pass a
motion banning cars from school property.

Only, if you were to lead the way,
it would carry more weight.

Voluntarily, like.

I'm not slogging in here
on public transport!

Look, what if I got
a smaller car,

and parked it on the
road as a compromise?

Deal.

And er, this is my drama room.

Ooh!

It's tidier than I expected.

I see what you mean about some
of the children being a bit rough.

No, I said, "challenging".
Well, it's the same difference.

We do have the odd one.
Oh, I don't doubt it.

But I'll hand it to you, Matthew,
you did the right thing coming here.

A year here should stand you
in very good stead.

Did I say I ran into
David Weaver the other day?

He's the Head of the Prep
near Mum's. He was very impressed.

He's terribly keen on staff bringing
different experiences with them.

You're talking like
I'm after a job there.

Oh, no, darling. Though,
there is a vacancy in September.

Ooh, sounds... convenient.

Why don't I take you for lunch?

All right.

- SHE WHISPERS: - I thought she
might have made you a packed one!

TV: 'Caterpillars there...'
'Caterpillars?' 'Yes,

'I've got some cows' hooves there.'
Well cooked and everything.

'I've also got some... Oh, um...
I'm not getting there yet...

'I've got some chicken feet here.'
'Chicken feet!'

'My God, I can see the lettuce fighting
for this already, but come on, not yet...'

DOORBELL RINGS

BANGING ON DOOR

DOORBELL RINGS

Jasmine!

Jasmine, it's Eddie.

There you go. Thank you.

Well, this is nice.

She was pleasant.

Steph? Yes, she's great.

I thought you were fond.

Not in that way, no. Oh.

Oh, well, I...
I can't pretend I'm unhappy.

I'd hate to think of you throwing
yourself away on someone unsuitable.

No, there's nothing... And in a way, that's
all the more reason to get you settled.

At the Prep? Why ever not?

I won't pretend.

Part of wanting you closer
is selfish.

Be nice to know you were there in case
anything happened. Mum, I really need to...

And you do have to start
thinking about settling down.

I know your father always hoped
that you'd move back home.

No, Dad always encouraged me
to go out and do things.

Well, he would, wouldn't he?
I mean, with him being away

in the Army such a lot,

he could hardly turn round
and tell you to stay home.

But when he got ill, it was always understood
you'd come home, take up the reins.

Mum, the thing is... I know
part of that was out of guilt.

Guilt?

Oh, it was silly. I told him so.

Hang on, what did he
feel guilty for?

Well, the way you two
pushed me out when you were little.

We didn't push you out.

No, I'm not saying you meant to.

And it's daft to dwell on it,
but on a day like today...

It was never intentional, Mum.

I know, sweetheart, I know.

And I'm the lucky one. That's what
I have to keep telling myself.

I missed out on you as a boy, but...

well, I've got the whole future
to look forward to.

We don't even have to
wait for the governors.

We hit the dad with proof of
Michaela's bullying and he'll

have to drop the charges against you.

I imagine so. And Michaela
gets excluded, one way or another.

Oh, so it's a bargain, is it?

You know what I mean.
It's a good thing, Jasmine.

Michaela can't play innocent with this
on the table. In other words, be grateful?

Look, Eddie,
I didn't ask for any of this.

This isn't some game.
It's my future.

I don't understand you, Jasmine.

Well, I asked for a reference,
not this!

I'm trying to save your career!
Well, I don't want it saved!

- Look, I'm not coming back. This
decision wasn't some knee-jerk - thing.

And all this, it's made me think

about my life and who I am.

And what I should be doing...

and what I shouldn't!

I don't have much chance
of getting him back, do I?

Oh, well,

let's all give up that easy, then.

Oh, you don't get it.

There's a lot of... history.

You know, Mum and I,
we never got on, but...

the minute I tell her, it'll be like I'm
slamming the door on everything that she wants.

So instead you slam it
on the one person YOU want?

I really love him, Steph.

Really?

Then more fool you.

