Headteacher of Waterloo Road Comprehensive, Jack Rimmer, hires Oxbridge graduate Andrew Treneman, hoping he can improve the school's failing status and bring them back from the bottom of the league tables. Meanwhile, colleagues Tom and Lorna tie the knot - but the groom ends up kissing someone who isn't his new wife.

The aftermath of the car crash affects the entire school. Lorna announces her pregnancy to her new husband, but he isn't so sure he wants a child. And things begin to heat up between Steph and Jack.

Lorna tries out a sexy new image in a bid to catch Tom's attention, while the Head of the English department, Grantly Budgen, suspects one of his students may be taking drugs and approaches Andrew for help. Chlo takes drastic action to convince everyone, including Donte, 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, but doesn't do a very good job of it.

The staff organise an open day in a bid to impress the inspectors, but events take a turn for the worse, courtesy of Lewis Seddon, 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 snogging together.

Tensions run high as the inspectors make their decision about the future of Waterloo Road, 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 Seddon, but they are less than sympathetic to her which causes her to consider quitting her job, much to Andrew's dismay. Lorna continues to remain heartbroken over Tom and Izzie.