Radio Times: Review by:; Jane Rackham

Having decamped to its snazzy new premises in Scotland (and carelessly lost one character to a drunken lorry driver en route), Waterloo Road welcomes some new faces in the classroom and staffroom. EastEnders’ Laurie Brett for one. She’s a strict English teacher with a nice-looking son and right from the off, it’s obvious she has a secret. But then they always do.

Among the kids who have made the journey north are Scout (who probably wishes she hadn’t bothered when she becomes the target of a bully) and Tariq, who’s struggling with a difficult personal situation.

Meanwhile, head teacher Michael Byrne smugly trumpets his “We’ll take anyone who wants to learn” policy until two runaways — the manic Drew and his compliant girlfriend Jade — enrol and once again Byrne ends up facing the pointy bit of a knife. “At least we know that the worst day of the year is over,” he announces just before a rival head gives him a mouthful of abuse. Must make him wish for Ofsted inspection day.

About this programme

1/12. A private investor pledges money towards the school and establishing a sixth form in return for a seat on the governing body - but he demands changes that do not sit well with everyone. Izzie and Tom get a shock when they run into Lorna, who they thought was in Australia. Classroom drama, starring Jason Merrells, Jill Halfpenny and Jason Done.