Cos if this little heart of mine
was pitter-pattering over any fella,

I wouldn't give him up,
history or no history.

Look Eddie, I reckon

I've got off light. I get to resign.

Could be a lot worse.
Next time, who knows?

There won't be a next time. Too
right, 'cos I've had my eyes opened.

What other job are you
expected to be a sitting target?

Where they put you through all this?

Well, you're not alone.
That's what it felt like.

Tom, Rachel, you know,
I could see it in their eyes,

the slightest doubt.

Cos that's what untried
teachers do. They snap.

I believed you. It's not enough.

And I believe in you as a teacher.
Then, Eddie, you're wasting your time.

No, I'm not.
Kids need teachers like us.

People who understand them,
who empathise with them.

We're from the same place.
That's important.

And what if it's something
I don't want any more?

Look...

The Governors' meeting's at 5:30.

If you're not there, I'll know.

KNOCK AT DOOR

I thought you weren't coming.

Contractor's meeting, sorry.

Still, I hope I'm worth the wait.

It's all there. Man of my word.

Thank you.

I'm grateful.

I'd offer you a drink,
but I've got a Governors' meeting.

I'll settle for the chance
to take you out for dinner again.

I thought that new Thai place
might be worth exploring.

Shall I take that as a yes? I can't.

Rachel, it's a meal. Two consenting
adults sharing a bit of food.

If it goes any further then...
That won't happen.

Apart from anything else,
I want to start with a clean slate.

Right, you got what you want
and that's it?

Let's leave it at that, please.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I didn't realise you'd got company.

No, you're fine. Rachel and I
are just about done, I think.

Thank you for your time.

I think we're straight.

What did knob the builder want?

It was more than just
delivering something.

As you ask... a date, and I said no.

Happy? I'll be happy

if you let me address the Governors.

I thought we agreed to be impartial?
I want to present some evidence.

CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS

OK, we're looking for the
lead instrument and the composer.

MUSIC STOPS

OK, what've we got? Bolton?

Dom knows. No, I don't.

You just wrote it down.
Why are you scribbling it out for?

'Cos it's wrong.
You don't know unless you say.

How come you're not answering anything?
Sir, how come he's not answering anything?

Done something to him? Of course he
never! Then say it. That's enough!

Come on, say it. Say it!

THEY ALL CHANT:
Say it, say it, say it, say it...!

Right, shut up!

LAUGHTER

Michaela, Paul, stand up.
Why? STAND UP!

You've obviously got something to say and I assume
it's to do with the incredible revelation that I'm g*y.

GIGGLING

So let's hear your
bigoted stupidity, shall we?

It weren't to do with you. It's more
about Dom, sir. How come you let him off?

I let him off because it was obvious
he didn't spray the graffiti.

Sure it wasn't favouritism?
Cos you fancy the pants off him?

Did you try it on, sir?
Is that why you let Dom off?

I beg your pardon?!
He never. Did he?

You can have him for that!
Get the police.

Sit down, Michaela!

We don't have to put up with nothing.

He tells on you and you'll be out,
just like Koreshi.

Did he touch you, Dom?
Of course he didn't.

But he wanted to. It's just as bad.

Still makes him a perv.

You are seriously out of order!
Don't think you can get away with

it, cos we'll say we saw you!

Then you'll be lying! He let me off
'cos I told him I was g*y, all right!

Cheeky-o!
Are you saying you're q*eer?

You get changed next to me!

No, he's lying. He said it
to get out of punishment.

No, sir, don't do that!

It wasn't a lie.

I don't know what I am. But if
you lot don't like that, stuff you!

ALL: Wooo!

Calm down! Shut up!

Before you start, ask yourself this.

How big were his mates that were

ready to see him excluded
for something that they did?

Or Michaela, who just
lies through her teeth.

I can have you for that.
You heard.

Sit down.

You OK?

That was really brave, what you
just did. I don't think I could've done it.

Who cares what they think? If they
don't like it, then they're not mates.

Mates are important, aren't they?

Not the wrong ones.

Why should I have to make out
that I'm something I'm not?

