The show follows the lives of the teachers and the pupils at the eponymous school of Waterloo Road, a failing inner-city comprehensive, tackling a wide range of issues often seen as taboo such as drug dealing, sexting, catfishing, stuttering, prescription drug abuse, stroke, identity fraud, stalking, human trafficking, deportation, drink driving and empty nest syndrome.

Audrey is concerned when former Havelock High pupils Lenny and Lisa Brown enrol at Waterloo Road, and when Christine dismisses her worries she attempts to take matters into her own hands.

Christine eases him back in by asking him to help out with the national school poetry competition, but things soon fall apart when his temper gets the better of him and he accuses Harley of plagiarism.

The day of the interviews for the headship arrives, although Christine worries the odds are stacked against her as Simon clearly has Bain's support and Imogen's mother is also on the panel.

Meanwhile, Nikki is shocked to discover someone has stolen Kacey's boxing fund, jeopardising her hopes of training in the USA – and when the identity of the thief comes to light, the news threatens to split the Barry family for good.

With her sights firmly set on hot new PE teacher Hector, this is one girl who won't blend into the school furniture.

Later, a knight in tarnished armour makes a shock return and quickly captures Gabriella's wandering eye... Kevin is a bag of nerves as his university bursary interview looms, despite the legendary Chalky arriving to lend his support.

Determined to get to the root of Darren's behaviour, Christine makes an unannounced visit to his home, but is left appalled and shaken by what she finds.

From that moment on, Christine's day descends from bad to worse until she must make a terrible choice on her future at Waterloo Road: Resign or face the music.

Though she vows to make amends, both the school and the Education Board are divided on her future at Waterloo Road, and Simon is made Acting Head by Robert Bain.