What did you mean
when you said about...

not knowing who you are?

I don't know.

Girls... they're just...

..they're in your face.

Too sure of themselves.

It's just easier with mates.

But does that mean that you
fancy other boys, or not?

Dom, have you ever had...

sexual feelings for another boy?

No, but I haven't for girls neither.

I wish you'd told me this earlier.
Why?

Because this, this is...

all part of the confusion
of being your age.

You've got to give yourself time.

You're right about
one thing, though.

Lying about it
isn't the way to go, is it?

No.

Come in when you're ready.

Cols, we need to talk.

So what's the pay-off? Mika Grainger
would not do your dirty work for nothing.

I persuaded her there were more
urgent things than solar panels.

Well, it isn't going to be enough. Because unless
the Governors believe Jasmine is a decent teacher,

there's not a lot of hope for her.
Do you think she's going to turn up?

You'd be stupid not to give Lawson
a chance. Never said I wouldn't.

Just think he might need reminding.

♪ There's a heart

♪ On the line

♪ And it rests

♪ With your eyes

♪ Please don't fade

♪ And please don't cry

♪ Cos it's all white lies. ♪

Here we go.

Crack open the custard creams.

I thought you were the one
who was confident of a result.

♪ Grab too much

♪ And lose it all

♪ Now I've lost

♪ My disguise... ♪

You OK, Michaela?

Ms Koreshi was aware of the time?

Yes, we checked.

In which case, it's unfortunate
she hasn't elected to appear.

- Does tend to suggest she's
- less than certain of her own defence.

Actually, before we kick off,
I'd like to show you this report.

Is it pertinent? I think
you should be the judges of that.

This was drawn up
by the School Council.

It lists over 40 incidents

of bullying perpetrated by Michaela.

You what?

Let's have a look at some, shall we?

First day back, Michaela White held a year
eight boy's head in a full sink of water

until he nearly passed out.
He's making it up, Dad.

Yeah, they're just
sticking up for each other.

So, you don't remember that
incident? Well, let's try this,

and this had
seven different witnesses.

Michaela and her g*ng made
a year nine boy eat grass and moo.

Shall I carry on?

Mr White, that does cast
a different light on matters.

Michaela is a thug and a bully.

No, Dad!

Look, it was Sasha! I was just there.

Well, it doesn't matter, anyway.

Koreshi hit me.
I had a bruise out there.

- There's no getting round that.
- Michaela has a point.

Especially since Ms Koreshi
isn't here to dispute these claims.

DOOR OPENS

Hey... Thanks for coming.

I, um, thought that I'd sit us all down
or something. So you've not said?

Well, no, I was waiting for you.

Then don't.

What? Matt, I don't want you to.

I didn't know we were expecting.

I'm not stopping.

I'm Colin, Matt's squash partner.

Hello.

So, will you have a look at
this engine for us, or what?

Wait, why did you do that?

Because I won't
let you dump this on me.

Do what? The guilt.

Do this for me, how's that
supposed to make me feel?

That I love you? And the first time
something goes wrong?

Matt, you can fling this
back at me any time you like!

The wonderful sacrifice you've made.

Even if she accepts us, that's
not something I want round MY neck!

Well then, I can't win
either way, can I?

I'll do this without you.

♪ Another spark has set you off

♪ And I don't know the way

♪ The person of the satellite

♪ That tracks us night and day... ♪

Miss?

Look, if the idea
is to intimidate me...

It's not. Miss, I did it.

I hit Michaela. She told me to.

Well, telling me isn't good enough.

You can tell 'em I said,
if you want.

I'm sorry, but this is daft. Just because
Jasmine isn't here, it doesn't mean...

Eddie, you said yourself.

KNOCK AT DOOR

I'm sorry I'm late.

Ms Koreshi.

Look, what I've got to say
won't take long.

I didn't batter Michaela. Says who?

Says your mates.
They just 'fessed up.

Sasha hit you.

So, there's no case to answer.

Hold up, Eddie, I'm not finished.

If Sasha and Anjie are withdrawing
their witness statements,

you leave here without a blemish.
This ain't finished!

Oh, I don't doubt it.

So if you fancy taking me,
then go ahead.

Or, you can always try
learning from me.

Someone the same as you.
Someone who came out the other side.

So please, don't go reinstating me
because you think I've learnt my lesson.

It's me as I am. Or this...

My resignation.

Oh, did you get it fixed?

What fixed?
Well, the engine, of course!

No. Right, that's not why Colin came
round... I've been looking for a corkscrew...

Right, I'll get it, I'll get it.

I know we're remembering
your father but...

There were some photos there.
Well, I haven't seen them.

I probably won't stay up late.

You tend to get out of
the habit as you get old.

You know, don't you?

I don't know what you mean.
Mum, stop lying!

I won't be accused of lying!
STOP IT!

- You know I'm g*y, don't you?
- DOOR CLOSES

Yeah, it was almost as if
she'd been coached. Not coached.

Reminded why we do this.

Well, it's not for respect, is it?

I've got to take the Governors out for a
drink. Can I leave you to lock up? Course.

OK, nighty-night. Night.

I can't believe you'd find out and
then let me spend the whole day lying!

Matt, take it easy. Yeah, but how could you?
Why shouldn't I? I've been doing it long enough.

You knew before?

How long?

HOW LONG?! Do you think I was blind?

The way you were,
or the way you weren't!

You could easily have changed if you hadn't
wanted to put your dad and me through this!

Dad knew? Oh, he was all for sitting you down and
having it out, but I said, "Not under my roof!".

You stopped him?

Why? Why?!

Do you think I haven't
wanted to know why?

What have I done to have you
inflict THIS on me?

We gave you so much.

All that time your dad spent with
you, and this is how you repay us.

It's not exactly gratitude!

You could've helped me.

Mum...

..this is me, OK?

I won't change that.

Well, then, I want to go.

MUSIC: "Just The Way I'm Feeling"
by Feeder

♪ Love in

♪ Love out find the feeling

♪ Scream in

♪ Scream out time for healing... ♪

Yo.

♪ You feel the moments gone too soon

♪ You're watching clouds
Come over you

♪ Torn in two

♪ You close your eyes
For some place new

♪ Torn in two

♪ And I feel it's going down

♪ Ten feet below the ground... ♪

Mum?

♪ ..One touch could bring me round

♪ I feel we're going down

♪ Ten feet below the ground

♪ It's just the way I'm feeling

♪ Yeah yeah

♪ It's just the way I'm feeling

♪ Yeah yeah

♪ It's just the way I'm feeling

♪ Yeah yeah

♪ It's just the way I'm feeling. ♪

What if your dad had sat you down?

I don't know. I would have
liked to have found out.

So...

what do you want to do now?

Well, I don't want to
lose you, I know that.

You're all I want...

and have ever wanted.

Marry me.

Serious?

Well, how do I get
a taxi here quicker?

No! I've been waiting ages.

Thank you.

♪ Well maybe it's a puzzle
I don't understand

♪ But sometimes

♪ I get the feeling that I'm

♪ Stranded in the wrong time

♪ Where love is just a lyric
In a tail-goes-round

♪ It sounds by

♪ Is it any wonder that I'm tired?

♪ Is it any wonder
That I feel uptight?

♪ Is it any wonder
That I feel betrayed? ♪

I'm going out with Mr Bingham.

Your supply teacher?

I know. What do you know?

I know about your past, Rachel.

Who'd have thought it, eh?

Our fine, upstanding head teacher
was once a prost*tute?

We've not done nothing.

Janeece, you've got a lot to learn,
but he isn't the one to teach you.

Listen, let's go to Manchester.

What about the school?

I'm free all afternoon,
I won't tell if you won't.

He told me that he was desperate,
and his company was going under.

He blackmailed you?

Well, that's it, then,
we go to the police.

This is too creepy.

What are you doing?

Just taking a few photos.

You're so gorgeous.